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How to get a Cosmetologist license in Wisconsin

Wisconsin licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Cosmetology Examining Board.1 For the Cosmetologist license you need at least 1,550 clock hours1 of education and a passing score on the Wisconsin state board cosmetology examinations: written and practical2. The board lists $11 for the initial license3.

Last checked · 10 official sources

Who issues it

Cosmetology Examining Board

Training and experience

Training: at least 1,550 clock hours1

Exam

Wisconsin state board cosmetology examinations: written and practical2

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $113

From another state

License by endorsement, Military service members and spouses and Interstate compact privilege456 Details

On this page
  1. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin with a license from another state
  9. Cosmetology Apprentice permit
  10. Cosmetology Instructor certificate
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Common questions
  14. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Wisconsin cosmetologist licenses

Wisconsin 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
Cosmetology Apprentice (Training License / apprentice permit)Practising cosmetology only under the supervision of an active licensed cosmetologist with at least 2,000 hours of practice, under a DWD apprentice contract.1Training 3,712 hours1–$103
CosmetologistFor compensation: barbering, aesthetics, manicuring, and hair removal at the root other than by electric needle.1Training 1,550 clock hours1Yes1$113
Cosmetology Instructor (cosmetology instructor certificate)Providing practical instruction in cosmetology schools (Wis. Stat. 440.63, "Persons providing practical instruction in schools").7Training 150 clock hours8
Experience 2,000 hours8		Yes8$117

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Wisconsin 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
No background check stated as required7
No fingerprints required7
Applicants must disclose convictions and pending charges, which are reviewed; the statute bars licensing someone convicted of a felony committed while practicing barbering or cosmetology, subject to the Fair Employment Act (ss. 111.321-111.335).1
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply5

How to apply

Apply online
license.wi.gov5

2. Every license level except Cosmetology Instructor (cosmetology instructor certificate)

Renewal

Renew online
license.wi.gov5

3. Every license level except Cosmetology Apprentice (Training License / apprentice permit)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$1137Cosmetology Examining Board

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Service members, former service members (discharged within 4 years) and spouses who live in WI and hold a good-standing out-of-state credential get a reciprocal credential (Wis. Stat. 440.09); eligible veterans pay no initial credential fee (veterans fee waiver, s. 45.44).5

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

For compensation: barbering, aesthetics, manicuring, and hair removal at the root other than by electric needle.1

Work that does not need this license:

  • Not cosmetology: services by licensed physicians, PAs, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses or funeral directors within their scope; personal care in prisons, hospitals and nursing homes; massage; services before a live performance or broadcast, or for film/photo production; free face demonstrations of products for sale.1

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

High school diploma or GED
Not required1
Education or training
At least 1,550 clock hours1
At least 1,550 training hours over not less than 10 months in a licensed (or exempt or Board-approved-accredited) school of cosmetology.1
Who may teach it: School licensed under s. 440.62(3)(ar), exempt under s. 440.61, or accredited by a Board-approved accrediting agency.1
Alternative: Registered apprenticeship (Wis. Stat. 454.10): 3,712 hours practical + 288 hours theory, 2-4 years.1
Exam
Wisconsin state board cosmetology examinations: written and practical2
Given by: DL Roope Administration Inc. (Department-contracted vendor)2
When you can take it: Take the exams after completing your education; file the exam application at least 3 weeks before the exam.2
Written test1
Practical demonstration1
Retakes: Failed applicants may request re-examination and pay a re-examination fee (s. 440.06).1
Also required
Supporting documents (e.g. school certificate of training, Form 3044) must be sent to DSPS directly by the third party via the LicensE Third Party Portal.2

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Temporary license or permit$107Cosmetology Examining BoardTemporary permit (issued through DL Roope)
Duplicate or replacement license$107Cosmetology Examining Board–

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

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

How to apply

  1. Complete 1,550 hours at a licensed cosmetology school (or a DWD-registered apprenticeship).2
  2. Apply on LicensE (Category: Business; License Type: Cosmetologist; Method: Licensure by Examination) and pay the fee; your school sends the Certificate of Training through the Third Party Portal.2 license.wi.gov5
  3. Schedule and pass the written and practical exams with DL Roope; a temporary permit is available once your application and Form 3044 are on file and the exam is scheduled.2
  4. Watch LicensE "Due Diligence" for missing items; renew every two years by March 31 of odd years.2
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary permit (issued by DL Roope) for applicants who meet every requirement except the exam and are scheduled to test; valid up to 6 months, not renewable; you must tell clients you hold a temporary permit.1
Processing time
Applications are reviewed in about 10 days (complex files take longer; legal review for convictions adds time).2

