Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board License Information

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology in the state of Ohio, students must complete the requirements listed below.

License Requirements

  • COSMETOLOGY: 1500 HOURS

  • ADVANCED COSMETOLOGY: 1800 HOURS

  • ADVANCED ESTHETICS: 750 HOURS

  • ADVANCED MANICURING: 300 HOURS

  • HAIR DESIGN: 1200 HOURS

Additional Requirements

As of August 1, 2020 for Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

To receive a license in the State of Ohio, a student is required to:

  • Submit the following items to Administration at an exit interview:

  • Complete the hours in a course of instruction;

    • Apply for an Examination by logging back into your account and follow the online instructions.

    • Payment- Visa / Master Card / Discover / Pre-Paid Card / Electronic Card

    • Application fee - Written & Practical - $20.00 / & Work Permit - $50.00

    • Application fee - Written, Practical & Advanced - $80.00 / & Work Permit - $90.00
      (Licensing fees are subject to change without notice).

      Note: Due to verification of hours, grades, tuition, the processing of student’s Certification of Hours can take up to three (3) weeks prior to being available to the student to be uploaded to the Ohio eLicense website after completion of hours.

    • Schedule the examination on your eLicense.Ohio dashboard

    • Pass the written theory and practical examination conducted by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

    • Apply for your license on your eLicense Ohio dashboard

NOTICE – Cosmetology Examination “No Show” Policy

Applicants that fail to attend their scheduled examination date must pay a reschedule fee in order to be rescheduled.  Failure to provide at minimum a 24-hour notice of cancellation will increase the reschedule fee as follows:

  • Practical/Theory/Advanced $90.00

  • Practical/Theory $45.00

  • Advanced Only $45.00

Cancellation of a scheduled examination MUST be emailed to examcancellation@cos.state.oh.us

Cancellation by phone or voice message will not be accepted- rescheduling is through eLicense.Ohio

Work Permit Policy

Applicants scheduling for an examination will only be issued one (1) Work Permit.  The work permit will expire on the date of the originally scheduled examination. Rescheduling of an examination date does not extend the date of work permit.  Applicant is only eligible for one (1) work permit.

Contact Information

Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
1929 Gateway Circle
Circle, Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-466-3834 (phone)
614-644-6880(fax)
www.cos.oh.gov

Please contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board website for more information.

For information on how to file a complaint, please see Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board Complaint Process.