How to Become a Cosmetologist in Wyoming

Who can apply

• To enroll in cosmetology school you must be at least 16 and have at least a tenth-grade education or its equivalent (Board Rules Ch. 5).
• You must graduate from a state-recognized cosmetology school with at least 1,600 hours over at least 8 months (Board Rules Ch. 6). Wyoming does not offer licensure by apprenticeship.
• You must pass the NIC theory exam and NIC written-practical exam given by Prov.
• You must provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a Wyoming-recognized cosmetology school; the school files your enrollment application with the Board within 10 days.
2. Complete at least 1,600 hours of theory and practical instruction.
3. Mail the Application for Examination with a notarized signature, proof of lawful presence, a passport-type photo, your certification of hours or final course record, and the $48 license fee (money order or cashier's check) to the Board office in Cheyenne.
4. After the Board approves your application, Prov emails you instructions to schedule and pay for the NIC theory and written-practical exams.
5. Pass both exams at a testing center. The Board then issues your license; you must have it in hand before you work.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,600 hours of theory and practical instruction over no less than 8 months at a state-recognized cosmetology school, including 850 hours in the science of hair, hairstyling and chemical services (Board Rules Ch. 6). Wyoming has no apprenticeship route; the Board's FAQ says you must train at a recognized school.

Exam: Wyoming requires the NIC theory exam and the NIC written-practical exam, given by Prov at testing centers around the state. Theory: 110 questions in 90 minutes; written-practical: 75 questions in 120 minutes; both offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese, and you need 70% on each. Prov's fee is $88 per exam, paid directly to Prov. If you fail a part, you retake that part; if you do not pass every part within one year of failing, you must retake the whole exam (Board Rules Ch. 2).

What it costs in Wyoming

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: Personal licenses cost $48 per year of the license term. After your first one-year license, you renew on a two-year cycle that expires in your birth month, with pro-rated amounts. Renew online or by mail. A license reinstatement fee is $175.

Good to know in Wyoming

Licensed in another state: Apply by endorsement with a current license, official certifications from the state of your original license and your current state, proof you graduated from a licensed school or approved apprenticeship, and proof you passed a state exam. Mail the notarized application to the Board. The Board's endorsement page lists a $273 fee (money order only); Board Rules Ch. 13 list $225.

Licensed but short on hours: If you hold a license elsewhere but do not meet Wyoming's requirements, you can apply to take Wyoming's exams with certification of your license.

Scope limits: Eyelash extensions require a cosmetologist or esthetician license. Licensees may not offer services that pierce the skin, such as microblading.

Sources

• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - Exam and Student Information
• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - Transferring a License
• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - FAQ
• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - Applications & Forms
• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - Rules & Regulations (Ch. 2, 5, 6, 13)
• Prov – Wyoming Board of Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin
• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology – Renewal Form for Personal Licenses