How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old and have the equivalent of an Ohio public school tenth-grade education (ORC 4713.28).
• You must complete at least 1,500 hours of board-approved cosmetology training in a school (1,000 hours if you are already a licensed Ohio barber).
• You must pass the Board's practical and theory exams for cosmetology.
• All students and licensees must complete training on recognizing human trafficking (OAC 4713-1-14).
• The Board may not deny a license based on prior incarceration or conviction for any crime (ORC 4713.28(B)).

Step by step

1. Complete 1,500 hours of board-approved cosmetology training at a licensed Ohio school (human trafficking training is part of school or CE).
2. Create an account at elicense.ohio.gov and submit the exam application with the $40 fee.
3. Optional: upload a Work Permit application ($15) with your exam application to work under a licensed professional until your scheduled exam date.
4. When the Board emails that you are eligible, schedule your exam date in eLicense.
5. Pass the practical exam (on a mannequin head and hand) and the 100-question theory exam.
6. Pay the $45 license issuance fee and receive your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Ohio requires at least 1,500 hours of board-approved cosmetology training in a school licensed by the Board (ORC 4713.28). A licensed Ohio barber needs only 1,000 hours. There is no cosmetology apprenticeship route in ORC 4713.28.

Exam: The Board gives a practical exam and a theory exam, applied for through eLicense. The theory exam has 100 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes; the largest areas are anatomy and physiology (27%) and infection control and safety (24%). The practical uses mannequin heads and hands that meet Board rules (no pre-sectioned heads or trainer hands), starting with a 15-minute setup and a 30-minute blended layered haircut with shears and razor. Fees (OAC 4713-1-17): $40 to apply, $35 to retake after failing, $50 after a no-show. Cancel by emailing examcancellation@cos.ohio.gov; phone cancellations are not accepted.

What it costs in Ohio

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: Licenses are valid until January 31 of the odd-numbered year after issuance or renewal (ORC 4713.57). Renewal is $65. Each biennial period you need 4 hours of Board-approved CE: 1 hour on Ohio law and rule updates and 3 hours on safety and infection control, completed by January 15 of the odd-numbered year. You are exempt (except human trafficking training) until the renewal period after your first license. Licensees who are 65 or older, or who have held a Board license for 30 or more years, before the start of a renewal period are exempt from CE hours (OAC 4713-21-03(F)). An expired license can be restored by paying the renewal fee plus $45 per lapsed period (up to three periods) and completing CE.

Good to know in Ohio

Foreign-licensed applicants: If your country's program was at least 80% of Ohio's hours, you can be licensed after passing Ohio's practical and theory exams, with certified proof of your license and training hours. Applicants must be at least 18 (ORC 4713.34, OAC 4713-7-09).

Cosmetology Licensure Compact: Ohio enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact effective October 24, 2024 (ORC 4713.33). The Board's compact page says details are still in development, so multistate licenses are not yet issued through the Board.

Advanced license: After 1,800 hours of salon practice, or 300 more school hours, a cosmetologist can earn an advanced license, which is required before becoming an instructor (ORC 4713.30, 4713.31).

Licensed in another state: Reciprocity applicants must have held the out-of-state license for at least one year and practiced in at least one of the last five years. Your state board must send a Board Certification directly to Ohio (received within 6 months of preparation). You must also upload a 1-hour Human Trafficking course certificate. The Board's page lists a $73.50 nonrefundable reciprocity fee (OAC 4713-1-17 sets the license fee at $70). Exams can be waived if your state required at least 80% of Ohio's hours plus practical and theory exams, and extends similar reciprocity to Ohio licensees (OAC 4713-7-09).

Application documents: Your application must include a copy of your current driver's license or other proof of legal residence, and you must submit to having a photograph taken by the Board (ORC 4713.28).

Sources

• Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board - Exams
• Ohio Board - Cosmetology Theory Testing Information Packet
• Ohio Board - Cosmetology Practical Testing Information Packet
• Ohio Board - Reciprocity
• Ohio Board - Cosmetology Compact
• ORC 4713.28 - License qualifications
• ORC 4713.10 - Fees
• ORC Chapter 4713 (incl. 4713.33 compact, 4713.57 expiration)
• OAC 4713-1-17 - Fees
• OAC 4713-21-03 - Continuing education requirements
• OAC 4713-7-09 - Out of state license holder applications
• OAC 4713-1-14 - Trafficking education