How to Become a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin

Who can apply

• You must have graduated from high school or have an HSED or GED, be in a Board-approved program, or be at least 18 years old.
• You must complete at least 1,550 hours of cosmetology instruction over at least 10 months at a licensed or accredited school, or complete a Wisconsin cosmetology apprenticeship.
• You must pass the state board written and practical exams given by D.L. Roope Administrations (Prometric).

Step by step

1. Complete 1,550 hours at a Wisconsin cosmetology school (at least 10 months), or get a cosmetology apprentice permit ($10) and complete an apprenticeship through the Department of Workforce Development.
2. Apply for the written and practical exams with D.L. Roope online or with a paper application from your school. You can also request a $10 temporary permit if your DSPS application and Certificate of Training (Form 3044) are on file.
3. Schedule and pass both exams (scaled score of 75 on each).
4. In LicensE (license.wi.gov), apply for Cosmetologist, Licensure by Examination, and pay the $11 fee. Your school sends your final record of instruction directly to DSPS.
5. DSPS reviews the application in about 10 days and issues your license once all requirements are met.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,550 training hours over no less than 10 months at a school of cosmetology licensed or exempted under Wisconsin law or accredited by a Board-approved agency, or an apprenticeship under Wisconsin statute. An apprentice permit lasts 3 years and can be extended once for one year ($10) with Department of Workforce Development certification of acceptable progress.

Exam: D.L. Roope Administrations (part of Prometric) gives the NIC Cosmetologist written exam, which includes Wisconsin state law questions in English, and the NIC practical exam (English only). The written exam is offered in additional languages. You need a scaled score of 75 on each exam; if you fail one, you retake that whole exam. Exam fees are listed on D.L. Roope's application; paying online adds a $10 card processing fee per exam.

What it costs in Wisconsin

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 by March 31 of odd-numbered years; the renewal fee is $11, and a $25 late fee applies after expiration. There is no continuing education: Wisconsin law removed CE as a renewal condition. Instead you must certify that you reviewed DSPS's Cosmetology Digest of law and rule changes. A license expired over 5 years requires passing the current written and practical exams, unless you hold an active license in another state.

Good to know in Wisconsin

Licensed in another state: Apply for Licensure by Endorsement with an active license in good standing and no discipline. Your licensing state must send verification to DSPS, and you must complete a one-hour Wisconsin cosmetology laws course from a Board-approved provider, which sends the certificate directly.

Criminal record predetermination: If you have convictions, you can ask DSPS for a predetermination in LicensE before you apply, to learn whether your record would disqualify you.

Inactive status: If you stop practicing, you can place the license on inactive status at renewal for half the renewal fee.

Sources

• DSPS - Cosmetologist
• DSPS - Cosmetologist Licensure by Examination
• DSPS - Cosmetologist Licensure by Endorsement
• DSPS - Cosmetology Apprentice
• DSPS - Credential Fees and Renewal Dates
• DSPS - Cosmetology Digest
• D.L. Roope - Wisconsin Cosmetologist Candidate Handbook (effective April 1, 2026)