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
Renew online in LicensE by March 31 of each odd-numbered year (statutory renewal date April 1, odd years); renewal opens about 4 weeks before expiry and you must attest to reviewing the Cosmetology Digest.1
Renewal fee
$113
Required topics
Review the current Cosmetology Digest (statute and rule changes) before renewing.5
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $253 (renewed after the expiration date (plus the renewal fee))
If it expires
Inactive 454 status costs half the renewal fee; reactivate by paying the other half.5
Expired more than 5 years: reinstate with an active license from another state, or pass the current written and practical exams and file a Late Renewal After Five Years application.5

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Wisconsin with a license from another state

These are the routes the Cosmetology Examining Board publishes for the Cosmetologist license.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Licensure by endorsement for holders of an active, good-standing, discipline-free license from another state, territory or country for substantially the same services: complete a one-hour Wisconsin laws course from an approved provider (certificate sent by the school) and have each licensing state send verification to DSPS. No WI exam.4
Conditions
Same pre-credential education requirements apply (diploma/HSED/GED, approved program or 18+, and 1,550 hours or apprenticeship) per the DSPS endorsement page.4
License verifications go by email from the other state to [email protected].4
Fee
$117
Route
Interstate compact privilege

Cosmetology Apprentice permit

Practising cosmetology only under the supervision of an active licensed cosmetologist with at least 2,000 hours of practice, under a DWD apprentice contract.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 3,712 hours of on-the-job training1
At least 3,712 hours of practical training plus 288 hours of theory in a licensed cosmetology school, at least 32 hours a week, completed in 2 to 4 years, under a DWD apprentice contract.1
Who may teach it: Employer approved by DWD to train apprentices; supervising cosmetologist with 2,000+ hours of licensed practice.9
Also required
Upload the DWD credential notice, Form 1490 (manager and apprentice each) and Form 1489 Certificate of Employer.9

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Initial license fee$103Cosmetology Examining Board

How to apply

  1. Find a DWD-approved employer through a DWD Apprentice Training Representative; the employer files the apprentice application with DWD.9
  2. After DWD issues a credential notice, apply on LicensE (Cosmetology Apprentice > Training License) with Forms 1489 and 1490 and pay $10.3 license.wi.gov5
  3. Start work once the permit issues; after finishing, apply for a temporary permit and the cosmetologist exams.9

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years10
When it expires
Valid 3 years; one 1-year extension at Board discretion with $10 and DWD certification of acceptable progress (not available once the apprenticeship is complete).10
Renewal fee
$1010 (One-time 1-year extension)

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

Cosmetology Instructor certificate

Providing practical instruction in cosmetology schools (Wis. Stat. 440.63, "Persons providing practical instruction in schools").7

Requirements

Education or training
At least 150 clock hours8
150 training hours of Department-approved instructor training.7
Who may teach it: Instructor training approved by DSPS.8
Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training8
2,000 hours of practice as a licensed cosmetologist (or a current cosmetology manager license).8
License you must hold first: Wisconsin cosmetologist license8
Exam
Wisconsin state board instructor Practical examination8
Given by: DL Roope Administrations Inc.8

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, DL Roope Administrations Inc.8, when you schedule.

How to apply

  1. Log 2,000 hours as a licensed cosmetologist and complete 150 hours of approved instructor training.8
  2. Apply on LicensE (Cosmetology Instructor, Licensure by Examination) and schedule the practical exam with DL Roope.8 license.wi.gov5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
license.wi.gov5

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Wisconsin?

The rules set at least 1,550 clock hours1 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Applications are reviewed in about 10 days (complex files take longer; legal review for convictions adds time).2

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Wisconsin?

The Cosmetology Examining Board publishes these routes for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement4 and interstate compact privilege6. Conditions and forms.

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. Wis. Stat. ch. 454 Barbering and Cosmetology (2023-24 Wis. Stats., published 5-13-26)Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau)Dated May 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Cosmetologist - Licensure by ExaminationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Credential Fees and Renewal DatesWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Cosmetologist - Licensure by EndorsementWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  5. CosmetologistWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Pennsylvania becomes 13th state to enact Cosmetology Licensure Compact (July 20, 2026)Cosmetology Licensure Compact CommissionDated July 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. SAFETY AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 440.011 Updated 23-24 Wis. Stats.Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau)Dated October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Cosmetology Instructor - Licensure by ExaminationWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Cosmetology Apprentice - Training LicenseWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Cosmetology ApprenticeWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026