How to get a Cosmetologist license in Kentucky

Kentucky cosmetologist licenses

Kentucky issues 2 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Kentucky cosmetologist license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

Requirements

Minimum age

18 years old⁸

Background check

Applicants with a prior felony conviction must send a signed letter of explanation, a certified copy of the judgment and sentence, and (if on probation/parole) a letter of good standing from their officer.⁵

Fees

Renewal

When it expires

All licenses expire July 31 of each even-numbered year whatever the issue date; renew July 1–31 of that year with the items in 201 KAR 12:030 Section 4 (application, ID, photo, fee, employer salon).⁵

Renewal fee

$100⁴

Late renewal

Reinstatement fee: $50⁵ (per year expired, capped at $300 per license)

If it expires

Applications postmarked after July 31 are expired and owe a restoration fee ($50 per year expired, up to $300) with a Restoration Application.⁸
Expired more than five years: retake and pass both the practical and theory exams, plus restoration fee.⁸

From another state

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

Cosmetology covers hair styling, esthetics and nail technology, for the public or for pay.⁷

Work that does not need this license:

• Not covered: doctors, podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, chiropractors, nurses, embalmers doing incidental work; military medical personnel; services in Corrections/Juvenile Justice institutions; natural hair braiding.¹

Other rules on who may do this work:

• Licensees must work in a board-licensed establishment, except services to hospice patients, deceased persons at funeral homes, or people whose mobility is limited (physician attestation); event and homebound services need a separate permit.⁹

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

High school diploma or GED

High school diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or TABE results equal to grade 12 (also required to enroll in school).⁸

Education or training

At least 1,500 clock hours²
Graduate from a licensed cosmetology school requiring 1,500 hours (at least 375 lecture hours of science/theory, 1,085 clinic and practice hours, 40 hours of Kentucky law), within five years of enrolling.²
Who may teach it: Board-licensed school; students pay the board an enrollment fee before enrolling and train at most 9 hours a day, 40 a week. Hours from another state need certification from that state.⁸

Exam

PSI National Cosmetology Program (NCP) theory test and national master cosmetology practical test³
Given by: PSI³
Passing score: 70% on the theory test and on the practical demonstration⁵
When you can take it: Cosmetology students register with the board at least 8 months before graduation; exam applications must reach the board 10 business days before the exam date.⁵
Theory test (computer-based) — must be passed before scheduling the practical³
Practical demonstration on a mannequin head and hand; wear solid-color (not white) scrubs and bring your own kit⁵
Time limit: Passing scores are valid six months; you must apply for the license within 90 days of passing (otherwise restoration and license fees apply).⁵
Exam waived: Reciprocity applicants from comparable states (1,500 hours + theory and practical exams) or with two years of continuous practice are not re-examined.¹⁰

Also required

Good moral character and temperate habit; a 2x2 passport photo taken within six months; government photo ID; the name and license number of the salon where you will work.⁵

Also required

Practising beyond your school enrollment before the exam bars you from testing for one year.⁵

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

You pay PSI (2 fees) and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (3 fees).

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

1. Enrol in a Kentucky-licensed cosmetology school (proof of high school/GED, passport photo, $25 student enrollment fee to the board) and complete 1,500 hours.²
2. Register with the board at least 8 months before graduation; send each Application for Examination at least 10 business days before the exam date.⁵
3. Create a PSI account, pay $85 and pass the theory test; then apply, pay $85 and pass the practical (70% each).³
4. Within 90 days of passing, submit the First-Time License Application with diploma, photo ID, 2x2 photo, $50 fee and your salon's name and license number.⁵

Renewal and continuing education

Moving to Kentucky with a license from another state

These are the routes the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology publishes for the Cosmetologist license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

License to teach cosmetology

Teaching cosmetology in a board-licensed school.⁷

Requirements

Education or training

At least 750 clock hours⁸
Instructor training certificate (apprentice instructor): 750 hours over at least 4.5 months at one school (425 hours in direct contact with students; 325 theory hours may be online). Then hold the certificate and a cosmetologist license for 4.5 months.⁸
Who may teach it: Training under immediate supervision of a licensed instructor at a licensed school; online theory only through a Kentucky school's approved platform.²

Experience

At least 1 year⁸
Hold a cosmetologist license for at least one year before starting instructor training.⁸
License you must hold first: Kentucky cosmetologist license⁸

Exam

Cosmetology instructor examination (theory and practical)⁸
Passing score: 80% theory, 85% practical⁵

Fees

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

1. After one year as a licensed cosmetologist, enroll as an apprentice instructor ($25) with an application signed by the school owners.⁸
2. Complete 750 hours (at least 4.5 months) of instructor training; the school verifies completion to the board.⁸
3. Pass the instructor theory (80%) and practical (85%) exams and apply for the license ($50).⁵

From another state

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• KRS 317A.010 (definitions)
• KRS 317A.020 (scope; licensure required)
• KRS 317A.050 (qualifications for licenses and permits)
• KRS 317A.100 (reciprocal licensing)
• KRS 317A.105 (Cosmetology Licensure Compact)
• KRS 317A.120 (examinations)
• KRS 317A.155 (practice in licensed establishments)
• 201 KAR 12:030 (licensing and examinations)
• 201 KAR 12:082 (education requirements and school administration)
• 201 KAR 12:260

Rule changes since January 2024

• December 2, 2025: 201 KAR 12:260 renewal fee for cosmetologists raised to $100 from $50 (LRC markup copy shows the struck amount).⁴
• June 27, 2025: KRS 317A.120 amended (2025 Ky. Acts ch. 68): unlimited exam retakes.¹¹

Common questions

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

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