How many training hours are required for a South Carolina cosmetology license?

South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school. All hours must be completed through a licensed school — apprenticeship is not an alternative pathway.

What exams does South Carolina require for a cosmetology license?

South Carolina requires two NIC examinations administered by Prov, Inc.: a written theory exam and a practical exam. Both require a minimum score of 75% to pass. Register at provexam.com.

Does South Carolina require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?

Yes. South Carolina requires 4 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. CE must be completed at a board-approved provider before renewing. Renewal occurs by March 10 of odd-numbered years.

How much does it cost to get a South Carolina cosmetology license?

The application fee is $45. NIC exam fees are paid to Prov at scheduling. Biennial renewal is $52. Contact Prov at provexam.com or the board at (803) 896-4588 for current exam fee amounts.

How do I renew my South Carolina cosmetology license?

Renew online every two years at eservice.llr.sc.gov. Licenses expire March 10 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $52 and 4 CE hours must be completed before renewing.

Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to South Carolina?

South Carolina accepts reciprocity applications from licensed cosmetologists in other states. Download the endorsement/reciprocity application from llr.sc.gov/cosmo or call (803) 896-4588 for current requirements.

South Carolina Cosmetology License Requirements

How to Get a Cosmetology License in South Carolina

Earning a South Carolina cosmetology license requires 1,500 hours of approved training followed by NIC written and practical examinations administered by Prov, Inc. Here is the step-by-step process:

Enroll in a board-approved cosmetology school. You must be at least 16 years old and have completed the eighth grade or equivalent. Find licensed schools through the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology at llr.sc.gov/cosmo.
Complete 1,500 hours of training. Your school tracks and certifies your hours. South Carolina's curriculum covers hair design, skin care, nail technology, sanitation, and state law.
Submit your license application. Complete the cosmetology applicant application available on the board's website. Submit the application with the $45 fee to the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology, 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210, or apply online through eservice.llr.sc.gov.
Schedule and pass both Prov examinations. Once the board approves your application, register at provexam.com. A minimum score of 75% is required on both the NIC written theory exam and NIC practical exam. Fees are paid at the time of scheduling.
Receive your license. Prov transmits passing scores to the board. The board issues your South Carolina cosmetology license, authorizing you to practice in the state.

Training Requirements

South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a board-licensed school. The curriculum must prepare students for the NIC written and practical examinations and cover the full scope of South Carolina cosmetology practice:

Hair design services: Haircutting, thermal and wet styling, chemical waving and relaxing, hair coloring, highlighting, and bleaching procedures
Skin care: Basic facials, skin analysis, client consultation, and cosmetic product application
Nail technology: Manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and nail product chemistry and safety
Sanitation and infection control: Disinfection procedures, bloodborne pathogen protocols, and compliance with South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation standards
Anatomy and physiology: Structure and function of hair, skin, and nails as they pertain to cosmetology services
State law and professional ethics: South Carolina Cosmetology Act, board regulations, and professional conduct

South Carolina does not allow apprenticeship as an alternative to school-hour requirements. All 1,500 hours must be completed at a board-approved cosmetology school.

Cosmetology Exam Requirements

South Carolina requires two NIC examinations administered by Prov, Inc. before a cosmetology license is issued. A minimum score of 75% is required on each exam.

Written Theory Examination

Administrator: Prov, Inc. (NIC exam)
Registration: Online at provexam.com
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice questions covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, South Carolina law, and professional practices
Minimum passing score: 75%
Scoring: Results transmitted electronically to the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

Practical Examination

Administrator: Prov, Inc. (NIC exam)
Registration: Same Prov portal as written exam
Format: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology services covering hair, skin, and nail techniques within South Carolina's scope of practice
Minimum passing score: 75%
Scoring: Results transmitted to the board upon completion

Both examinations must be passed before the board will issue a South Carolina cosmetology license. Failed exams may be rescheduled through Prov after paying the applicable fee again.

How to Renew Your South Carolina Cosmetology License

$52.00

Renewal Fee

2 years (expires March 10 of odd-numbered years)

Renewal Period

4 hrs

CE Hours Required

South Carolina cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. Licenses expire on March 10 of odd-numbered years. Here is what you need to know:

Renewal fee: $52 per renewal period
Renewal portal: Renew online at eservice.llr.sc.gov
Continuing education: South Carolina requires 4 CE hours per renewal cycle. CE must be completed at a board-approved provider before renewing.
Late renewals: Licenses not renewed by March 10 of odd-numbered years are subject to late fees. Contact the board at (803) 896-4588 for current penalty schedules.
License verification: Verify any South Carolina cosmetology license at eservice.llr.sc.gov online verification.

The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology recommends completing CE requirements and renewing well before the March 10 deadline to avoid late fees or lapses in license status.

Other Cosmetology License Types in South Carolina

The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology licenses several categories of cosmetology practitioners and establishments:

Cosmetologist: Full-scope license covering hair design, coloring, chemical services, skin care, and nail technology. Requires 1,500 school hours and passage of NIC written and practical exams via Prov.
Esthetician: Limited to skin care services including facials, makeup application, and related treatments. Requires 450 school hours.
Nail Technician: Limited to nail services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 300 school hours.
Natural Hair Care Specialist: Limited to natural hair care services not involving chemicals. Requires 300 school hours.
Cosmetology Instructor: Required to teach in a licensed South Carolina cosmetology school. Requires an active cosmetology license and completion of instructor training requirements.
Cosmetology Salon License: Required for any business offering cosmetology services to the public in South Carolina. Must maintain current salon licensure separate from individual practitioner licenses.

For specific fees, application forms, and detailed requirements for each license type, visit llr.sc.gov/cosmo or call (803) 896-4588.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for a South Carolina cosmetology license?: South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school. All hours must be completed through a licensed school — apprenticeship is not an alternative pathway.
What exams does South Carolina require for a cosmetology license?: South Carolina requires two NIC examinations administered by Prov, Inc.: a written theory exam and a practical exam. Both require a minimum score of 75% to pass. Register at provexam.com.
Does South Carolina require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?: Yes. South Carolina requires 4 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. CE must be completed at a board-approved provider before renewing. Renewal occurs by March 10 of odd-numbered years.
How much does it cost to get a South Carolina cosmetology license?: The application fee is $45. NIC exam fees are paid to Prov at scheduling. Biennial renewal is $52. Contact Prov at provexam.com or the board at (803) 896-4588 for current exam fee amounts.
How do I renew my South Carolina cosmetology license?: Renew online every two years at eservice.llr.sc.gov. Licenses expire March 10 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $52 and 4 CE hours must be completed before renewing.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to South Carolina?: South Carolina accepts reciprocity applications from licensed cosmetologists in other states. Download the endorsement/reciprocity application from llr.sc.gov/cosmo or call (803) 896-4588 for current requirements.