How to Become a Cosmetologist in North Carolina

Who can apply

• You must complete at least 1,500 hours of cosmetology curriculum, plus the required performances, at an approved cosmetic art school (G.S. 88B-7). The alternative is 1,200 school hours plus an apprenticeship of at least six months under a licensed cosmetologist.
• You must pass the Board's written and practical exams with 75% or higher.
• You must pay the license fee.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a licensed North Carolina cosmetic art school. Since August 1, 2024, students create an account in the Board's Access Hub for enrollment documents.
2. Complete the 1,500-hour cosmetologist curriculum and the required performances.
3. After graduation (and within 3 months, if you want a temporary permit), apply for the exams through Prov at provexam.com.
4. Optional: submit the temporary permit form and $5 fee so you can work for up to 6 months after graduation while you test.
5. Pass the written and practical exams with 75% or higher.
6. Apply for your license online and pay the fee. The Board says licenses are issued and mailed within 5-10 business days.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: North Carolina requires 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetic art school cosmetologist curriculum plus the required performances (21 NCAC 14T .0602). An apprentice route uses a 1,200-hour apprentice curriculum: you pass the exam with 70% or higher to get an apprentice license, then work at least six months under a licensed cosmetologist to qualify for the cosmetologist license (G.S. 88B-7). All apprentices must first graduate from a licensed cosmetic art school.

Exam: The Board uses the NIC national examination (since October 1, 2007), with registration and scheduling through the vendor Prov (provexam.com). There are written and practical parts. You need 75% or higher for a cosmetologist license and 70% or higher for an apprentice license. Exam fees are paid to Prov; the Board's site does not list the amount.

What it costs in North Carolina

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

The Board says licenses are issued and mailed within 5-10 business days after it receives a complete application and payment.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetologist licenses renew every three years on or before October 1 (G.S. 88B-21); the 2026 on-time window was July 1 to October 1. You need 8 hours of continuing education per year of the cycle (24 hours per 3-year cycle, which you can complete any time in the cycle), at least half in the cosmetic art field. The Board offers a free 8-hour CE course and warns against providers advertising paid classes as 'mandatory.' Keep your own records; you submit them only if audited. Exemptions: 20+ consecutive years as a cosmetologist, or age 60+ with 10 consecutive years of practice. If you do not renew within five years after expiration, you must pass an exam to reinstate.

Good to know in North Carolina

Licensed in another state: No exam is required if you hold a current license in good standing from a state that reciprocates with North Carolina. Some states (e.g., Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas) must send a certification of your license to the Board first; others need only the online application. The out-of-state cosmetologist fee is $64. Registrations and certificates cannot be reciprocated; you must hold a license.

Military and military spouses: Military members and spouses licensed in any state may reciprocate with a current license, ID and military orders, with no fee (21 NCAC 14A .0401).

Temporary permit limits: Permits are only for North Carolina graduates, last 6 months from the graduation date, and cannot be renewed.

Pending legislation: Senate Bill 808 (2025 session) could change licensure requirements for cosmetic art disciplines. As of October 2026 it has not become law (last action: re-referred to a House committee on June 30, 2026), and the Board says no changes have been made.

What unlicensed workers can do: An unlicensed person may shampoo and blow-dry hair in a salon (Session Law 2024-45 created the blow-dry exemption). Lash extensions require a cosmetology or esthetician license and must be done in a licensed shop.

Sources

• NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners - Home (renewal and legislation notices)
• NC Board - Licensure Requirements for NC applicants
• NC Board - Fees
• NC Board - Examinations
• NC Board - Individuals Licensed in another State
• NC Board - FAQ
• NC Board - Continuing Education
• N.C. General Statutes Chapter 88B
• NC General Assembly - Senate Bill 808 (2025)