How to Become a Cosmetologist in Louisiana

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• By the time you finish school you must have the equivalent of a 10th-grade education (or a high school diploma equivalent from a nonpublic school).
• You must complete and pass the cosmetology course (at least 1,500 hours over at least 9 consecutive months) at a Board-approved school.
• You must pass the examinations conducted by the Board.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a Board-registered cosmetology school and register as a student ($10).
2. Complete at least 1,500 hours over at least 9 consecutive months.
3. Pay any fees you owe your school, then apply to the Board for the exams with proof of your qualifications and the exam fees.
4. Pass the cosmetologist practical exam, the Louisiana state theory exam and the national theory exam.
5. Pay the $35 certificate fee to receive your certificate of registration.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Under R.S. 37:595, the basic cosmetology course must include at least 1,500 hours of practical training and technical instruction over at least 9 consecutive months, with lectures, discussion, instruction and hands-on work. Hours earned at another licensed school within the past 3 years may transfer if the enrolling school approves. Louisiana's cosmetology law does not provide an apprenticeship route.

Exam: The Board's examination team and contracted testing service give a practical cosmetologist exam, a Louisiana state theory exam and a national theory exam. By law these are offered at least twice a month. The Board's fees are $25 for each theory exam, $25 for the practical and $25 for any retake. If you test at an off-site testing center, you pay any added costs. You cannot apply for the exam until you have paid all fees you owe your school.

What it costs in Louisiana

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: Renew every year on or before your birthday. The annual renewal fee is $35. Restoring a certificate expired less than 3 years costs twice the fee for each year expired (up to $300). After more than 3 years you must pass a short restoration exam. Louisiana law requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years for registered teachers; it does not set a CE requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Louisiana

Licensed in another state: Under R.S. 37:582(C), you can get a Louisiana certificate if you completed the course at a licensed school in the state that licensed you, pass the Board's exam, and pay the fee. Use the Board's reciprocity application. Schools may offer a 250-hour course for applicants whose state does not meet Louisiana's requirements.

Temporary certificates: Licensees from other states can get a temporary certificate to work in Louisiana for up to 30 days, no more than four per calendar year.

Other licenses: LSBC also licenses estheticians (750 hours), manicurists (500 hours) and alternative hair designers.

Sources

• LSBC - Individual licensing FAQ
• La. R.S. 37:582 - Qualifications for certificate as a registered cosmetologist
• La. R.S. 37:586 - Examination of applicants
• La. R.S. 37:590 - Renewal of certificates
• La. R.S. 37:595 - Requirements for schools
• La. R.S. 37:599 - Fees
• La. R.S. 37:583 - Teachers; continuing education
• La. R.S. 37:584 - Temporary registration