Cosmetologist
Connecticut
Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician License Requirements
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) - Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmeticians
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Cycle
$165
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete at least 9th grade education or GED equivalent
Complete 1,500 hours of training at a CT State Board-approved cosmetology school
Schedule and pass the written exam through Prometric ($65 exam fee, 100 questions, 2 hours)
Submit your license application to CT DPH with the $100 application fee
Application can be submitted online or by mail to CT DPH at 410 Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134
Processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks after complete documentation submission
Receive your Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
9th grade or GED equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (Connecticut State Board-approved or State Board of Education-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; must complete training at an approved school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedLicensed hairdressers and cosmeticians in Connecticut can provide hair services (cutting, coloring, styling, perming, chemical treatments), basic skincare, facials, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, and natural hair braiding.
Examination
Written Exam
Connecticut Cosmetology Written Exam
- Administered by
- Prometric
- Questions
- 100
- Time
- 120 minutes
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $65
100 multiple-choice questions with 2 hours to complete. Administered through Prometric testing centers. Connecticut only requires a written theory exam; no practical skills exam is required.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application/license fee submitted to CT DPH | $100 |
Exam Fee Written exam fee paid to Prometric | $65 |
License Fee Combined application/license fee | $100 |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($100) + Exam ($65). Excludes education costs. | $165 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Connecticut cosmetology school tuition. Certificate programs (9-18 months) tend to be cheaper; associate degree programs (~2 years) cost more.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (biennial, expires last day of birth month)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month)
Renewal Fee
$100
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedConnecticut offers licensure for out-of-state applicants who hold an active license based on completion of a training program (1,500+ hours) and passing a licensing exam, in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions. Application fee is $100. Those without an exam-based license may qualify with 5+ years of documented work experience.
Additional Requirements: Active out-of-state license with equivalent training (1,500+ hours) and exam passage; $100 application fee
Related Licenses in Connecticut
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Connecticut is one of the few states that does NOT require a practical exam for cosmetology licensure - only a written theory exam is needed. The state also uses the unique title 'Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician' instead of the more common 'Cosmetologist'. Connecticut's minimum education requirement is only 9th grade, which is lower than most states.
Connecticut uses the title 'Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician' rather than 'Cosmetologist'.
Connecticut does NOT require a practical skills exam - only a written theory exam is required.
Connecticut requires only 9th grade education (lower than most states that require 10th grade or GED).
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
The examining board is under the CT Department of Public Health, not a standalone board.
Out-of-state applicants without exam-based licenses can qualify with 5+ years of documented work experience.
License expires on the last day of birth month biennially.
Prometric administers the exam (not PSI or NIC).
Sources
Official state licensing website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Statutory fee amount
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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