How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maryland

Checked against Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $28 original cosmetologist license (2 years). Apprentice cosmetologist license: $11.
Licensed by: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Take the free cosmetology practice test →

Who can apply

You must be at least 17 years old.
You must have completed the 9th grade or have a GED.
You must complete at least 1,500 hours at a cosmetology school approved by MSDE or MHEC, or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.
You must pass the PSI theory and practical exams.
Since January 1, 2026, you must complete a one-time, one-hour domestic violence awareness training from a Department-approved provider before you are first licensed (HB 1547).

Step by step

Complete 1,500 hours at an approved cosmetology school, or register as an apprentice cosmetologist with a senior cosmetologist sponsor and train 24 months (at least 20 hours a week).
Apply online through PSI's automated application (PSI no longer accepts mailed, faxed or emailed applications).
After PSI approves you, schedule and pass the theory exam and the practical exam.
Complete the one-hour domestic violence awareness training from a Department-approved provider (required for original licenses since January 1, 2026).
Apply for your cosmetologist license and pay the $28 license fee. Licenses are emailed as PDFs.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Maryland requires at least 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school approved by the Maryland State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission, or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon. Apprentices need a sponsorship form signed by a senior cosmetologist, must train at least 20 hours per week, and must mail monthly training reports to the Board. The apprentice license is issued for 2 years and can be renewed once.

Exam: PSI gives Maryland's cosmetologist theory and practical exams. Fees: theory and practical together $77; practical only $47; theory only $47. Your eligibility does not expire, and you may retest without limit, but you must pass both parts within two years of each other. You may use a state-credentialed court interpreter for the theory exam only. PSI updated its test taker guides for exams on or after February 26, 2026.

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

What it costs in Maryland

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

PSI theory + practical exams$77
Original cosmetologist license (2 years)$28
Apprentice cosmetologist license (apprenticeship route only)(optional)$11
School tuition$

Estimated total in Maryland$105Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

PSI theory and practical exams: $77 together ($47 each if taken separately).
PSI practical exam kit supplies.
School tuition varies.

Pay in Maryland

Maryland adds a local income tax on top of the state rate, so look up the local rate for your area before you budget.

How long it takes

About 10 working days after you pass both the theory and practical exams, the Board emails your license registration number and instructions to apply.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew online every two years for $28. A $28 reinstatement fee applies if your license has expired. Since January 1, 2026, you must complete 6 hours of approved CE each renewal term: 2 hours on health, safety, welfare, sanitation or Board laws and regulations, and 4 elective hours within your scope of practice. Licensees renewing since January 1, 2026 must also complete a one-time, one-hour domestic violence awareness training from a Department-approved provider (HB 1547). You must work through a licensed salon or barbershop.

Good to know in Maryland

New CE rule: HB 1600 made 6 hours of continuing education a condition of renewal starting January 1, 2026. Approved providers report hours to the Board for you, except Milady certificates, which you upload yourself.

Other licenses: Maryland also licenses limited hairstylists (1,200 hours), limited estheticians (600 hours), limited nail technicians (250 hours), blow dry stylists (350 hours) and senior cosmetologists.

Domestic violence awareness training: Under HB 1547, all applicants for an original cosmetologist license and all licensees renewing must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training course from a Department-approved provider. Courses from other providers are not accepted.

Licensed in another state: You can apply by endorsement if your current license comes from a state with comparable requirements. Your state must send an official certification to the Board, and you may then be excused from both exams. Cosmetologists from some states (including Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas if tested after 2020, and Virginia if tested after September 1, 2024) must also prove at least six months of work experience. Applicants from some states, including Florida, Illinois, Iowa and Hawaii, must pass Maryland's theory and practical exams.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing before you apply.