How to Become a Cosmetologist in Alaska

Checked against Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $150 nonrefundable application fee plus $180 initial license fee ($330 total).
Licensed by: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing)

Take the free cosmetology practice test →

Who can apply

Alaska licenses cosmetology work as a 'hairdresser' license; there is no license called 'cosmetologist'.
You must complete 1,650 hours in an approved school, 2,000 hours in a Board-approved apprenticeship, or a Board-approved combination.
You must pass a practical proficiency test given by your school or apprenticeship instructor, then the state written exam.

Step by step

Get a student permit and complete 1,650 school hours, or enroll in a Board-approved apprenticeship (2,000 hours) before you start; no apprentice hours count before Board approval.
Pass the practical proficiency test given by your school or instructor at the end of training.
Mail the signed, notarized Hairdresser License Application (#08-4193) with the $150 application fee and the $180 license fee (the license fee can also be paid after you pass). Emailed or faxed applications are not accepted.
If you trained outside Alaska, have the school, instructor or state board send official training records directly to the Division.
After approval, the Division and Prov notify you. Schedule and pay Prov for the written exam.
Pass the written exam with 75% or higher and receive your hairdresser license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Hairdressers need 1,650 hours of course work in a Board-approved school, or 2,000 hours in a Board-approved apprenticeship, or a Board-approved combination (one school hour equals 1.212 apprentice hours). An apprenticeship must take at least 12 months and no more than two years. The instructor must hold a current Alaska instructor license, may sponsor no more than two apprentices and may not charge the apprentice a fee.

Exam: The state exam is the NIC written exam the regulation calls the National Hair Design Test, scheduled through Prov. You pay the exam fee directly to Prov. A passing grade is 75% or higher, and foreign-language interpreters are not allowed. The hands-on part is a practical proficiency test given by your school or apprenticeship instructor. If you fail the written exam three or more times, you must complete at least 50 hours of remedial theory training before retesting.

Practice for the cosmetology written exam free — infection control, hair care, chemical services, skin and nails →

What it costs in Alaska

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

School tuition or apprenticeship (apprentice permit $125)$
Application fee (nonrefundable)$150
Initial license fee$180
Prov written exam fee$

Estimated total in Alaska$330Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Written exam fee paid directly to Prov (amount set by the vendor).
Apprenticeship or student permit: $125 for two years ($100 for one year).
Temporary license while awaiting the exam: $100.
School tuition varies by school.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Hairdresser licenses are issued for two years and expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when issued (a license issued within 90 days of that date runs to the next cycle). The biennial renewal fee is $180. There is no inactive status. A lapsed license can be reinstated within three years by applying and paying all renewal and delinquent fees; after more than three years you must also pass the written exam again. The Board's rules list no continuing education requirement for hairdressers.

Good to know in Alaska

Temporary license: If you are qualified for the exam, you can get a 120-day temporary license ($150 application plus $100 fee) to work under the direct supervision of a licensed hairdresser. It cannot be renewed, and you get only one per area of practice.

Licensed in another state: Apply for licensure by waiver of examination. Your other state must send a Verification of Training, Examination and Licensure form directly. You must have passed a written and practical exam elsewhere, or take them in Alaska. Applicants with fewer than 1,650 training hours can use full-time work experience (32+ hours per week) to qualify.

Temporary permit for out-of-state licensees: With a current license from another state you can get a temporary permit valid up to six months while your application is processed ($150 application, $100 permit and $180 license fee).

Abandoned exam application: If you do not retake the exam at least once a year during the three years after you first take it, your application is considered abandoned and you must reapply.

Shop owner license: If you own a shop or work as an independent contractor, you also need a shop owner license from the Board and a state business license.

Application deadline: Your completed, notarized application and fees must reach the Division at least 30 days before your exam date.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) before you apply.