How to get a Cosmetologist license in South Carolina
South Carolina licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Board of Cosmetology.1 For the Cosmetologist license you need at least 1,500 clock hours1 of education and a passing score on the Board licensing examination in two parts: theory (written) and practical; the board may use the NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) testing service for the theory part.1. You renew every 2 years1 and complete at least 4 hours of continuing education2.
Who issues it
Board of Cosmetology
Training and experience
Training: at least 1,500 clock hours1
Exam
Board licensing examination in two parts: theory (written) and practical; the board may use the NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) testing service for the theory part.1
On this page
- South Carolina cosmetologist licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Cosmetologist license
- Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to South Carolina with a license from another state
- Crossover Cosmetologist
- Instructor license
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Cosmetologist licenses in other states
South Carolina cosmetologist licenses
South Carolina issues 3 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetology for compensation: styling, cutting, chemical waving/relaxing/coloring and similar work on hair, wigs and hairpieces; cosmetic preparations, make-up, waxing, tweezing and similar work on the scalp, legs, feet, face, neck, arms and hands; and manicuring or pedicuring.1 | Training 1,500 clock hours1 | Yes1 |
| Crossover Cosmetologist | Cosmetologist license for SC master hair care specialists (see the Cosmetologist record for scope).1 | Training 350 clock hours2 Experience 5 years2 | Yes2 |
| Instructor (license to teach cosmetology, nail technology or esthetics) | Teaching cosmetology or any of its practices in a licensed school.1 | Training 45 clock hours2 Experience 2 years2 | Yes2 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the South Carolina 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
- A license may be denied for a prior criminal record only as allowed by S.C. Code 40-1-140: the conviction must directly relate to the occupation, and the applicant gets a hearing before denial.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years1
- When it expires
- Renew every two years on the date the board designates; a license not renewed by that date expires.1
- Continuing education
- At least 4 hours each renewal period2
- Approved courses
- Only board-approved CE programs count; CE may be taken in person or online through a board-approved class, and transcripts are kept by the University of South Carolina.2
- If it expires
- An expired license can be restored within 3 years by paying the renewal/reinstatement fee and showing CE; after 3 years the theory and practical exams must be retaken.1
Inactive status is available on a board form; inactive licenses still renew every two years by paying the renewal fee.1
2. Every license level except Instructor (license to teach cosmetology, nail technology or esthetics)
Renewal
- Required topics
- 4 contact hours on board laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection control (including sanitation and disinfection), per licensing period2
3. Every license level except Cosmetologist
From another state
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Spouses of active-duty service members stationed in SC must be issued a one-year, non-renewable temporary license if they hold a license in good standing elsewhere; boards must credit military education, training and experience.3
Who needs a Cosmetologist license
Cosmetology for compensation: styling, cutting, chemical waving/relaxing/coloring and similar work on hair, wigs and hairpieces; cosmetic preparations, make-up, waxing, tweezing and similar work on the scalp, legs, feet, face, neck, arms and hands; and manicuring or pedicuring.1
Work that does not need this license:
- Exempt: manufacturer representatives demonstrating products, closed educational programs, manufacturer/wholesaler demonstrations, and unlicensed salon employees who only shampoo under a cosmetologist's direct supervision.1
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.
