Cosmetologist
Washington
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,600 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$329
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Complete 1,600 hours of cosmetology training at a DOL-approved school, OR 2,000 hours through an apprenticeship program
Register for and pass the NIC written exam through D.L. Roope Administrations ($180 fee)
Register for and pass the NIC practical exam through D.L. Roope Administrations ($114 fee)
Complete the official cosmetologist license application form
Submit application with $35 fee online via SecureAccess Washington (SAW) for faster processing, or by mail
Receive your Washington cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via reciprocity
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,600 hours
Cosmetology school (DOL-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
Apprenticeship pathway requires 2,000 hours of supervised training. Full-time school typically takes 9-12 months, while apprenticeship takes longer.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified in official sources. Contact the Department of Licensing for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedHair, skin, and nail services including hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical waving, chemical relaxing, thermal curling, hair lightening, shampooing, conditioning, skin care and facials, hair removal, manicuring, pedicuring, and infection control procedures.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Cosmetologist Written Examination
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. (a Prometric company)
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $180
NIC (National Interstate Council) written exam with 110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored items). 90 minutes allowed. Must score at least 75% to pass. Students may schedule exams when within 100 hours of completing required instruction. Training hours expire after 3 years if not applied toward licensure.
Practical Exam
NIC Cosmetologist Practical Examination
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. (a Prometric company)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $114
NIC practical examination lasting approximately 4-5 hours. Evaluates competence in hair shaping, chemical waving, chemical relaxing, thermal curling, hair lightening and coloring, and infection control procedures. Performed on mannequins only (models not permitted). Practical exam is only offered in English. Retakes available with additional fee.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial cosmetologist license application fee | $35 |
Exam Fee Written ($180) + Practical ($114), paid directly to D.L. Roope Administrations. Credit card processing fee of $8 per exam may apply. | $294 |
License Fee License fee is included in the $35 application fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application ($35) + exam ($294). Exam fees paid separately to D.L. Roope Administrations. | $329 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$66
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$131 (late renewal within one year of expiration; license cancelled if expired more than one year)
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedWashington offers license reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Applicants must provide proof of active license in good standing. If the originating state uses NIC examinations, retesting may not be required. Otherwise, Washington state exams may be needed.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity application fee of $60. Must provide proof of current license in good standing from home state.
Related Licenses in Washington
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
Washington's $294 combined exam fee is notably higher than many states. The state uses NIC exams administered by D.L. Roope Administrations (a Prometric company), and also offers a separate 'Hair Designer' license (1,400 hours) for those who only want to do hair services without the full cosmetology scope. Training hours expire after 3 years if not used.
Students may schedule exams when within 100 hours of completing their required instruction hours.
Training hours expire after 3 years if not applied toward licensure.
Retakes are available for failed exams (one retake per day allowed) with an additional fee.
The practical exam is only offered in English.
Licenses expired more than 1 year are cancelled and require full reapplication, potentially including exams.
Washington uses the NIC (National Interstate Council) exams, which may facilitate reciprocity with other NIC states.
Online application via SecureAccess Washington (SAW) is faster than mail-in.
Sources
Official state licensing authority website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Specifies 1,600 hours for school or 2,000 for apprenticeship
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms training hour requirements and curriculum
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official DL Roope scheduling page for WA exams
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official WA DOL fee schedule
Accessed 2026-02-24
Biennial renewal confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Washington
Washington requires 1,600 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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