Vermont Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in Vermont
Vermont offers two paths to a cosmetology license: completing school training or completing a Vermont apprenticeship. Both paths require passing the NIC theory and practical examinations and submitting an application through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) Online Services System.
Path 1: School
- Enroll in a licensed cosmetology school. Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional training. Schools may offer more hours than the state minimum — plan to complete the full program before applying.
- Obtain your proof of training. Your school provides a course completion certificate or verification of education. Either upload it to your application or have the school submit a completed Verification of Education form directly to OPR.
- Submit your application to OPR. Apply online through the OPR Online Services System. Upload a copy of your high school diploma or GED, your proof of training, and pay the non-refundable $120.00 application fee.
- Receive your "approved to sit" email. OPR reviews your application and, upon approval, notifies you by email and submits your information to the exam provider Prov.
- Schedule and pass the NIC exams. Register with Prov at provexam.com to schedule both the theory and practical examinations. Pass both to complete the licensing process.
- Receive your license. OPR issues your Vermont cosmetology license once all requirements are verified. You may not practice until your license is issued.
Path 2: Apprenticeship
- Obtain a Vermont apprenticeship license. Apply for an apprentice license through OPR before beginning your supervised training. Apprentice application fee: $50.00 (no renewal).
- Complete 1,500 supervised hours in Vermont. Train under a Vermont-licensed cosmetologist in a Vermont-licensed shop. Apprenticeships cannot be completed in another state. Your supervisor verifies hours using the Verification of Supervision form.
- Submit your full application. Apply online through OPR, uploading your Apprentice Verification form and high school diploma or GED. Pay the $120.00 application fee.
- Pass the NIC exams and receive your license. Follow the same exam process as the school path.
Endorsement (Out-of-State Applicants)
If you hold an active cosmetology license in another state, apply for licensure by endorsement. Vermont also offers Fast Track Endorsement for applicants who have been continuously and actively licensed in another state for three or more years — expedited processing with no examination required. Contact OPR at SOS.OPRLicensing3@vermont.gov for details.
Training Requirements
Vermont sets the minimum training hours for each license type. Schools may require more hours than the state minimum — students must complete the full school program before applying. All apprenticeship training must take place in Vermont under a Vermont licensee in a Vermont-licensed shop.
Minimum Training Hours by License Type
| License Type | School Hours | Apprenticeship Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,000 hours | 1,500 hours |
| Barber | 750 hours | 1,125 hours |
| Esthetician | 500 hours | 750 hours |
| Nail Technician | 200 hours | 300 hours |
Crossover Hours
A currently licensed barber or cosmetologist seeking to add the other license type may qualify with reduced crossover hours:
- Barber crossing to Cosmetologist: 150 crossover school hours or 300 crossover apprenticeship hours
- Cosmetologist crossing to Barber: 250 crossover school hours or 300 crossover apprenticeship hours
- No crossover path exists for estheticians or nail technicians.
Education Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required for all license types except nail technicians. Documentation must be uploaded with your OPR application. If your high school records are not available, contact OPR for guidance on acceptable alternatives.
Apprenticeship Rules
Vermont apprentices must hold a current Vermont apprenticeship license and train under the direct supervision of a Vermont licensee in a Vermont-licensed shop. Apprenticeships completed in another state are not recognized. Supervision hours must be verified using OPR's Verification of Supervision form signed by both the apprentice and the supervising licensee.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Vermont requires NIC theory and practical examinations for all cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and nail technician applicants. As of November 1, 2023, exams are administered by Prov (previously Prometric). Visit provexam.com/test-information for candidate bulletins and exam details.
Examination Process
- Apply with OPR. Submit your complete application with all required documentation through the OPR Online Services System and pay the $120.00 application fee. Allow 3–5 business days for processing.
- Receive your "approved to sit" communication. OPR emails you once your application is approved. OPR then submits your information to Prov.
- Register with Prov. Prov emails you instructions to register and schedule both the theory and practical examinations. Exam fees are paid to Prov directly.
- Pass both theory and practical exams. Both components must be passed before OPR will issue your license. Prepare using the NIC candidate handbook available at nictesting.org.
School-Administered Exams
If you completed training at a licensed Vermont school, the school may administer both the written and practical examination, provided:
- The school is licensed in good standing by OPR, and
- The school is approved by OPR as a testing site.
Technical centers that are licensed as schools and approved as testing sites may also administer exams to their graduates.
How to Renew Your Vermont Cosmetology License
Vermont cosmetology licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) and renew biennially. The renewal fee is $155.00 for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians. No continuing education is required for renewal — except for the instructor specialty, which requires 24 CE credits per two-year cycle using Vermont-approved courses.
90-Day Initial Licensing Policy
Initial licenses issued more than 90 days before the November 30 renewal date expire at that date and must be renewed. Initial licenses issued 90 days or fewer before November 30 are extended through the next full two-year period — meaning you may not need to renew for up to four years after initial issuance.
