StateLicensed

Cosmetologist License Requirements in District of Columbia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$267
Exam
Written Examination, Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, DLCP)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, pass a criminal background check. Per D.C. Code §47-2853.12, applicants generally must be at least 18, but barbers and cosmetologists (including cosmetologist-managers, cosmetologist-owners, and specialty subcategories) may apply at 17. Applicants may not have been convicted of an offense directly related to the cosmetology occupation, per §47-2853.17(c-1)(2). [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. 1,500 hours of training required for a cosmetologist license. An official school transcript (and, for DC schools, a formal education certificate) must be submitted with the application. [1]

  3. 3

    Written Examination

    Pass the Written Examination (fee: $92). Scheduled via www.provexam.com or by phone at (801) 733-4455. [1]

  4. 4

    Practical Examination

    Pass the Practical Examination. Practical assessments are administered locally at Bennett Career Institute rather than by ProV; the practical exam fee amount was not separately published on the Board's page, so it is left null rather than guessed. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, DLCP) with the $65 application fee. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, DLCP) issues your Cosmetologist License for District of Columbia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $65
License fee [1] $110
Renewal fee [1] $110
Written Examination [1] $92
Practical Examination [1] None specified
Written Examination (ProV) [1] $92
Late renewal fee [1] $50
Reinstatement license fee [1] $155
Reinstatement fee [1] $50

Initial application by exam totals $175 ($65 application fee + $110 license fee), plus the $92 ProV written exam fee paid separately. Reinstatement totals $210 ($155 license fee + $50 reinstatement fee).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 6 continuing education hours required per cycle.

All cosmetology and specialty licenses expire April 15 of even-numbered years, regardless of issue date. Renewal/reinstatement requires 6 continuing-education credits (2 hours health/safety/welfare + 4 hours general elective) from a Board-approved CE provider; this CE requirement is waived for a licensee's first renewal.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Out-of-state licensed cosmetologists may apply for DC licensure by endorsement with the exam requirement waived, by submitting a copy of their current out-of-state license and a Letter of Certification sent directly from the originating state board to the DC Board. This mirrors D.C. Code §47-2853.12's general waiver provision for applicants licensed in other states with comparable standards. DC was not found among the enacted states listed on cosmetologycompact.gov, so no interstate compact is listed.

Cost calculator

  • $65
  • $110
  • $92
Total$267

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does DC require for a cosmetologist license?

1,500 hours at an approved school (500 hours if the applicant already holds a DC barber license).

Who administers DC's cosmetology exams?

ProV (Prov, Inc.) administers the written exam for $92; the practical exam is administered locally at Bennett Career Institute.

How much does a DC cosmetologist license cost?

An initial application by exam totals $175 ($65 application + $110 license), plus the $92 ProV exam fee. Renewal is $110 every two years, with a $50 late fee if missed.

Does DC require continuing education for renewal?

Yes — 6 CE credits (2 hours health/safety/welfare + 4 hours general elective) from a Board-approved provider, waived for a licensee's first renewal.

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

Yes, via licensure by endorsement with the exam waived, by submitting your current out-of-state license and a Letter of Certification sent directly from your state board to the DC Board.

Sources

  1. [1] dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] dlcp.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dlcp/publication/attachments/Barber%20and%20Cosmetology%20CE%20Requirements.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.12 — accessed 2026-07-10