New Jersey Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in New Jersey
New Jersey requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-licensed school, a high school diploma or GED, and passage of a two-part licensing examination. The minimum age is 17. Here are the steps to get licensed:
- Meet the age and education requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. New Jersey is one of the states that explicitly requires proof of high school completion — submit a copy of your diploma or certified transcript with your application.
- Enroll in a Board-licensed cosmetology school. Only schools licensed by the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling or accredited by the NJ Board of Education are accepted. The Board maintains a list of licensed schools on its website. Hours from unlicensed programs are not recognized.
- Complete 1,200 hours of training. Your school tracks and reports your hours to the Board upon program completion. As of January 2026 (P.L.2025, c.207), all programs must include training on textured hair of all types and patterns.
- Submit your examination application and fee. Submit your application to the Board with the $50.00 examination fee (includes application fee per N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1). Include two passport-style photos, proof of age, high school documentation, and school certification of hours.
- Pass the theory examination. The computer-based theory exam is administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) at testing centers throughout New Jersey. It covers cosmetology sciences, NJ state laws, and sanitation. Minimum passing score: 75%. You must pass theory before taking the practical.
- Pass the practical examination. The Board-administered practical exam tests hands-on competency in cosmetology services. You receive up to two attempts per examination fee. If you fail twice, submit a new $50.00 fee to reschedule.
- Pay the initial license fee and receive your license. After passing both exams, pay $90.00 (if in the first year of the renewal cycle) or $45.00 (second year). The Board issues your cosmetologist-hairstylist license. Licenses renew biennially at $90.00 with no CE requirement.
Training Requirements
New Jersey requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a school licensed by the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. The Board does not accept hours from any entity other than Board-licensed schools or NJ Board of Education–accredited vocational programs.
Curriculum Requirements (N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29)
The 1,200-hour cosmetology-hairstyling curriculum includes:
- Hair theory and practice: Haircutting, coloring, chemical services (permanent waves, relaxers), braiding, and styling
- Textured hair services: As of January 2026 (P.L.2025, c.207), all students must be trained to provide services to individuals with hair of all types, textures, and porosities — including tightly coiled, coiled, curly, wavy, and straight hair
- Skin care: Facials, makeup application, and basic skin analysis
- Nail services: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
- Sanitation and infection control: Disinfection procedures and NJ-specific health regulations
- New Jersey state laws: Board rules (N.J.A.C. 13:28), scope of practice, and professional conduct standards
Clinical Work Prerequisites
Under N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.27, students may not perform clinical work on patrons until prerequisite classroom hours are completed. Schools track clinical and theory hours separately to ensure compliance.
Out-of-State and Foreign Training
Applicants trained in another state or country must provide certification from the original licensing authority demonstrating substantially equivalent training. Alternatively, applicants licensed in another jurisdiction for at least three years may submit a notarized affidavit of work experience plus a letter of certification from that jurisdiction's licensing authority (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(e)3). Contact the Board at (973) 504-6400 or email COSCertVerification@dca.lps.state.nj.us for out-of-state credential evaluation.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
New Jersey requires passage of a two-part licensing examination: a computer-based theory test and a Board-administered practical exam. Both parts must be passed for licensure. The combined examination fee is $50.00 (paid to the Board; includes application fee per N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1).
Theory Examination (Computer-Based)
The theory exam is administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) at testing centers throughout New Jersey. Register at isoqualitytesting.com or call IQT toll-free at 1-866-773-1114. The exam covers:
- Cosmetology sciences (hair, skin, and nail theory)
- New Jersey state laws and Board regulations (N.J.A.C. 13:28)
- Sanitation, disinfection, and safety procedures
- Textured hair knowledge (required under P.L.2025, c.207)
Minimum passing score: 75%. You must pass the theory exam before you are eligible to take the practical exam. The IQT computer-based test fee is paid directly to IQT in addition to the $50.00 Board examination fee.
Practical Skills Examination
The practical exam is administered by the Board and tests hands-on competency in cosmetology services appropriate to the license type sought. Your $50.00 examination fee entitles you to up to two attempts at the practical exam. If you fail both attempts or fail to appear twice, submit a new $50.00 fee to reschedule.
Hair Braider Examination
The theory portion for hair braiding applicants is paper-based and administered directly by the Board (not through IQT), unless a Board-approved vendor becomes available.
Retake Policy
If you fail the theory exam, submit written notice to the Board and a new $50.00 examination fee to reschedule. There is no mandated waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the fee each time.
