Kentucky Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, shampoo stylists, and instructors. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent.
Steps to Get Your Kentucky Cosmetology License
- Enroll in a KBC-approved school. Choose an accredited cosmetology school that holds KBC approval. Confirm the program length matches the license you are seeking — 1,500 hours for a full cosmetology license.
- Complete your training hours. Attend class, accumulate the required clock hours, and meet any additional graduation requirements set by your school.
- School submits your records to KBC. After graduation, your school submits completion paperwork to the Board. KBC processes applications within approximately 10 business days.
- KBC submits your information to PSI. Once KBC approves your application, the Board forwards your eligibility to PSI Exams within approximately 10 business days.
- Receive your PSI registration email. PSI will email you with instructions to schedule your theory (written) exam. Create an account at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos.
- Pass the PSI theory exam. The theory exam fee is $85.00. Passing scores are valid for six months. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical.
- Pass the PSI practical exam. The practical exam is administered by PSI at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY. The practical fee is $85.00. Bring a mannequin head, mannequin hand, required supplies, and wear solid-color medical scrubs (white is not permitted).
- Apply for your Kentucky license. After passing both exams, submit your license application and $50.00 fee through the online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com. Upload a passport-style photo as part of the application.
Specialty Permits
Kentucky issues specialty permits for threading, makeup artistry, and eyelash artistry. Each permit costs $50.00 and requires completion of a Milady infection control certification. No additional training hours are required beyond the certification course.
Training Requirements
Kentucky sets minimum training hour requirements by license type. All programs must be completed at a KBC-approved school. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a 12th-grade education or equivalent.
Required Training Hours by License Type
| License Type | Required Hours | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 18 |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | 18 |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | 18 |
| Shampoo Stylist | 300 hours | 18 |
| Instructor | 750 hours (apprentice under licensed instructor) | 18 |
Specialty Permits
Threading Permits, Makeup Artist Permits, and Eyelash Artistry Permits do not require formal school enrollment. Applicants must complete a Milady infection control certification and pay the $50.00 permit fee. These permits are renewal-eligible on the same annual July 31 cycle.
Education Requirement
Kentucky requires all license applicants to have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation satisfies this requirement. Schools are responsible for verifying this before enrolling students.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Kentucky cosmetology license applicants must pass two exams administered by PSI Exams: a theory (written) exam and a practical exam. Both exams must be passed before a license can be issued.
Theory Exam
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Fee: $85.00 (initial attempt and each retake)
- Format: Computer-based written exam at multiple PSI locations statewide
- Schedule: Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos
- Score validity: Passing theory scores are valid for six months. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical.
- Languages: Exams are available in multiple languages — contact PSI for options.
Practical Exam
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Fee: $85.00 (initial attempt and each retake)
- Location: Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY — this is the only practical exam site in Kentucky
- Prerequisite: Must pass theory exam before scheduling the practical
Practical Exam Requirements
- Mannequin head required. Stuffed gloves and detachable fingers are not permitted.
- Mannequin hand required. Must be a standard cosmetology mannequin hand.
- Attire: Solid-color medical scrubs are required. White scrubs are not permitted.
- Disinfectants: EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectants are required. Sprays and aerosols are not permitted.
- Candidates must bring all required implements and supplies per the PSI candidate handbook.
How to Renew Your Kentucky Cosmetology License
Kentucky cosmetology licenses expire annually on July 31, regardless of when the license was issued. The renewal fee is $50.00 for all individual license types.
How to Renew
- Log in to the KBC online renewal portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com.
- Verify your personal information and confirm your license details are current.
- Upload a current passport-style photo if prompted (required for license issuance and renewal).
- Pay the $50.00 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The KBC does not accept checks or money orders for online renewals.
- Save your confirmation receipt as proof of renewal.
Continuing Education
Kentucky does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or shampoo stylist license renewal.
Lapsed License Restoration
If your license has expired, you may restore it by paying the current $50.00 renewal fee plus a $50.00 restoration fee ($100.00 total) through the same online portal. Licenses that have been expired for an extended period may be subject to additional review by the Board.
Address and Name Changes
Update your address and legal name through the KBC online portal. Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive renewal notices before the July 31 deadline.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulates individual and facility licenses. All individual licenses require applicants to be at least 18 years old with a 12th-grade education or equivalent.
Individual License Types
| License Type | Training Hours | Application Fee | Annual Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Shampoo Stylist | 300 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Instructor | 750 hours (apprentice) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Specialty Permits
| Permit Type | Requirement | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Threading Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
| Makeup Artist Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
| Eyelash Artistry Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
Salon/Facility License
Any establishment offering cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or related services in Kentucky must hold a current salon or facility license from the KBC. Facility license applications are available through the Board's online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many training hours are required to become a licensed cosmetologist in Kentucky?
- Kentucky requires 1,500 hours of training at a KBC-approved cosmetology school. Other license types require fewer hours: esthetician (750 hours), nail technician (450 hours), and shampoo stylist (300 hours).
- What exams are required for a Kentucky cosmetology license?
- You must pass a PSI theory (written) exam and a PSI practical exam. Both exams cost $85.00 each. The theory exam must be passed before you can schedule the practical. The practical exam is administered only at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY.
- Does Kentucky require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. Kentucky does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or shampoo stylist license renewal.
- When does a Kentucky cosmetology license expire?
- All Kentucky cosmetology licenses expire annually on July 31, regardless of when the license was issued. The renewal fee is $50.00.
- How do I verify a Kentucky cosmetology license?
- License verification is available through the KBC online portal at kyboc.mylicense.com/verification. You can search by name or license number.
- How do I file a complaint against a Kentucky cosmetologist or salon?
- Submit a complaint through the online form at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/KBHC/ComplaintForm. The Board does not accept complaints by phone or email, and cannot assist with civil disputes between private parties.
- Does Kentucky have reciprocity for cosmetology licenses from other states?
- Kentucky reviews out-of-state license applications on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology at (502) 564-4262 or kbc@ky.gov for current reciprocity and endorsement procedures before applying.