Cosmetologist
New York
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
New York State Department of State - Division of Licensing Services
Official website →1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
4 years
Renewal Cycle
$70
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,000 hours of approved cosmetology coursework at a licensed school (or qualify via out-of-state education or 5+ years experience)
Complete the mandatory 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness training
Obtain a health certification from a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner (must submit application within 30 days of certification)
Submit application and $40 fee (or $50 with temporary license) to the Department of State
Schedule and pass the written examination ($15)
Schedule and pass the practical examination ($15)
Receive your cosmetology license valid for 4 years
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Not specified beyond completing a 1,000-hour approved course of study; health certification from a physician required
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state education and experience may qualify
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person at a licensed school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedProviding service to the hair, head, face, neck, or scalp of a human being, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, straightening, shampooing, facials, and nail care.
Examination
Written Exam
New York Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- New York Department of State
- Questions
- 100
- Time
- 150 minutes
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $15
Multiple-choice exam covering cosmetology theory, safety, sanitation, technical skills, and state regulations. Available in 13 languages. Passing scores are valid for 5 years.
Practical Exam
New York Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- New York Department of State
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $15
Hands-on skills demonstration including hair cutting, styling, chemical services, and skincare on mannequins or live models under examiner supervision.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee; $50 if combined with temporary license | $40 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($15) + practical exam ($15) | $30 |
License Fee The $40 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($40) + written exam ($15) + practical exam ($15) | $70 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. New York cosmetology programs require 1,000 hours and vary significantly in cost, particularly between NYC and upstate schools.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
4 years
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$10
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedThe Department may waive NYS schooling requirements for applicants with equivalent out-of-state education, documented via certificate, transcript, and current licensure certification. Applicants with 5+ years of equivalent cosmetology experience outside NYS may also qualify. Military spouse waivers are available.
Additional Requirements: Must still pass both written and practical exams. Must submit health certification from a physician.
Related Licenses in New York
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
New York stands out with its 4-year license term and no continuing education requirement, making it one of the most hassle-free states for license maintenance. The state also offers the written exam in 13 languages, and its total government fees ($70) are among the lowest in the nation. A health certification from a physician is an unusual requirement not found in most other states.
New York has one of the longest license terms at 4 years, and no continuing education is required for renewal.
A mandatory 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness training is required.
Health certification from a physician is required and must be dated within 30 days of application.
Temporary licenses are available for 6 months ($10) to allow graduates to work while preparing for exams.
Written exam is available in 13 languages.
Passing exam scores are valid for 5 years.
Sources
Official NY DOS cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official 1,000-hour requirement
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms no apprenticeship
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in New York
New York requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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