Cosmetologist License Requirements in New Jersey
- Training hours
- 1200 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $193
- Exam
- Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory (Written) Examination, Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, Division of Consumer Affairs
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old, Proof of successful completion of high school or its equivalent., pass a criminal background check. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs licensing applicants, including cosmetology board applicants, go through the Division's Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU): New Jersey-resident applicants must be fingerprinted by the state's contracted live-scan vendor, with results forwarded to the NJ State Police and FBI. A criminal record does not automatically bar licensure; the Board weighs the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the profession. [5]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 1200 hours of training at a state-approved program. 1,200 hours of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling at an approved school in New Jersey, another state, or a foreign country (out-of-state/out-of-country training must be judged by the Board as substantially similar to New Jersey's licensed-school curriculum). [1]
- 3
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory (Written) Examination
Pass the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory (Written) Examination (fee: $53). Computer-based multiple-choice exam (110 scored items + 10 unscored experimental items), 120 minutes, offered in English and Spanish; minimum passing score 75%. Must be passed before the practical exam. Fee effective 12/1/2023 per Prometric's own New Jersey program page. The board's own Applications page confirms Prometric was awarded this contract in 2020 and directs candidates to isoqualitytesting.com to pay/schedule — this resolves conflicting secondary-source claims about whether IQT or Prometric administers the exam: IQT is Prometric's testing-network brand for this program, not a separate vendor. [2]
- 4
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Practical Examination
Pass the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Practical Examination. Hands-on, proctored demonstration of cosmetology/hairstyling skills, taken after passing the theory exam. The Board's own licensing-requirements page states the practical exam is 'administered by the Board.' No separate practical exam fee distinct from the combined $50 application filing fee + licensing fee (see fees group) was found on an official page. [1]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, Division of Consumer Affairs with the $50 application fee. [3]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, Division of Consumer Affairs issues your Cosmetologist-Hairstylist License for New Jersey.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $50 |
| License fee [3] | $90 |
| Renewal fee [3] | $90 |
| Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory (Written) Examination [2] | $53 |
| Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Practical Examination [1] | None specified |
| License fee if issued during second year of the 2-year licensing cycle (prorated) [3] | $45 |
| Theory exam fee (Prometric/IQT, paid separately) [3] | $53 |
From the Board's official 'Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure': a nonrefundable $50 application filing fee plus a $90 licensing fee if issued in the first year of the 2-year licensing cycle, or $45 if issued in the second year (prorated). The $53 theory exam fee is billed separately by Prometric/IQT (see exams above). Renewal fee is recorded as $90 (full 2-year cycle amount); no separate lower recurring 'renewal-only' figure distinct from the licensing fee was found on an official page.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
The Board's own FAQ confirms licenses are renewed every two years. No continuing education requirement for cosmetologist-hairstylist renewal was found on the Board's official pages.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
New Jersey does not waive its exam for out-of-state or out-of-country cosmetologist-hairstylists. The Board's own FAQ states an out-of-state license holder 'cannot' practice on that license alone and must submit an out-of-state application, required documentation, and pass the Board's examination; the licensing-requirements page separately describes this pathway as 'licensure by endorsement.' New Jersey has introduced but not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (shown as 'Pending' rather than 'Enacted' on the compact commission's own state map as of this research), so it is not currently a Compact member.
21 state-approved training providers in New Jersey — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $50
- $90
- $53
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does New Jersey require for a cosmetologist-hairstylist license?
1,200 hours of instruction at an approved cosmetology and hairstyling school in New Jersey, another state, or a foreign country.
Who administers the New Jersey cosmetology exam?
Prometric administers the computer-based theory exam ($53) through its New Jersey testing network, branded Iso-Quality Testing (IQT). The Board itself administers the hands-on practical exam after theory is passed.
How often do I need to renew my New Jersey cosmetologist-hairstylist license?
Every two years. New Jersey does not require continuing education hours to renew.
Can I use my out-of-state cosmetology license to work in New Jersey?
No. You must submit an out-of-state application with required documentation and pass the Board's examination; an out-of-state license alone does not authorize you to practice in New Jersey.
Is there a background check for a New Jersey cosmetology license?
Yes. Applicants go through the Division of Consumer Affairs' Criminal History Review Unit, which requires fingerprinting for New Jersey residents; a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
Sources
- [1] njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos/Pages/licensing-requirements.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10
- [2] prometric.com/exams/njsbch/ — accessed 2026-07-10
- [3] njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos/Applications/Application-for-Authorization-to-Sit-for-the-Examination-and-for-Licensure.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
- [4] njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos/Pages/FAQ.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10
- [5] njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/pages/chru.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10