How to Renew Your New Jersey Cosmetology License
New Jersey cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. The renewal fee is $90.00 for individual licenses (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1). New Jersey does not require continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal — one of the few states with no CE mandate. Simply pay the renewal fee before your license expires.
Renewing Online
Renew online through the Division of Consumer Affairs' mylicense portal at newjersey.mylicense.com. Log in with your license credentials, confirm your contact information and public address of record, and pay the $90.00 fee by credit card. Your license record is updated immediately upon payment.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license expires, you may not legally practice cosmetology in New Jersey until it is renewed or reinstated. Fees for late or lapsed licenses:
- Late fee: $30.00 (in addition to the $90.00 renewal fee)
- Reinstatement fee: $50.00 (for licenses lapsed beyond the late renewal window, plus the renewal fee)
Contact the Board at (973) 504-6400 or cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov if your license has been expired for an extended period to confirm your specific reinstatement requirements.
Inactive Status
New Jersey offers inactive renewal status for licensees not currently practicing. The fee for inactive status is determined by the Director of Consumer Affairs. Contact the Board for current inactive renewal fees.
Address of Record
New Jersey law requires you to maintain a public address of record. The Division cannot disclose your residential address without consent, but you must provide an address that may be released publicly. Keep this current in the mylicense system to receive renewal notices.
Other Cosmetology License Types in New Jersey
New Jersey offers several cosmetology-related license types, each with distinct training hour requirements and an authorized scope of practice. All individual licenses renew biennially at $90.00.
| License Type | Training Hours | Min. Age | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist-Hairstylist | 1,200 | 17 | Full scope — hair, skin, and nail services |
| Beautician | 1,100 | 17 | Beauty culture services (legacy category) |
| Barber | 900 | 17 | Hair cutting, shaving, and grooming services |
| Skin Care Specialist | 600 | 17 | Facials, waxing, makeup application, skin treatments |
| Teacher | 500 | 18 | Instruction at Board-licensed cosmetology schools |
| Manicurist | 300 | 17 | Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements |
| Hair Braider | 40–50 | 17 | Braiding, twisting, and locking natural hair without chemicals |
Notable Distinctions
New Jersey is one of the few states that maintains a separate "beautician" license category (1,100 hours) distinct from the cosmetologist-hairstylist license (1,200 hours). Barbers holding licenses issued before 1985 may obtain a cosmetology license with 500 additional hours; those licensed after 1985 need 300 additional hours.
The hair braider license has the lowest hour requirement in the state at 40–50 hours, covering braiding, twisting, and locking of natural hair without the use of chemicals. This makes it one of the fastest paths to licensure in New Jersey's cosmetology industry.
Teacher applicants must hold an active practitioner license and be at least 18 years old (one year older than other license types).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many training hours does New Jersey require for a cosmetology license?
- New Jersey requires 1,200 hours of training at a Board-licensed cosmetology school for a cosmetologist-hairstylist license. Other license types require fewer hours: beautician (1,100), barber (900), skin care specialist (600), teacher (500), manicurist (300), and hair braider (40–50).
- Does New Jersey require CE to renew a cosmetology license?
- No. New Jersey does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal. Pay the $90.00 biennial renewal fee at newjersey.mylicense.com. This makes NJ one of the few states with no CE requirement for cosmetologists.
- Who administers the New Jersey cosmetology exam?
- The theory exam is computer-based, administered by ISO Quality Testing (IQT) at isoqualitytesting.com. The practical exam is administered directly by the Board. The Board examination fee is $50.00 (includes application). Minimum passing score: 75% on theory. You must pass theory before taking the practical.
- Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to New Jersey?
- New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees. Submit the endorsement application with a $100.00 fee plus the initial license fee ($90 or $45 depending on the renewal cycle year). You must provide verification of your current license from the original state plus proof of substantially equivalent training or three years of licensed practice. Email COSCertVerification@dca.lps.state.nj.us for details.
- What fees are required for a New Jersey cosmetology license?
- Examination fee (includes application): $50.00. Initial license fee: $90.00 (first year of cycle) or $45.00 (second year). Biennial renewal: $90.00. Late fee: $30.00. Endorsement application: $100.00 plus license fee. Temporary permit: $20.00.
- Can I get a temporary permit while waiting for my license?
- Yes. New Jersey offers a one-time temporary permit valid for 120 days at a cost of $20.00. This allows you to work under supervision while your full license application is processed. The permit cannot be renewed or extended.