Cosmetologist
North Carolina
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
3 years
Renewal Cycle
$138–$148
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetic art school cosmetologist curriculum (or 1,200 hours for apprentice cosmetologist)
Submit exam application through DL Roope Administrations (online at dlroope.com or by mail)
Schedule and pass the NIC written examination (75% passing score for cosmetologist, 70% for apprentice)
Schedule and pass the NIC practical examination (75% passing score for cosmetologist, 70% for apprentice)
Submit license application and $49 fee to NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Receive a temporary permit ($5) valid for 6 months from date of graduation if desired
Receive your cosmetologist license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Not explicitly required by statute; most approved schools require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants can apply via reciprocity
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,200 hours required
North Carolina offers an apprentice cosmetologist license requiring 1,200 hours in an approved cosmetic art school apprentice curriculum. The apprentice exam requires a passing score of 70% (vs. 75% for full cosmetologist).
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetology includes the act of arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work upon the hair of a person by any means, including the use of hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus, or appliances or by use of cosmetic or chemical preparations or antiseptics. Also includes systematic manipulation of the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet. North Carolina has one of the more progressive scope-of-practice definitions, explicitly permitting dermaplaning and microneedling up to 1mm since a 2022 Board ruling.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- DL Roope Administrations (using NIC exams)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $10–$20
Written theory exam based on NIC (National-Interstate Council) standards. Can be taken at approved testing locations including some community colleges. Electronic registration is $10; paper application is $20.
Practical Exam
NIC Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- DL Roope Administrations (using NIC exams)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $79
Hands-on practical examination demonstrating cosmetology skills.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee In-state cosmetologist initial license fee; $64 for out-of-state applicants | $49 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($10–$20) + practical exam ($79). Varies based on electronic vs. paper registration. | $89–$99 |
License Fee | Included in $49 application fee |
Total Government Fees Application/license fee ($49) + written exam ($10–$20) + practical exam ($79) | $138–$148 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. NC requires 1,500 hours and program costs vary widely.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
3 years (must be renewed by October 1)
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
24 hours — 8 hours of continuing education per year for 3 years (24 hours total per renewal cycle). Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE requirements.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedNorth Carolina has cosmetology licensure reciprocity agreements with most states. If approved for reciprocity, applicants do not have to take the state exams. Out-of-state applicants pay a $64 fee (vs. $49 for in-state).
Additional Requirements: Must provide proof of current, active license in good standing from the originating state.
Related Licenses in North Carolina
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
North Carolina stands out with its 3-year license renewal cycle (most states use 2 years), which also means a higher total CE requirement of 24 hours (8 hours/year x 3 years) over the cycle. The state uses NIC exams administered by DL Roope Administrations rather than PSI or Prometric. NC also has an exemption for experienced cosmetologists (10+ years, age 60+) from continuing education.
North Carolina is one of the few states with a 3-year license renewal cycle (vs. the standard 2 years).
NC uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by DL Roope Administrations.
A temporary permit ($5) is available for 6 months after graduation.
North Carolina also offers a 'Natural Hair Care Specialist' license requiring 300 hours.
NC has a progressive scope of practice allowing dermaplaning and microneedling (up to 1mm) since 2022.
Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60+ are exempt from CE requirements.
The Board has no explicit minimum age requirement in statute.
Sources
Official Board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 hours for cosmetologist, 1,200 for apprentice
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms training hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Exam scheduling via DL Roope
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official fee schedule
Accessed 2026-02-24
3-year renewal cycle
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina
North Carolina requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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