How to Become a Cosmetologist in Virginia

Who can apply

• Complete an approved training program: 1,000 hours in a licensed Virginia cosmetology school, a Virginia high school cosmetology program, or a completed Registered Apprenticeship (Virginia Works).
• Out-of-state training counts if it is substantially equivalent (at least 80% of Virginia's hours, within the U.S.); a non-equivalent course plus three years of cosmetology work experience also qualifies.
• Pass the written (theory) and practical exams given by Prov.
• Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where you are licensed and disclose any past discipline.

Step by step

1. Complete 1,000 hours at a Virginia-licensed cosmetology school (or finish a cosmetology Registered Apprenticeship through Virginia Works).
2. Get your school to complete a Training Verification Form (apprentices use the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement form from their apprenticeship representative).
3. Submit the Cosmetology Examination & License Application online at provexam.com (or by mail to Prov) and pay the exam fee: $194 for both parts.
4. Pass the theory and practical exams. If you fail, you must pass a re-exam within one year of the first exam date or file a new application and fee.
5. DPOR issues your license once you pass. Check it on DPOR's License Lookup.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 1,000 hours in a licensed Virginia cosmetology school, a Virginia public school cosmetology program approved by the Department of Education, or a completed Registered Apprenticeship (Virginia Works). Students who enrolled before September 1, 2024 in the old 1,500-hour program had to finish by August 31, 2026; students enrolled September 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025 in a 1,000-hour program must finish by December 31, 2026. A new cosmetology curriculum (same 1,000 hours, revised topics) took effect December 1, 2025.

Exam: Prov administers Virginia's cosmetology exams: a theory (written) exam and a practical exam. Fees on DPOR's application (form A450-1201_04EXLIC, rev. 12/01/2025): practical and theory together $194; practical only $95; theory only $99. If you do not pass a re-exam within one year of your first exam date, you must submit a new application and exam fee.

What it costs in Virginia

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: A license expires two years from the last day of the month it was issued. The cosmetologist renewal fee is $120. If you renew more than 30 days late, you pay a $240 reinstatement fee (which includes the renewal fee). After two years expired, you must reapply as a new applicant; if you were licensed in Virginia for at least three years, you submit a new application and pass the exam.

Good to know in Virginia

Cosmetology Compact: Virginia has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. The compact commission hopes to activate multistate practice in early 2027; it is not active yet.

Teens and criminal records: Since July 1, 2025, 16- and 17-year-olds may work in a licensed salon as apprentices, in a work-training program, or once licensed. Since the same date, boards cannot deny a license for vague 'good moral character' reasons, and you can ask the Board for a binding predetermination on your criminal record before you start training.

Licensed in another state: Apply by endorsement with a current license, a Certification of Licensure dated within the last 60 days, substantially equivalent training (at least 800 of Virginia's 1,000 hours) and substantially equivalent exams. If your training was under 800 hours, you can substitute three years of licensed work experience (18VAC41-20-30 C; Training Substitution Form). The endorsement fee is $120 in the regulation; the July 2026 form charges $134.50 including the technology fee.

Scope of practice change: Under regulation changes taking effect December 1, 2025, Virginia cosmetologists may not perform straight razor shaving, body treatments or machine facials.

Sources

• DPOR - Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
• DPOR - Summary of Virginia Licensing Requirements (rev. 8/17/2026)
• DPOR - Cosmetology Examination & License Application (A450-1201_04EXLIC)
• DPOR - Curriculum Requirements (new minimum hours)
• DPOR - 2025 Legislative Update
• DPOR - How to Transfer a License from Another State
• 18VAC41-20-140 - Fees
• 18VAC41-20-160 - Renewal required
• 18VAC41-20-180 - Failure to renew
• Virginia DPOR – License by Endorsement Application A450-1213END (07/01/2026)
• 18VAC41-20-30 License by endorsement