How to Become a Cosmetologist in Nevada

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character (NRS 644A.300).
• You must have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
• You must have 1,600 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school, 3,200 hours as a registered cosmetologist's apprentice, or at least 4 years of documented cosmetology work outside Nevada.
• You must pass the theory exam, the practical exam and the Nevada State Law Test.

Step by step

1. Complete 1,600 hours at a Board-approved school (or a 3,200-hour apprenticeship).
2. Apply to the Board for exam authorization using its application forms and pay the $125 testing fee.
3. After the Board authorizes you, schedule the theory exam and the Nevada State Law Test with Pearson VUE.
4. Take the practical exam, bringing a model or mannequin and all required equipment.
5. Pass all exams and pay the license fee ($70 for 2 years or $140 for 4 years).

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,600 hours in a cosmetology school approved by the Board. The apprenticeship route requires at least 3,200 hours in a licensed salon where all branches of cosmetology are practiced. The Board can register an apprentice only if the person would have to travel more than 60 miles to a licensed school and trains at a salon 60 miles or more from a school, unless the Board waives this for good cause. The apprentice application fee is $100 in NRS 644A.310 but $115 on the Board's application list. The supervising cosmetologist must have been licensed in Nevada for at least 3 years. A registered barber needs 600 hours of specialized training.

Exam: You must score at least 75% on the theory exam and get a Pass on the practical exam (NAC 644A.290). You must also pass the 25-question Nevada State Law Test with at least 75%. Pearson VUE gives the theory and law tests in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Simplified Chinese. For the practical exam you must bring a model or mannequin and all equipment; arriving late or without them forfeits your fee. The Board's testing fee is $125 and the retest fee is $95.

What it costs in Nevada

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 online with a debit or credit card. The Board sends reminders starting 3 months before expiration. Before every renewal, cosmetologists must complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved instruction in infection control and prevention (NRS 644A.520) and pay any balance owed to the Board. Each renewal needs a new passport-quality photo taken within the last 90 days. Late fees are $20 a month from the day after the license expires and cannot be waived. If you retire from practice for more than 4 years, you cannot restore your license without examination.

Good to know in Nevada

Transferring from another state: Your out-of-state license must be active and in good standing. Your state must send a License Certification to the Board before you apply. You must pass the 25-question Nevada State Law Test with at least 75%, and other exams may be required. The reciprocity application fee is $325, which includes the test fee.

Licenses Nevada does not accept: Florida Full Specialist licenses are not recognized, and some California schools are no longer recognized.

Translations: Documents in another language must be translated into English by an approved translator, and uploaded documents must be in color.

Other licenses: Nevada also licenses hair designers (1,000 hours), nail technologists, estheticians and advanced estheticians separately.

Sources

• Nevada State Board of Cosmetology - Service Fees
• Nevada State Board of Cosmetology - Transfer to Nevada
• Nevada State Board of Cosmetology - Renew a License
• NRS Chapter 644A - Cosmetology
• NAC Chapter 644A - Cosmetology (incl. NAC 644A.290 passing score)
• Pearson VUE - Nevada State Board of Cosmetology