How to Become a Cosmetologist in Arizona

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 with two years of high school or its equivalent (for example 10 high school credits or a GED), or be at least 18.
• You must graduate from a cosmetology course of at least 1,500 hours at a Board-licensed school, a substantially equivalent school in another state or country, or a U.S. Department of Labor or Arizona DES-approved apprenticeship that includes at least 250 hours of infection protection and law review.
• You must pass the written and practical exams and show documents proving your presence in the U.S. is authorized under federal law (A.R.S. 41-1080).

Step by step

1. Complete at least 1,500 hours at a Board-licensed cosmetology school, or a DOL- or DES-approved cosmetology apprenticeship.
2. Create an account with Professional Credential Services (PCS) at pcshq.com, choose Cosmetology & Barbering, then Arizona, and pay $177 for the written and practical exams.
3. PCS emails you your practical exam date and how to schedule the written exam. The Board does not notify candidates of exam dates.
4. Pass both computer-based exams. PCS sends your results directly to the Board.
5. Apply to the Board for your personal license with a passport-style photo, proof of education, your graduation certificate (or DES notice of apprenticeship completion), proof of lawful presence and the $60 initial license fee.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: A.R.S. 32-511 requires a cosmetology course of at least 1,500 hours in a Board-licensed school, an equivalent out-of-state or foreign school, or a U.S. Department of Labor or Arizona Department of Economic Security-approved apprenticeship that includes at least 250 hours of infection protection and law review instruction. You may take the exams before you finish your hours, but you must complete all hours before you are licensed.

Exam: Arizona uses the national NIC exams, given by Professional Credential Services (PCS) at Prometric test centers. Both the written (theory) and practical exams are computer-based. The cosmetology practical is offered in English or Spanish. The fee is $177 for both ($100 written, $77 practical), paid to the testing company. If you fail one part, you retake only that part, unless a year or more has passed since your first exam; then you must retake both.

What it costs in Arizona

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

How long it takes

The Board says it currently takes up to 4 weeks to process a completed personal license application after you pass both exams.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew online every two years on or before your birthday. The renewal fee is $60. A late renewal costs an extra $30 for every two years (or part) the license was inactive, up to five years. A license not renewed becomes inactive; after one year inactive you must also show proof of Board-required education to reactivate, and after five years it is automatically suspended. Arizona has no continuing education requirement for active cosmetologists.

Good to know in Arizona

Licensed in another state: You can get an Arizona license by reciprocity if you hold a license in another state or country, complete the Board's infection protection and law review class, and pay the $60 fee. Your current state must send an official license verification to the Board first.

Universal recognition: Arizona residents who have held a license in good standing in another state for at least one year can apply for licensure by universal recognition (A.R.S. 32-4302).

Military families: Under the federal SCRA, servicemembers and spouses who move on military orders can use a current out-of-state license in Arizona if they meet the federal conditions; the Board has a military reciprocity application.

Cosmetology Licensure Compact: Arizona has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact in A.R.S. 32-581 and following sections.

Sources

• A.R.S. 32-511 - Cosmetologists; applications; qualifications
• A.R.S. 32-514 - Examinations
• A.R.S. 32-515 - Reexaminations
• A.R.S. 32-517 - License renewal
• A.R.S. 32-518 - Inactive licenses; reactivation; suspension
• A.R.S. 32-513 - Reciprocity
• Ariz. Admin. Code R4-10-102 - Fees and Charges (Cornell LII)
• Ariz. Admin. Code R4-10-202 - License by Examination (Cornell LII)
• Ariz. Admin. Code R4-10-203 - Personal License Renewal (Cornell LII)
• Arizona BCB - Exam Information
• Arizona BCB - Fees
• Arizona BCB - Licensed in Another State & Moving to Arizona
• Arizona BCB - Personal License