Cosmetologist
West Virginia
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,800 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January)
Renewal Cycle
$50–$150
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school (must reach 300 hours before working with the public)
Submit application with $25 application/exam fee to the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Schedule and pass the NIC written exam and state law exam with 70% or higher
Schedule and pass the NIC practical exam with 70% or higher (approximately 4-5 hours long)
Pay $25 license fee
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Applicants must be judged of 'good moral character'. Background check appears to be required.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Licensed cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person. Students must reach 300 hours before working with the public.
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetologists in West Virginia may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments (perming, relaxing, straightening), nail care (manicuring, pedicuring), skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and waxing. Services are regulated under WV Code Article 30-27.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written Exam + State Law Exam
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administrations
- Passing Score
- 70%
NIC written examination plus West Virginia state law exam. A scaled score of 70.00 is required.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Exam
- Administered by
- D.L. Roope Administrations
- Passing Score
- 70%
NIC Cosmetologist Practical Examination lasting approximately 4-5 hours. Tests hands-on cosmetology skills.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application and exam fee | $25 |
Exam Fee Exam fee included in the $25 application fee per one source; another source cites a $99 testing fee. Exact current exam fee not confirmed. | N/A |
License Fee Initial license fee | $25 |
Total Government Fees Application ($25) + license ($25) + exam fees (varies). Range reflects uncertainty about exam fees. | $50–$150 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
1 year (annual, expires December 31)
Renewal Cycle
Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January)
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
4 hours — 4 hours of continuing education each year (annual requirement). CE completion is required for renewal approval.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedWest Virginia allows license reciprocity for applicants who hold a valid professional license from another U.S. state or country. The state acknowledges actual licensed practice experience in place of mandatory training: a month of professional work = 25 hours, a year = 300 hours. Total practice experience credit may not exceed 50% of the mandatory hours and must be obtained within the past five years.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity fee is $50; practice experience credit capped at 50% of required hours; experience must be within past 5 years
Related Licenses in West Virginia
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
West Virginia requires students to complete at least 300 hours of training before they can work with the general public in school settings, which is a specific protective measure. The NIC practical exam in WV is notably long at 4-5 hours. The state's reciprocity formula converts work experience to training hours (1 month = 25 hours) but caps the credit at 50% of the mandatory hours.
Students must complete at least 300 hours before working with the general public in a school setting
License renewal is annual (not biennial), expiring December 31
West Virginia's practical exam is approximately 4-5 hours long, longer than most states
Work experience credit for reciprocity: 1 month = 25 hours, capped at 50% of required hours
The WV Board has considered raising licensing fees
Sources
Official West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
State requirements listing
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official WV candidate handbook
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in West Virginia
West Virginia requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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