- Minimum age
- 16 years old1
- High school diploma or GED
- Not required1
- Education or training
- At least 1,500 clock hours1
At least 1,500 hours of cosmetology classes in a board-approved school (or be a registered master hair care specialist meeting the board's education rules, see the Crossover Cosmetologist record).1
Who may teach it: A school approved by the board, i.e. licensed by the SC board or by the equivalent board where it is located.1
Alternative: Public-school (high school / career center) cosmetology programs carry the same rights as post-secondary schools; students switching to private schools transfer only hours actually completed.2 - Exam
- Board licensing examination in two parts: theory (written) and practical; the board may use the NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) testing service for the theory part.1
Passing score: 75 on each part2
Theory examination2
Practical examination2
Retakes: Retake only the failed part, on a board form with the re-examination fee; a no-show forfeits the exam fee.2 - Also required
- Every application (initial, endorsement, renewal, reinstatement) needs a 2x2 photo, or permission for LLR to use the SC DMV photo.2
How to apply
- Complete 1,500 hours in a board-approved cosmetology school.1
- Apply to the board for the examination on the board's form, with the exam fee.1
- Pass the theory and practical exams (75 on each).2
- Apply for the license with a 2x2 photo and pay the license fee.2
- Temporary or provisional license
- Emergency temporary work permit (up to 90 days) only during a public emergency when qualified candidates cannot get the exam; work under direct supervision of a SC licensee in a licensed salon.2
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your South Carolina Cosmetologist license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to South Carolina with a license from another state
These are the routes the Board of Cosmetology 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 endorsement for people licensed in good standing in another state, territory or DC who either passed a nationally recognized entry exam, or have been licensed 2+ years and complete 4 hours of board-approved CE on SC laws, client safety and infection control. Comity applicants also pass the SC state law exam.2
- Conditions
- Route (b) CE: 4 hours of board-approved CE (in person or online) on SC laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection control; these hours also count for the first renewal.2
The statute also lets the board grant full reciprocity to residents of other states who are properly licensed there.1
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- Spouses of active-duty service members stationed in SC must be issued a one-year, non-renewable temporary license if they hold a license in good standing elsewhere; boards must credit military education, training and experience.3
Crossover Cosmetologist
Cosmetologist license for SC master hair care specialists (see the Cosmetologist record for scope).1
Requirements
- Education or training
- Up to 350 clock hours2
Cosmetology school hours by years of master hair care experience: 5 years = none; 4 years + 100 hours; 3 years + 200 hours; under 3 years = 350 hours.2 - Experience
- Up to 5 years2
Five years as a licensed master hair care specialist (with no extra school hours), or less experience plus school hours.2
License you must hold first: Current SC Master Hair Care Specialist license (Board of Barber Examiners)2 - Also required
- Education must be at least equal to current cosmetology education.2
How to apply
- Submit a completed application, fee and proof of a current SC Master Hair Care Specialist license; pass the theory and practical exams.2
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- Crossover license is only for SC master hair care specialists; out-of-state cosmetologists use endorsement.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.
Instructor license
Teaching cosmetology or any of its practices in a licensed school.1
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Required2
- Education or training
- At least 750 clock hours2
750-hour Student Instructor Training Program in a board-licensed school (required only if you lack 2 years of licensed practice).2
Who may teach it: Under direct supervision of a licensed instructor in a board-licensed school, one student instructor per instructor.2 - Experience
- At least 2 years2
Hold a cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician license and have practiced at least 2 years (or complete the 750-hour instructor training program instead).2
License you must hold first: SC cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician license2
Substitute: 750-hour Student Instructor Training Program replaces the 2 years of practice.2 - Exam
- Instructor's examination prescribed by the board2
- Also required
- 2x2 photo with each application.2
- Also required
- An instructor with a current instructor license need not also renew the cosmetologist license while the instructor license and its CE are kept current.2
How to apply
- Hold a SC cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician license and either 2 years of practice or the 750-hour instructor program; complete the 45-hour teaching-methods course.2
- Apply on the board's instructor form and pay the fee.2
- Pass the instructor's examination.2
Renewal
- Required topics
- 4 contact hours geared toward teaching, per two-year licensing period2
- Exemptions
- No CE in the first licensing period.2
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Instructor license for people licensed as instructors in a state with a nationally endorsed exam, or for licensees with 2 years' practice elsewhere and substantially equivalent instructor training.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Rule changes since January 2024
- May 23, 2025: Reg. 35-13 (endorsement) amended and Reg. 35-5.1 (photo with every application) added.2
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in South Carolina?
The rules set at least 1,500 clock hours1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.
Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to South Carolina?
The Board of Cosmetology publishes this route for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement2. Conditions and forms.
Cosmetologist licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 13 - Cosmetologists, Estheticians, and Nail TechniciansSouth Carolina LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 35 - Board of CosmetologySouth Carolina LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 1 Professions and Occupations (general provisions)South Carolina LegislatureChecked November 8, 2026