How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maine

Who can apply

• You must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology instruction over at least 9 months at a licensed school, or 2,500 hours as a licensed trainee over at least 18 months.
• You must pass the NIC written and practical exams.
• Students must be at least 16 to enroll in a school (15 if they turn 16 during the program). Maine law no longer sets a separate age or education requirement for the license itself.

Step by step

1. Train at a licensed school (1,500 hours, at least 9 months), or get a trainee license and train under a qualified supervisor in a licensed establishment (2,500 hours, at least 18 months).
2. Submit the Exam Approval application (no fee) with your transcript or affidavit showing you completed your training.
3. After you are approved, register with Prov and pass the NIC written exam and the remote NIC practical exam, both within one year.
4. Pay your license fee within one year of passing. OPOR emails your license; there is no paper license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Under 32 MRSA 14226 you need 1,500 hours of cosmetology instruction over at least 9 months at a school licensed by the director, or 2,500 hours as a trainee over at least 18 months. Trainees must hold a trainee license, file their employer, start date and qualified supervisor with OPOR before training, and work under direct supervision. A supervisor may oversee no more than 2 trainees at once. A trainee cosmetologist license lasts 18 months and may be renewed up to 2 times.

Exam: OPOR contracts with Prov, Inc. to give the NIC cosmetology written and practical exams. All practical exams are taken remotely; written exams can be taken remotely or at a Prov test center. Each written exam costs $99 and each practical exam costs $149, the same for retakes. You need a scaled score of 75 on each. You must pass both exams within one year of your first sitting or retake both. Maine dropped its state laws and rules exam in 2012; you attest instead that you will follow Maine law.

What it costs in Maine

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

Prov emails official written and practical results within 3 business days after your test.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew online every year by October 31 for $20. Late renewals within 90 days of expiration add a $50 late fee. After 90 days you must file a new application with the late fee plus $25 in penalty fees. If your license has lapsed 4 years or more, you must retake the exam. OPOR does not list a continuing education requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Maine

Licensed in another state: Under 32 MRSA 14231, OPOR may license anyone with a license from another U.S. state or jurisdiction, as long as there is no cause for denial. Apply by endorsement with an original license verification from your state ($41).

Temporary license: Once you qualify for the exam, you can get a $10 temporary license to work under a qualified supervisor in a licensed establishment. It lasts 6 months and cannot be renewed.

Other licenses: Maine also licenses hair designers (1,200 hours), barber hair stylists, aestheticians (600 hours) and nail technicians (200 hours).

Sources

• Maine OPOR - Barbering and Cosmetology Individual Licenses
• Maine OPOR - Barbering and Cosmetology Examinations
• Prov - State of Maine Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (2025.10.29)
• Maine OPOR - Exam Approval application
• Maine OPOR - License by endorsement application
• Maine OPOR - Temporary license application
• 32 MRSA 14226 - Qualifications; cosmetology
• 32 MRSA 14231 - Out-of-state applicants
• 32 MRSA 14232 - Trainees
• 32 MRSA 14233 - Students
• 32 MRSA 14230 - Temporary license