Cosmetologist
District of Columbia
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection)
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$230
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school (or 500 classroom theory hours + 2,000 apprenticeship hours)
Be at least 17 years of age with completion of the 10th grade
Complete a New License Application with $230 total fee (exam $55 + application $65 + license $110)
Submit application and fee to Pearson VUE
Pass the cosmetology theory exam (offered 6 times per year)
After passing theory, be automatically registered for the next practical exam
Pass the cosmetology practical exam
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade
Residency
No DC residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
Apprenticeship alternative requires 500 classroom theory hours at a Board-approved school plus 2,000 hours of apprenticeship work experience in cosmetology salons. All classroom theory training must be completed before beginning the work experience portion.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetologists in the District of Columbia are licensed to perform hair analysis, hair styling, cutting, coloring, physical and chemical hair processes, facials, skin care, nail services (manicuring and pedicuring), and client consultation. The Board also oversees specialized areas such as braiding, electrolysis, esthetics, and manicuring as separate licenses.
Examination
Written Exam
Cosmetology Theory Exam
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Fee
- $55
Theory exam administered by Pearson VUE. Covers safety, hair analysis, styling, physical processes, chemical processes, hygiene, nails, state laws and regulation, and client consultation. Theory exams are offered six times per year: January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Practical Exam
Cosmetology Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Fee
- Included in exam fee
Practical exam scheduled automatically after passing the theory exam. Candidates are registered for the next regularly scheduled practical examination after passing theory.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $65 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $55 |
License Fee | $110 |
Total Government Fees Application ($65) + exam ($55) + license ($110) | $230 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$25,000
Varies by school. DC area schools may be higher cost. NOT a government fee.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
Up to 2 years (expires April 15 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
Varies
Continuing Education
6 hours — Must complete 6 CE credits per 2-year renewal cycle: 2 hours in health/safety/welfare course and 4 hours in general elective courses from a Board-approved CE provider. CE requirement is waived for first-time renewals and owner license renewals.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedDC offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants from jurisdictions with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants must provide a letter of good standing from their licensing jurisdiction. DC also offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who passed an examination acceptable to the Board.
Additional Requirements: Letter of good standing from current jurisdiction; proof of substantially equivalent requirements or acceptable examination
Related Licenses in District of Columbia
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
DC is one of the few jurisdictions in this batch that requires continuing education for license renewal (6 CE credits per 2-year cycle). The theory exam is offered only 6 times per year, and the practical exam is automatically scheduled after passing theory. The apprenticeship program uniquely requires 500 classroom hours to be completed before beginning 2,000 work hours. CE is waived for first-time renewals.
DC is one of the few jurisdictions that requires continuing education (6 CE credits per renewal cycle) for cosmetology license renewal.
Theory exams are offered only 6 times per year (January, March, May, July, September, November).
Practical exams are automatically scheduled after passing the theory exam.
The CE requirement is waived for first-time renewals.
Exam and application process is handled entirely through Pearson VUE (1-877-374-1155).
The apprenticeship path requires completing 500 classroom theory hours before beginning the 2,000-hour work experience.
Sources
Official DC government website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in District of Columbia
District of Columbia requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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