License Requirements. The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions by issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with professional standards and laws. DOL regulates and issues licenses to qualified applicants to engage in the commercial practices of cosmetology, hair design, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring. Cosmetology relates to the care of (1) hair on the scalp, face and neck, (2) nails on the hands and feet, and (3) the skin. Barbering, manicuring, and esthetics concern a narrower range of functions within the practice of cosmetology.
Upon completion of a DOL application and payment of a fee, the director must issue the appropriate cosmetologist, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetician, and master esthetician license to any person who:
There are exceptions for persons currently licensed in other states and countries.
A person currently licensed may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if the person has completed the crossover training course.
Exams. DOL determines the appropriates dates and times for license examinations. Exams must consist of tests designed to reasonably measure the applicant's knowledge of safe and sanitary practices, and may also include the applicant's knowledge of the related laws and rules. The director may establish by rule a performance exam. The director must establish by rule the minimum passing score for all examinations and the requirements for reexamination of applicants who fail the examination or examinations. The director must take steps to ensure that after completion of the required course or apprenticeship program, applicants may promptly take the examination and receive the results of the examination.
DOL rules require an applicant to pass both a written and performance exam with a minimum passing score of 75.
The director of DOL may allow an applicant for a cosmetologist, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetician, and master esthetician license to register for or take an examination before the applicant has completed the required hours of course instruction, if the applicant is within 100 hours of completion. However, the applicant must complete the required hours of course instruction before licensure.