How to Become a Cosmetologist in Utah

Who can apply

• Complete a cosmetology curriculum of at least 1,250 hours at a licensed or recognized school, or a 1,250-hour approved apprenticeship.
• Provide documentation of the required minimum service counts, certified by your school or apprenticeship supervisor.
• Pass the NIC Cosmetology theory exam and Cosmetology practical exam (70% to pass), given by Prov.

Step by step

1. Choose a route: enroll in a licensed cosmetology school, or register an apprenticeship with DOPL before you start training ($20 fee) with a licensed instructor as your supervisor.
2. Complete at least 1,250 hours covering barbering, haircutting, chemical hair services, manual hair removal, eyelash and eyebrow technology, basic esthetics and nail technology, plus the required service counts.
3. Register with Prov and pass the Cosmetology theory exam (in person or remotely) and the Cosmetology practical exam (in person at a Prov practical center).
4. Create a Utah ID and apply online through My License One (paper applications are no longer accepted since January 31, 2026). Pay the $60 application fee.
5. Once licensed, print your license and display it where you work, as Utah Code 58-11a-305 requires.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Utah's cosmetology license requires a curriculum of at least 1,250 hours (or equivalent credit hours) at a licensed or recognized school, covering barbering, haircutting, chemical hair services, manual hair removal, eyelash and eyebrow technology (except extensions), basic esthetics and nail technology. Schools may offer up to 50% of a program online. Alternatively, complete a 1,250-hour apprenticeship registered with DOPL before training starts, under one-on-one supervision of a licensed instructor (no more than two apprentices per supervisor), finished within two years of approval. If you graduated from a recognized school with fewer than 1,250 hours, hours practiced as a cosmetologist in another jurisdiction can make up the difference.

Exam: Prov administers the NIC exams. Cosmetology theory: 110 questions (10 unscored) in 90 minutes, offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese, in person or remotely from home. Cosmetology practical: about 294 minutes, in person at a Prov practical testing center. Passing score is 70% on each; Prov's fee is $105 per exam. Exams must be passed within three years before you apply.

What it costs in Utah

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 expire September 30 of odd-numbered years. DOPL mails a renewal notice at least 60 days before. The cosmetologist renewal fee is $52. DOPL's renewal page lists no continuing education requirement for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Utah

2026 license overhaul: Since January 1, 2026, DOPL issues the new cosmetology license (1,250 hours). The old cosmetology/barbering license is no longer issued, except to people who registered an apprenticeship or started a school program on or before that date. Existing holders renew it as a legacy cosmetology/barbering license. A cosmetology licensee may use the title cosmetologist or barber.

Licensed in another state: Apply by endorsement in My License One and have your licensing agency send verification directly to DOPL. Under Utah Code 58-1-302, DOPL issues the license if your license has a similar scope, you have at least one year of experience under it, and it is in good standing.

Smaller credentials: Utah also offers narrower permits (haircutting 150 hours, chemical hair services 260 hours, barbering 130 hours) and licenses such as nail technology (300 hours) and master esthetics (1,200 hours).

Sources

• Utah DOPL - Apply for a License (Cosmetology)
• Utah DOPL - Cosmetology Exam Information
• Utah DOPL - Cosmetology FAQs
• Utah DOPL - Renew a License
• Utah DOPL - Fee Schedule
• Utah Code 58-11a-302.13 - Cosmetology license qualifications
• Utah Code 58-11a-306 - Apprenticeship
• Prov - Utah Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin