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How to get a Cosmetologist license in Ohio

Ohio licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.1 For the Cosmetologist (practicing license) you need a passing score on the Ohio cosmetology practical examination2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $40 for the exam4 and $45 for the initial license4, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years5 and complete 4 hours of continuing education6.

Last checked · 21 official sources

Who issues it

Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

Exam

Ohio cosmetology practical examination2

Fees the board lists

Exam fee: $404
Initial license fee: $454

Renewal

Every 2 years5, 4 hours of continuing education6

From another state

License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses78 Details

On this page
  1. Ohio cosmetologist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Cosmetologist license
  4. Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
  5. How much a Cosmetologist license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Ohio with a license from another state
  9. Advanced license to practice cosmetology
  10. Cosmetology instructor license
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Rule changes since January 2024
  14. Common questions
  15. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Ohio cosmetologist licenses

Ohio issues 3 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Cosmetologist (practicing license)A cosmetologist may practice all branches of cosmetology (esthetics, hair design, manicuring, natural hair styling and boutique services) in a licensed facility.5–Yes7$454
Advanced license to practice cosmetologyAn advanced license to work in a salon and practice the branch of cosmetology practiced there; it is a prerequisite for the cosmetology instructor license.5Training 300 clock hours9Yes9$454
Cosmetology instructor licenseTeaches the theory and practice of all branches of cosmetology at a school.5Training 1,000 clock hours10Yes11$454

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Ohio cosmetologist licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required3
Fingerprints required3
The board may not deny a license based on prior incarceration or conviction for any crime; reasons for any denial must be in writing.7

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$404Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardNot refundable
Exam retake fee$354Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardNot refundable
No Show Examination$504Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardRescheduling after missing an exam without emailing a cancellation. Not refundable
Initial license fee$454Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardNot refundable

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

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years5
When it expires
Cosmetology licenses run February 1 of an odd year to January 31 of the next odd year; the current period ends January 31, 2027. Renewal is online in eLicense after the CE is reported in CE Broker; renewal notices are emailed from 120 days before expiry.6
Renewal fee
$654 (Per two-year period)
Continuing education
4 hours each renewal period6
Required topics
One hour Board Laws and Rules (free, only from the board, on CE Broker)6
Three hours Infection Control & Safety6
Approved courses
Board-approved providers only; completion is reported to CE Broker and verified at renewal. CE due January 15, 2027.6
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $4513 (renewed after January 31 of the renewal year)
Reinstatement fee: $20014 (lapsed license that expired in 2023)
Reinstatement fee: $24514 (lapsed license that expired in 2021 or earlier)
Escrow: $2513 (placing the license in inactive escrow status at renewal)
Reinstatement fee: $6515 (returning an escrowed license to active)
If it expires
Not renewed for two consecutive renewal periods (4 years): the license lapses and is inactive. Restore by paying back fees (up to three periods), the late fee and the current fee and completing the current 4 CE hours.14
Escrow (inactive) status: no CE while inactive; to reactivate complete the current 4 CE hours and pay $65.15
Renew online
elicense.ohio.gov6

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Active-duty service members and spouses (and veterans or veterans' spouses relocating within six months of honourable discharge) with an active license elsewhere can transfer it on eLicense ("Military Transfer") without an exam; the board says there is no fee. Under Ohio Adm. Code 4713-7-08 the temporary license is valid six years and non-renewable, and these applications are expedited.8
Conditions
Board certification must come directly from the other state board (within six months), plus orders assigning an Ohio duty station and, for spouses, a notarised marriage license.8
Fee
$08

2. Every license level except Cosmetology instructor license

Requirements

Minimum age
16 years old79

Renewal

Exemptions
No CE needed if you have held an Ohio board license 30+ years (issued before October 2, 1996) or are 65 or older before October 2, 2026 (renewal fee still due).6
First Ohio license: no CE for the renewal period ending January 31, 2027 (not available for instructor licenses).6

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

A cosmetologist may practice all branches of cosmetology (esthetics, hair design, manicuring, natural hair styling and boutique services) in a licensed facility.5

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Schooling
The equivalent of an Ohio public school tenth-grade education.7
Exam
Ohio cosmetology practical examination2
When you can take it: After the board approves the exam application (proof of all license conditions other than the exam) it emails you that you are eligible to schedule.12
Practical: timed sections with infection-control set-up; chemical services use simulated products; candidates bring a government photo ID.2
Retakes: Retake fee $35; missing an exam without emailing [email protected] forfeits the fee and requires the $50 reschedule (no-show) fee.12
Exam
Largest content areas: Anatomy & Physiology 27%, Infection Control & Safety 24%.16
Residency or citizenship
The application includes a copy of your driver's license or other proof of legal residence; out-of-country applicants prove citizenship or eligibility under 8 U.S.C. 1621.17
Also required
The board takes your photograph.7
Other requirements and options
Licensed barbers need only 1,000 school hours for the cosmetologist license.7

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Temporary license or permit$154Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardOptional temporary pre-examination work permit. Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$3013Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board–
License verification to another state$504Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardNot refundable

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. Create an eLicense account ("I DON'T HAVE A LICENSE") and submit the examination application with the $40 exam fee; give a biometric fingerprint scan at the board office.12 elicense.ohio.gov12
  2. Optional: upload the Application for Work Permit ($15) as "Additional Information" to work under supervision until your original exam date (one permit only).12
  3. When emailed that you are eligible, pick an exam date in eLicense and pass the practical and theory exams.12
  4. Pay the $45 license fee; the board issues the practicing license.7
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary pre-examination work permit ($15): supervised practice until the originally scheduled exam date; one per applicant; not for anyone who previously failed the exam.12

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Ohio Cosmetologist (practicing license). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Ohio with a license from another state

These are the routes the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board publishes for the Cosmetologist license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
License by reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in another state (Ohio Rev. Code 4713.28(C) and ch. 4796): you must have held the out-of-state license for at least one year immediately before applying and practiced for at least one of the last five years; a Board Certification must come directly from your current state board (within six months of preparation); apply on eLicense. Applicants from states that do not license may qualify with work experience or a certification.7
Conditions
Complete Ohio's free one-hour Human Trafficking Overview course (Ohio Learn) and upload the certificate with the reciprocity application.17
The out-of-state license must stay active and in good standing until the Ohio license is issued.17
Ohio will not certify a reciprocity license to another state until one year after issue (military and family-hardship exceptions).17

Advanced license to practice cosmetology

An advanced license to work in a salon and practice the branch of cosmetology practiced there; it is a prerequisite for the cosmetology instructor license.5

Requirements

Schooling
Equivalent of an Ohio tenth-grade education.9
Education or training
At least 300 clock hours9
Option B: a school certifies at least 300 hours of board-approved advanced cosmetologist training on top of the cosmetologist hours.9
Exam
Advanced Cosmetology examination12
Exam waived: The board may combine the advanced exam with the cosmetologist exam for combined training courses.18

How to apply

  1. Apply on eLicense for the advanced exam, pay the $40 exam fee, pass, and pay the $45 license fee.12 elicense.ohio.gov12

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Ohio issues an advanced license under ch. 4796 to holders of an advanced license in that branch in another state, or with qualifying work experience/certification from a state that does not issue it.9

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Cosmetology instructor license

Teaches the theory and practice of all branches of cosmetology at a school.5

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old11
Schooling
Equivalent of an Ohio twelfth-grade education.11
Education or training
At least 1,000 clock hours10
Option B: a school certifies 1,000 hours of board-approved cosmetology instructor training as an apprentice instructor.11
Experience
Option A: at least 1,800 hours practicing cosmetology in a licensed beauty salon (same scope as the instructor license).10
License you must hold first: A current, valid Ohio advanced license to practice cosmetology.11
Exam
Instructor theory examination (instructor curriculum exam)12
Also required
Instructors who previously held a practicing or advanced license are entitled to have it reissued on paying the renewal fee and attesting to CE.19

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Temporary license or permit$154Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardPre-examination permit to instruct for up to 120 days. Not refundable

How to apply

  1. Hold an Ohio advanced cosmetology license and either 1,800 salon hours (Work Experience Form) or 1,000 apprentice-instructor hours.10 Form (PDF, dam.assets.ohio.gov)10
  2. In eLicense choose "Apply for a New License", then pass the instructor exam and pay the $45 license fee.10 elicense.ohio.gov12
Temporary or provisional license
A pre-examination work permit lets an instructor applicant teach for up to 120 days.20

Renewal

Exemptions
No CE needed if you have held an Ohio board license 30+ years (issued before October 2, 1996) or are 65 or older before October 2, 2026 (renewal fee still due).6
The first-time licensee CE exemption does not apply to instructor licenses.6

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Ohio issues an instructor license under ch. 4796 to holders of an instructor license in that branch in another state, or with qualifying instructor experience/certification from a state that does not issue it.11

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a cosmetologist in Ohio, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Ohio is on the Ohio license lookup page.

Look up a license
elicense.ohio.gov21

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • October 24, 2024: HB 158 (135th GA) amended Ohio Rev. Code ch. 4713, including license qualifications in 4713.28, effective October 24, 2024; it also enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.7

Common questions

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Ohio?

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board publishes this route for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement7. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Ohio?

Every 2 years5. Continuing education: 4 hours6. The renewal fee is $654.

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.14Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Cosmetology Practical Testing Information PacketOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.20Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated January 21, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.10Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.01Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated April 9, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Continuing EducationOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.28Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Military Members & SpousesOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.30Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  10. InstructorsOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.31Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  12. ExamsOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  13. FeesOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  14. License RestorationOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Escrow/License ReinstatementOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Testing Information Packet Cosmetology TheoryOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  17. ReciprocityOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.25Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.58Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  20. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.22Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated January 21, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  21. elicense.ohio.goveLicense Ohio (Ohio Department of Administrative Services)Checked November 7, 2026