How to Become a Cosmetologist in New York

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must complete a 1,000-hour approved course of study and pass the New York State written and practical exams (unless you qualify by experience, endorsement or reciprocity).
• A physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner must examine you and complete the Health Certification. You must submit your application within 30 days of that date.
• Applicants qualifying through New York schooling must complete a 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course.

Step by step

1. Complete a 1,000-hour cosmetology course at a New York State approved school. Your school director completes the Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling.
2. Take the free 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course.
3. Get your health exam and have the provider complete the Health Certification form (DOS-1948).
4. Within 30 days, apply online through New York Business Express and pay the $40 application fee ($50 if you also want a 6-month temporary license).
5. After approval, schedule the written and practical exams online ($15 each). You can take them in either order.
6. Pass both exams. DOS emails you when results are ready and then issues your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: New York requires a 1,000-hour approved course of study at a New York State approved school. DOS may waive this if you document equivalent schooling from another state or country (school certificate, transcript with subjects and hours, and a certification from your state board); you must still pass both New York exams.

Exam: DOS gives a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam is multiple-choice, based on the pre-licensing curriculum, with 2 1/2 hours allowed. It is offered in English and 14 other languages, including Spanish and Chinese. Each exam costs $15, paid when you schedule. Results are pass/fail only, and passing results are valid for five years. You must reschedule at least six days ahead; cancelling, no-showing or arriving late forfeits the fee.

What it costs in New York

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: The license is good for four years and must be renewed online through New York Business Express (claim your license record first). Renewal opens 90 days before expiration and costs $40. A $10 late penalty applies if you renew more than one year late. After five years expired, the license becomes inactive and you must reapply and pass a written exam. DOS lists no continuing education requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in New York

Scope: New York's cosmetology license covers hair, natural hair styling, esthetics, nail specialty and waxing. It does not let you operate a business; a separate appearance enhancement business license is required.

Licensed in another state: You may qualify through endorsement or reciprocity if your state is on DOS's lists. You must submit an original certification from the state where you hold an equivalent license.

Five years of experience: If you have five years of legal cosmetology experience outside New York, you may apply with evidence of education and experience (such as a licensing certification and two experience statements with exact dates). If accepted, you are licensed without an exam or more schooling.

Temporary license: Applicants qualifying through New York or out-of-state education can get a six-month temporary license while they test.

Child support statement: Every applicant must affirm a child support statement, whether or not they have children.

Sources

• NY DOS - Cosmetology
• NY DOS - Become a Cosmetologist
• NY DOS - Renew or Update Cosmetology License
• NY DOS - Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetology