Cosmetologist
Maryland
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$104
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 17 years old and have completed 9th grade or GED
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an approved school OR complete a 24-month registered apprenticeship in a licensed beauty salon
Complete the one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training (effective January 1, 2026)
Register with PSI Services and schedule both theory and practical exams (800-733-9267 or psiexams.com)
Pass the theory (written) examination
Pass the practical (hands-on) examination
Submit license application and $25 application fee to the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Undergo criminal background check
Receive cosmetology license (approval timeframe 1-30 days)
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 9th grade or GED
Residency
No residency requirement; license may be obtained by examination or reciprocity (endorsement)
Background Check
Applicants must undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. Applicants with certain types of criminal convictions may be ineligible for a cosmetology license. Applicants must disclose any relevant criminal history during the application process.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (approved by the State Board of Education or Maryland Higher Education Commission) or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Maryland offers a 24-month registered apprenticeship as an alternative to the 1,500-hour school program. The apprenticeship must be completed in a licensed beauty salon.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at an approved cosmetology school or through a registered apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedPractice of cosmetology in the state of Maryland, including hair cutting and styling, chemical hair services (coloring, perming, relaxing), skin care, nail care, sanitation and safety procedures, salon management, and services in compliance with Maryland state laws.
Examination
Written Exam
Maryland Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $49
Theory (written) exam covering sanitation and safety, hair care, chemical services, skin and nail care, salon management, and Maryland state laws. Administered by PSI Services. Specific question count and time limit not published in available sources.
Practical Exam
Maryland Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $49
Hands-on practical exam. Candidates must bring a complete cosmetology kit and a mannequin head that meets Maryland's standards. Combined theory + practical exam fee is $79 if taken together.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for cosmetologist license | $25 |
Exam Fee Combined theory + practical exam fee. Individual components are $49 each if taken separately. | $79 |
License Fee No separate license issuance fee beyond the $25 application fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($25) + combined exam fee ($79). No separate license issuance fee. | $104 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Cosmetology programs in Maryland range in cost depending on institution and program length.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
6 hours — Effective January 1, 2026, all Maryland cosmetologists must complete 6 hours of State Board-approved continuing education to renew their license. Additionally, all applicants for initial licensure and license renewals must complete a one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training.
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedMaryland offers licensure by endorsement for applicants with current licenses in good standing from other states. Applicants may need to meet equivalent training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must have a current license in good standing from their home state and may need to provide verification of licensure.
Related Licenses in Maryland
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
Maryland offers a 24-month salon apprenticeship as a full alternative to the 1,500-hour school program, making it one of the more accessible apprenticeship states. The state also has a unique 'Senior Cosmetologist' license. Starting January 2026, Maryland requires both 6 hours of CE and a one-time domestic violence awareness training hour, a newer requirement among cosmetology boards. Maryland's minimum education requirement (9th grade) is lower than most states.
Maryland requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or a 24-month apprenticeship alternative.
Effective January 1, 2026, all licensees must complete 6 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
A one-time 1-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for all initial licensure and renewal applicants (effective January 1, 2026).
Maryland also offers a 'Senior Cosmetologist' license for more experienced practitioners.
In 2025, Maryland House Bill 1223 authorized the Board to establish a limited license for eyelash extension technicians.
Maryland has one of the lower education requirements (9th grade or GED vs. 10th grade in most states).
It is against the law to practice with an expired license.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 hours or 24-month apprenticeship
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms training requirements and apprenticeship option
Accessed 2026-02-24
Curriculum areas covered
Accessed 2026-02-24
PSI Services administers exams; contact 800-733-9267
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms initial license fee $25
Accessed 2026-02-24
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Maryland
Maryland requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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