How to Become a Cosmetologist in Vermont

Who can apply

• You must have a high school diploma or GED.
• You must complete at least 1,000 hours at a cosmetology school, or at least 1,500 hours as a registered apprentice under a licensed cosmetologist.
• You must pass the national theory and practical exams given by Prov after OPR approves you to sit.

Step by step

1. Train at a cosmetology school (1,000 hours), or apply online for an apprentice license ($50) with a Verification of Supervision form signed by your Vermont-licensed cosmetologist supervisor and complete 1,500 apprentice hours.
2. Submit the cosmetologist application in OPR's Online Services System and pay the $120 application fee.
3. Upload your high school diploma or GED and proof of training hours (school completion certificate or Verification of Education form, or the Apprentice Verification form signed by your supervisor).
4. Wait for OPR's emailed approval to sit for the exams. Processing takes about 3-5 business days once the file is complete.
5. Register with Prov and pass both the theory and the practical exam.
6. OPR issues your license, which you can verify on the Find a Professional page.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Vermont accepts either a minimum of 1,000 school hours or a minimum of 1,500 apprenticeship hours supervised by a licensed cosmetologist. A currently licensed barber needs only 250 crossover school hours or 300 crossover apprentice hours. Apprentices must hold an apprentice license before training; the apprentice license costs $50 and does not renew.

Exam: Since November 1, 2023, Prov gives Vermont's national barber and cosmetology exams. After OPR approves your application, you register with Prov and must pass both exams with 75% or higher. Theory: 110 questions in 90 minutes, offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese, in person or remotely from home; fee $95. Practical: about 295 minutes, in person; fee $130.

What it costs in Vermont

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: Cosmetologist licenses renew every two years and expire November 30 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $155. Renewal opens six weeks before expiration; late renewals carry penalties. Continuing education (24 credits) is required only for instructors. An initial license issued 90 days or less before the renewal date runs through the next full two-year period.

Good to know in Vermont

Licensed in another state: Apply by endorsement if your state's requirements are substantially equivalent; otherwise show 1,500 documented hours of practice over at least one year with an Affidavit of Experience. Your first and most recent licensing states must send license verification directly to OPR.

Fast Track Endorsement: If you have been licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction for three or more years, you can use Fast Track Endorsement with a license verification showing those three continuous years.

Other licenses: Vermont also licenses barbers (750 school hours), estheticians (500 school hours) and nail technicians (200 school hours) under the same office.

Sources

• Vermont OPR - Barber Cosmetologist Nail Technician Esthetician Application Instructions (March 2026)
• Vermont OPR - Apprentice Application Instructions (May 2026)
• Vermont OPR - Renewal Instructions (March 2026)
• Vermont OPR - Initial Licensing/Renewal Fees & Dates (updated 7/1/2025)
• Vermont OPR - Barbers & Cosmetologists Forms & Instructions
• 26 V.S.A. § 283 - Examination
• Prov – Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Candidate Information Bulletin