How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Jersey

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must have completed high school or its equivalent.
• You must complete 1,200 hours of cosmetology and hairstyling instruction at an approved school (out-of-state or foreign training must be substantially similar).
• You must pass the Board's two-part exam: theory and practical.

Step by step

1. Get a student permit ($5) while enrolled, and complete 1,200 hours at an approved school.
2. Send the Board the Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure with the $50 exam/application fee and the license fee ($90, or $45 in the second year of the licensing cycle).
3. Your school uploads your eligibility to Prometric. After the confirmation email, schedule and pay for the written theory exam through Prometric (Iso-Quality Testing).
4. Score at least 75% on the theory exam.
5. Take the practical exam. You must pass both parts to be licensed.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 1,200 hours of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling at an approved school in New Jersey, another state or a foreign country. Out-of-state or foreign training must be certified as substantially equivalent to New Jersey schools. Students in licensed schools or approved high school or vocational programs can get a student permit.

Exam: The exam has two parts, theory and practical (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2). Prometric has given the written theory exam since August 3, 2020; you pay Prometric directly, in addition to the Board's $50 exam fee. You need at least 75% on theory before you may take the practical. The $50 fee covers up to two practical attempts or scheduled dates; after two failures or no-shows you must pay the fee again.

What it costs in New Jersey

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 two years; the biennial renewal fee is $90. The Board sends a renewal notice at least 60 days before the license expires. The Board's renewal rule (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1) does not list a continuing education requirement.

Good to know in New Jersey

Temporary permit: Once the Board accepts your exam application, you can ask for a temporary permit ($20) valid for 120 days.

Licensed in another state or country: The Board's page says licensure by endorsement ($100 plus the license fee) is offered to applicants who meet the cosmetologist-hairstylist requirements and hold a current barber and beautician license in another state or country. If you practiced for at least 3 years under that license, you may submit a notarized work-experience affidavit and a license certification instead of training records.

Application time limit: If you do not finish the licensure process within six months of applying, the Board closes your application and you must reapply and pay again.

Other licenses: New Jersey also licenses manicurists (300 hours), skin care specialists (600 hours) and hair braiders separately.

Sources

• NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Licensing Requirements
• NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Applications and Forms (Prometric exams notice)
• N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1 - Practicing licenses; renewals (Cornell LII)
• N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2 - Examination and reexaminations (Cornell LII)
• N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.3 - Temporary permits and student permits (Cornell LII)
• N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1 - Fees (Cornell LII)