How to Renew
- Renewal applications open six weeks before the November 30 expiration date. Watch for OPR's courtesy reminder email sent to the email address on your account.
- Log in to the OPR Online Services System and submit your renewal application online.
- Pay the non-refundable $155.00 renewal fee.
- If you hold the Instructor specialty: upload completion certificates for a minimum of 24 CE credits completed during the current two-year cycle. Only Vermont-approved courses are accepted. A list of approved courses is available in the online system.
Late Renewals and Reinstatement
Late renewals are subject to penalties. Direct renewal questions to sos.renewalclerk@vermont.gov. For reinstatement of a lapsed license, contact OPR directly at (802) 828-1505 or through the online contact form at sos.vermont.gov/opr.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Vermont
Vermont issues individual practitioner licenses and facility licenses through the Office of Professional Regulation. All fees listed are current as of the 7/1/2025 fee schedule update.
Individual Practitioner Licenses
- Cosmetologist — Hair, skin, and cosmetic services. School: 1,000 hours. Apprenticeship: 1,500 hours. High school diploma/GED required. Application fee: $120. Renewal fee: $155 every two years (November 30 of odd years).
- Barber — Barbering services including hair cutting and shaving. School: 750 hours. Apprenticeship: 1,125 hours. High school diploma/GED required. Application fee: $120. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Esthetician — Skin care services: facials, waxing, lash tinting and lifting, and related services. School: 500 hours. Apprenticeship: 750 hours. High school diploma/GED required. Application fee: $120. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Nail Technician — Nail care services. School: 200 hours. Apprenticeship: 300 hours. No high school diploma required. Application fee: $120. Renewal fee: $155 every two years.
- Instructor Specialty — Add-on to an existing Vermont practitioner license. Requires 1,500 hours of practical experience, good standing, and passage of an instructor exam or OPR-recognized instructor training. Renewal requires 24 CE credits per two-year cycle.
- Apprentice Licenses — Temporary licenses for individuals completing apprenticeship training. Application fee: $50. No renewal required.
Facility Licenses
- Cosmetology Shop — Application: $355. Renewal: $285 every two years.
- Barber Shop — Application: $355. Renewal: $285 every two years.
- Nail Technician Shop — Application: $355. Renewal: $285 every two years.
- Esthetics Shop — Application: $355. Renewal: $285 every two years.
- Mobile Shop — Vehicle or trailer adapted for professional services. Individually licensed. Requires vehicle registration, liability insurance, and OPR pre-opening inspection. Application: $355. Renewal: $285 every two years.
- School of Cosmetology — Application: $355. Renewal: $355 every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Vermont have a State Board of Cosmetology?
- Vermont does not have a standalone State Board of Cosmetology. Cosmetology licensing is administered by the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), part of the Vermont Secretary of State's Office. OPR uses an advisor model rather than a traditional board structure. All applications, renewals, and licensing actions are handled through OPR's Online Services System at sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services.
- How many training hours are required for a Vermont cosmetology license?
- Vermont requires a minimum of 1,000 hours via a licensed school, or 1,500 hours via a Vermont apprenticeship. Apprenticeships must be completed in Vermont under a Vermont licensee at a Vermont-licensed shop. A high school diploma or GED is also required. Nail technicians are an exception — no high school diploma required, and only 200 school hours or 300 apprenticeship hours are needed.
- Can I complete a cosmetology apprenticeship from another state?
- No. Vermont apprentices must hold a Vermont apprenticeship license and complete their training under the supervision of a Vermont licensee in a Vermont-licensed shop. Hours completed under supervision in another state are not accepted for Vermont licensure via the apprenticeship pathway.
- What exam does Vermont require for a cosmetology license?
- Vermont requires NIC theory and practical examinations administered by Prov (as of November 1, 2023). After OPR approves your application, OPR submits your information to Prov, who emails you scheduling instructions. Alternatively, if your school is OPR-approved as a testing site, the school may administer both examinations.
- Does Vermont require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Vermont does not require continuing education for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, or nail technicians for license renewal. Only the instructor specialty requires CE — 24 credits per two-year cycle, using Vermont-approved courses. Renewal fee for all individual licenses is $155.00.
- Can I get a Vermont cosmetology license without taking the exam if I am already licensed in another state?
- Possibly. Vermont's Fast Track Endorsement allows professionals who have been continuously and actively licensed in good standing in another state for three or more years to obtain a Vermont license without taking the NIC exams. Apply through OPR's Online Services System and request an official verification of licensure from your home state showing continuous licensure for three years.
- Is natural hair braiding regulated in Vermont?
- No. Natural hair braiding and styling do not require a Vermont cosmetology license, as long as the services do not involve cutting, application of chemicals, dyes, or heat, or structural changes to the hair. Washing and conditioning the hair are permitted as incidental parts of natural braiding practice.