How to Become a Cosmetologist in Delaware

Who can apply

• You must have the equivalent of a 10th grade education, shown by a certified high school transcript or other reliable proof.
• You must complete 1,500 classroom hours in a cosmetology course or 3,000 hours in an apprenticeship to a licensed cosmetologist (no more than 40 hours per week).
• You must pass the NIC written (theory) and practical exams.

Step by step

1. Complete 1,500 classroom hours at a cosmetology school, or register a 3,000-hour apprenticeship in DELPROS ($40) with a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon.
2. Apply for the exam online through the Prometric/SMT Candidate Management System.
3. Have your high school send your transcript in a sealed envelope directly to Prometric (NIC Delaware Cosmetology Processing).
4. When Prometric approves you, it emails an Authorization to Test. Register for the theory exam through IQT testing and for a practical exam date.
5. Pass the NIC Cosmetology Theory exam and the Delaware Cosmetology Practical exam, then receive your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 24 Del. C. 5107 requires at least 1,500 classroom hours of continuous training in cosmetology (up to 40 hours per week), or 3,000 apprenticeship hours with a licensed cosmetologist. An apprentice can transfer up to 1,800 apprentice hours into a school program at 2 apprentice hours per 1 school hour, but must complete at least 600 hours at school. An apprentice teacher may supervise no more than two apprentices, and a shop owner cannot apprentice in their own shop.

Exam: Prometric gives the NIC Cosmetology Theory (written) exam and the Cosmetology Practical exam, using the 2022 NIC versions since August 1, 2024. Delaware's practical covers the NIC core domains 1-10, section 14 (basic facial) and section 18 (manicure and polish). Practical exams are held about monthly at the Hilton Wilmington Christiana in Newark. Exam fees are paid to Prometric.

What it costs in Delaware

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

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetologist licenses expire on October 31 of each even-numbered year and are renewed online in DELPROS; DPR emails a notice a few months ahead and sets the fee at renewal time. A late renewal (up to five years after expiration) adds a late fee of 50% of the renewal fee, and you may not work until it is renewed. After five years you must apply for reinstatement. The law requires proof of any continuing education the Board sets by rule; DPR's renewal page lists no CE hours for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Delaware

Temporary permit: If you are eligible for the exams, you can request a temporary permit through Prometric ($40) to practice under supervision. It is valid until 30 days after the next available exam date and can be extended only if you fail and register for the next date. If you do not pass both exams within two years, you must wait one year, repeat the education and retake both exams.

Shaving certification: A cosmetologist can add a shaving certification after a course of at least 35 hours from a licensed barbering instructor.

Apprenticeship timing: A 3,000-hour cosmetology apprenticeship must be completed within 18 to 36 months. Hours cannot be accrued until your apprentice license is issued, and you must upload your signed hours log to DELPROS at least every 3 months.

Licensed in another state: Apply by reciprocity in DELPROS ($128 for cosmetologists) if you hold a current cosmetologist license in another state, U.S. territory or D.C. You must have passed a nationally developed written and practical exam. Method 1 applies if your state required at least Delaware's hours (1,500 school or 3,000 apprentice). Method 2 applies if it required fewer; you must also prove at least one continuous year of full-time licensed experience within the last five years (notarized Verification of Employment).

Sources

• DPR - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering: License by Examination
• DPR - Fee Schedule
• DPR - License Renewal
• DPR - License by Reciprocity
• DPR - Apprenticeship
• 24 Del. C. Chapter 51, Subchapter I (sections 5106, 5107, 5112)