Cosmetologist
Oregon
Hair Design Practitioner Certificate License Requirements
Governing Authority
Oregon Board of Cosmetology (Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office)
Official website →1,110 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$155
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedGraduate from a Board-approved Oregon cosmetology school (Hair Design: 1,110 hours + 455 practical operations)
Complete 150 hours of Safety/Infection Control and 100 hours of Career Development (required for all fields)
Submit application with $30 application fee
Pass the Hair Design Written Examination ($45)
Pass the Oregon Laws and Rules Written Examination ($45)
Pay the $35 certification fee
Receive your Hair Design Practitioner Certificate (valid for 2 years)
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
Varies
Education Level
Must graduate from a Board-approved Oregon school
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,110 hours
Board-approved Oregon cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; must graduate from a Board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedHair designers in Oregon cut, trim and style hair, apply chemical treatments such as coloring, dyeing, relaxing and permanent waves, shampoo, cleanse and condition hair, and provide services such as temporary curling and braiding. A person certified to practice hair design is also authorized to practice natural hair care. Oregon does NOT have an umbrella 'cosmetology' license; instead it offers separate certifications for Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology.
Examination
Written Exam
Oregon Hair Design Written Exam + Oregon Laws and Rules Exam
- Administered by
- Oregon Board of Cosmetology
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $90
Two written exams required: (1) Hair Design field exam ($45) and (2) Oregon Laws and Rules exam ($45). Both must be passed within 2 years of application date.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee per field of practice | $30 |
Exam Fee Hair Design exam ($45) + Oregon Laws & Rules exam ($45) | $90 |
License Fee Certification fee (valid for 2 years) | $35 |
Total Government Fees Application ($30) + Hair Design exam ($45) + Laws & Rules exam ($45) + Certification ($35). Excludes education costs. | $155 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Oregon cosmetology school tuition estimates.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$65
Continuing Education
Required — As of July 1, 2025, all practitioners renewing must complete and maintain current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training. BBP training may be completed online or in person and is valid for one year. No other CE hours are required beyond the BBP training.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedOregon offers certification by reciprocity for out-of-state practitioners. Applicants must provide proof of licensure in another state and pass all relevant Oregon written examinations (field-specific + Laws & Rules). Reciprocity certification costs $65 (valid for 2 years).
Additional Requirements: Proof of out-of-state licensure; must pass Oregon written exams
Related Licenses in Oregon
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
Oregon is one of the few states without an umbrella 'cosmetology' license. Instead, practitioners must obtain separate certifications for each field (Hair Design, Barbering, Esthetics, Nail Technology). Oregon also calls these 'certifications' rather than 'licenses' and the Hair Design program is only 1,110 hours (lower than the typical 1,500 in most states). The state also has one of the lowest esthetics hour requirements in the country at 250 hours.
Oregon does NOT have an umbrella 'cosmetology' license. Instead, it offers separate certifications for Hair Design (1,110 hrs), Barbering (1,100 hrs), Esthetics (250 hrs), and Nail Technology (350 hrs).
Oregon calls these 'certifications' rather than 'licenses'.
The Board is under the Oregon Health Authority's Health Licensing Office, not a standalone board.
All students must complete 150 hours of Safety/Infection Control and 100 hours of Career Development regardless of field.
As of July 1, 2025, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training is required for all renewals.
Oregon's esthetics program is only 250 hours, the lowest in the nation.
Written exams must be passed within 2 years of application date.
Certifications are transferable between work locations.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,110 hours Hair Design + 455 practical operations
Accessed 2026-02-24
$30 per field of practice
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Oregon
Oregon requires 1,110 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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