Cosmetologist
Wisconsin
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board (under Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS)
Official website →1,550 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
$418–$427
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedHave a high school diploma or GED (or be at least 18 and meet federal ability-to-benefit standards)
Complete 1,550 hours of cosmetology training in not less than 10 months at an approved school, OR complete a 4,000-hour apprenticeship (3,712 practical + 288 theory hours)
Register for examination through D.L. Roope Administration Inc. at dlroope.com ($391-$400 fee)
Pass the NIC written exam with 75% or higher (140 questions, 90 minutes)
Pass the NIC practical exam with 75% or higher (4-5 hours)
Submit application with $15 application fee and $12 license fee to DSPS
Disclose any criminal convictions if applicable (using Convictions Form)
Receive your Wisconsin cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED equivalent; OR at least 18 years old and meets the federal ability-to-benefit standards
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via endorsement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,550 hours
Cosmetology school (board-approved, minimum 10 months)
Apprenticeship Alternative
4,000 hours required
Apprenticeship requires 3,712 hours of practical training plus 288 hours of theoretical instruction at an approved school (total 4,000 hours). Apprentices must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, and work a minimum of 32 hours per week. Program takes 2-4 years to complete.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified in official sources. Contact DSPS for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedShampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair; massaging and treating the scalp; hair removal; nail care services (manicuring and pedicuring); and skin care services.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Cosmetologist Written Examination (with Wisconsin State Law Questions)
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administration Inc.
- Questions
- 140
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Approximately $200 (included in combined exam fee of ~$391-$400)
Includes 20 Wisconsin State Law questions and 120 NIC general cosmetology questions for a total of 140 questions. Time allotment of 90 minutes. Written exam may be taken in multiple languages, but WI State Law questions are in English only. Must score 75% or higher to pass.
Practical Exam
NIC Cosmetologist Practical Examination
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administration Inc.
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Approximately $191-$200 (included in combined exam fee of ~$391-$400)
NIC practical examination lasting approximately 4-5 hours, including time for client preparation before each section. Performed on mannequins. Must score 75% or higher to pass.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee submitted to DSPS | $15 |
Exam Fee Combined written and practical exam fee, paid to D.L. Roope Administration. May include first license fee. Exact breakdown between written and practical not publicly itemized. | $391–$400 |
License Fee Initial credential/license fee to DSPS. May be included in DL Roope exam package. | $12 |
Total Government Fees Application ($15) + exam (~$391-$400) + license ($12). Exam fees include DL Roope vendor fees. | $418–$427 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
Varies (expires March 31 of the next odd-numbered year)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$11
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedWisconsin offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Endorsement is NOT available for all license types. All endorsement applicants must complete a one-hour course on Wisconsin statutes and administrative code and submit it for departmental review before approval.
Additional Requirements: Must complete a one-hour course on WI statutes and administrative code, submitted to DSPSExaminationsOffice@wisconsin.gov for review. Endorsement fee of $11 initial credentialing fee.
Related Licenses in Wisconsin
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Wisconsin has one of the highest combined exam costs in the nation at approximately $391-$400 (paid to D.L. Roope, which may include the first license fee). The state's written exam uniquely includes 20 state law questions in addition to the 120 NIC questions, for a total of 140 questions. Wisconsin also offers a fee reduction program for low-income applicants (per 2017 Act 319). The apprenticeship pathway is disproportionately long at 4,000 hours compared to the school pathway of 1,550 hours.
Wisconsin's 1,550-hour training requirement is slightly above the national average of 1,500 hours and must be completed in a minimum of 10 months.
The apprenticeship pathway requires significantly more hours (4,000 total) compared to the school pathway (1,550 hours).
Continuing education was eliminated by 2017 Wisconsin Act 81; licensees only need to attest they reviewed the rule changes digest.
Licenses expired more than 5 years require passing current written and practical exams to demonstrate competency.
Applicants earning 180% or less of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify for a 10% reduction of the initial credential fee per 2017 Wisconsin Act 319.
The written exam includes 20 Wisconsin-specific state law questions in addition to 120 NIC general questions.
All licenses in Wisconsin expire on March 31 of odd-numbered years regardless of when issued.
Sources
Official state licensing authority website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Apprenticeship requires 3,712 practical + 288 theory hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms 1,550 hours minimum in 10 months
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official DL Roope scheduling page for WI exams
Accessed 2026-02-24
Lists license types where endorsement is NOT available
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires 1,550 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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