How to Become a Cosmetologist in South Carolina

Checked against South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), Board of Cosmetology · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $45 cosmetologist examination application fee ($60 by endorsement).
Licensed by: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), Board of Cosmetology

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Who can apply

You must be at least 16 years old.
You must have at least a 10th-grade education or equivalent (by tests used in public schools or approved by the Board).
You must complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school, or have been licensed as a Master Hair Care Specialist for five years.
You must pass the NIC written (theory) and practical exams with at least 75%.

Step by step

Complete 1,500 hours at a cosmetology school approved by the Board.
Apply for licensure by examination through LLR and pay the $45 application fee.
Register with Prov (provexam.com) and pay Prov's exam fees.
Take the NIC theory and practical exams within 24 months of finishing your hours.
Pass both parts with at least 75%; if you fail, submit a Repeat Examination Request ($45) through the LLR licensee portal.
Receive your license from the Board.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: South Carolina requires 1,500 hours in a cosmetology school approved by the Board. A Master Hair Care Specialist licensed by the SC Board of Barber Examiners can cross over: five years of experience, or fewer years plus 100-350 school hours, then the theory and practical exams (Reg. 35-26). You must test within 24 months of completing your hours or the hours become invalid; since January 8, 2024, anyone who attempted the exam within the 24 months may keep testing after that window.

Exam: Prov gives a two-part NIC exam (theory and practical). You need at least 75% on each part. Prov sets and collects the exam fees. Applications are valid for one testing attempt; after a failed part, you must file a Repeat Examination Request ($45) through Document Submission in the LLR portal.

Practice for the cosmetology written exam free — infection control, hair care, chemical services, skin and nails →

What it costs in South Carolina

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Cosmetology school tuition (1,500 hours)$
Examination application fee (LLR)$45
NIC theory and practical exams (Prov)$

Estimated total in South Carolina$45Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

NIC exam fees paid to Prov (amount set by Prov).
Repeat examination request: $45.
Renewal: $52 every two years. Reinstatement: $152.
School tuition varies by school.

Pay in South Carolina

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in South Carolina after taxes.

What other sites get wrong about South Carolina

Myth: South Carolina does not require continuing education for licensed cosmetologists, only for instructors.

Fact: Cosmetologists must complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE each licensing period (starting with the second renewal), on laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection control. source

Myth: South Carolina cosmetology licenses renew by June 30 of even-numbered years.

Fact: Cosmetologist licenses renew every odd-numbered year, ending March 10 at 11:59 p.m. source

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetologist licenses renew every odd-numbered year by March 10 at 11:59 p.m.; the renewal fee is $52. The next window opens December 1, 2026 and closes March 10, 2027. CE taken after February 15, 2027 may not reach LLR before the deadline; in that case submit a paper renewal postmarked by March 10, 2027, because later renewals require reinstatement. From your second renewal on, you need 4 hours of Board-approved CE each licensing period on SC laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection control (in person or online). Exemptions: licensed 15+ consecutive years and age 60+, or 30+ years of continuous licensure and age 50+, with no Board discipline (S.C. Code 40-13-250). A license expired three years or less can be reinstated with the $152 fee and CE; after three years you must pass both exams again.

Good to know in South Carolina

Licensed in another state: You can apply by endorsement ($60) if you are in good standing and actively licensed in another state and either passed the NIC theory and practical exams, or have been licensed at least two years and complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE. Otherwise you must apply by examination.

Trained out of state, not licensed: You must pass the NIC theory and practical exams within 24 months of finishing school. Your school must email certified, notarized transcripts directly to BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov, along with a record of daily hours; transcripts sent by the applicant are not accepted.

Inactive status: You can place your license on inactive status at no cost; reactivation costs $100.

Application documents: Upload through LLR's Document Submission: a recent passport-style 2x2 photo on a white background (no selfies), a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence, a notarized signature affidavit, a copy of your Social Security card, a copy of an unexpired driver's license, state ID, passport or military ID, and a copy of your high school, GED or college transcript.

Master Hair Care Specialists: Under the Board's July 2026 crossover guideline, a licensed Master Hair Care Specialist (SC Board of Barber Examiners) can become a Registered Cosmetologist by completing 100 cosmetology hours (licensed 4+ years), 200 hours (licensed 3 years) or 350 hours (licensed 3 years or less), then passing the theory and practical exams with 75 or higher.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), Board of Cosmetology before you apply.