Cosmetologist
Oklahoma
Cosmetology Operator License License Requirements
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Cycle
$115
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,000 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school OR 2,250 hours of apprenticeship
Submit exam registration form with $35 fee (cashier's check or money order) within 10 days of course completion
Pass the NIC Theory Exam (110 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing) through PSI
Pass the NIC Practical Exam (75% passing) through PSI
Pay the $80 individual license fee
Receive your Oklahoma Cosmetology Operator License
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED (or 10th grade completion for some pathways)
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,250 hours required
Effective July 1, 2025, Oklahoma offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,250 hours (reduced from 3,000 hours under HB 2141). Apprenticeship must be completed under a licensed instructor in an approved establishment.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be at a board-approved school or through apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists in Oklahoma are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, skin care, facials, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and related beauty services.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Theory Exam
- Administered by
- PSI
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $35
NIC theory exam with 110 multiple-choice questions and 90-minute time limit. Registration fee of $35 must be submitted within 10 days of course completion. Minimum 75% passing score.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Exam
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- Included in $35 registration fee
NIC practical exam. Both theory and practical must be passed with 75% or higher.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam registration fee (payable by cashier's check or money order) | $35 |
Exam Fee Registration fee covers exam registration with the board; additional PSI testing fees may apply separately | $35 |
License Fee Individual cosmetology license fee | $80 |
Total Government Fees Exam registration ($35) + License ($80). Excludes education costs and any additional PSI testing fees. | $115 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Oklahoma cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (transitioning to biennial as of November 1, 2025)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$10
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedOklahoma accepts out-of-state licenses through endorsement. Applicants must provide proof of current licensure from another state.
Additional Requirements: Proof of current out-of-state license in good standing
Related Licenses in Oklahoma
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
Oklahoma underwent major cosmetology law changes in 2025 under HB 2141, reducing school hours to just 1,000 (one of the lowest in the nation) and apprenticeship hours from 3,000 to 2,250. The state also transitioned from annual to biennial license renewal effective November 2025. The exam registration fee must be paid by cashier's check or money order specifically.
Major changes effective July 1, 2025 under HB 2141: school hours reduced to 1,000 (from previous higher requirement) and apprenticeship hours reduced to 2,250 (from 3,000).
Beginning November 1, 2025, all licenses transition from annual to biennial (every 2 years) renewal.
Exam registration fee must be submitted within 10 days of course completion.
The $35 exam registration fee must be paid by cashier's check or money order (no personal checks).
Late fee of $10 applies if license has been expired for more than 2 months.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,000 school hours or 2,250 apprenticeship hours (effective July 1, 2025)
Accessed 2026-02-24
HB 2141 reduced apprenticeship hours from 3,000 to 2,250
Accessed 2026-02-24
NIC exams through PSI
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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