How to Transfer Your Cosmetologist License from New Jersey to Pennsylvania

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, costs, and reciprocity. Updated 2026.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	New Jersey (NJ)	Pennsylvania (PA)
Total Cost	$232	$212
Training Hours	1,200 hrs	1,250 hrs
Exam Required	Yes	Yes
Renewal Period	2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)	2 years
Reciprocity	By endorsement	reciprocity

Can You Transfer Your Cosmetologist License?

Pennsylvania has limited or no reciprocity

Pennsylvania has reciprocal agreements with most states. Applicants must hold a current, active license and have at least 2 years of licensed work experience.

Additional requirements: Reciprocity is NOT available with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah. Applicants from those states must apply through the standard examination pathway.

What You'll Need to Do in Pennsylvania

These are the standard licensing steps in Pennsylvania. As a licensed cosmetologist from New Jersey, you may already satisfy some of these requirements.

1
Complete 1,250 hours of training at a PA-licensed cosmetology school (minimum 8 consecutive months) or 2,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship
2
Obtain Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) from all states lived/worked/trained in during past 5 years
3
Submit application and $26 fee to the State Board of Cosmetology
4
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE
5
Schedule and pass written exam (110 questions, 75% passing score) through Pearson VUE ($186 exam fee)
6
Schedule and pass practical exam (75% passing score) through Pearson VUE
7
Receive your cosmetology license (processing typically 2-4 weeks)

Cost Comparison

New Jersey Fees

Application Fee$50
Exam Fee$92
License Fee$90
Education Cost$5,000–$20,000
Total$232

Pennsylvania Fees

Application Fee$26
Exam Fee$186
License Fee$Included in application fee
Education Cost$8,000–$22,000
Total$212

Estimated Timeline

Timeline varies based on your credentials, reciprocity eligibility, and Pennsylvania's current processing times. Contact the state licensing board for current estimates.

Explore More

New Jersey Cosmetologist License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Pennsylvania Cosmetologist License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?▾

Pennsylvania may accept out-of-state cosmetologist credentials. Pennsylvania has reciprocal agreements with most states. Applicants must hold a current, active license and have at least 2 years of licensed work experience.

How much does it cost to transfer a cosmetologist license to Pennsylvania?▾

Government fees for a cosmetologist license in Pennsylvania total approximately $212. Additional costs may include exam fees, background checks, and education requirements.

How long does it take to transfer a cosmetologist license from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?▾

Processing times vary by state. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board for current timelines.

Do I need to retake the cosmetologist exam when moving to Pennsylvania?▾

Pennsylvania requires a cosmetologist exam. Out-of-state licensees may or may not be exempt — check with the Pennsylvania licensing board for current reciprocity policies.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and reciprocity policies directly with the New Jersey and Pennsylvania licensing boards before making decisions. LicenseMap is not a government agency and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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