Virginia licenses cosmetologists through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) under the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You need a Virginia cosmetology license to perform hair services, nail care, basic skin care, and hair removal for compensation anywhere in Virginia.
Virginia recently reduced its cosmetology training requirement from 1,500 to 1,000 hours effective September 1, 2024. The state uses NIC exams administered through Prov, and the total cost including exams and license is approximately $314. Virginia is also a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which will eventually allow multistate practice. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
Virginia Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) |
| Board | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7; 18VAC41-20 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute; apprenticeship pathway requires age 16 |
| Education Prerequisite | None required by statute |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a DPOR-licensed school (reduced from 1,500 in September 2024) |
| Apprenticeship Alternative | 3,000 hours through Virginia DOLI registered apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75 (scaled score) |
| Exam Fees | $99 written + $95 practical = $194 (paid to Prov) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$314 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPOR Online Services Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
Virginia requires 1,000 clock hours of cosmetology training at a DPOR-licensed school. This was reduced from 1,500 hours effective September 1, 2024. Students who enrolled before that date must complete the 1,500-hour program by August 31, 2026.
Full-time students typically complete the 1,000-hour program in 7 to 10 months. The curriculum must include a minimum of 365 practical performances and cover the following subjects:
| Subject Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Hair Coloring/Bleaching | 190 |
| Skin Care (facials, cleansing, masks, extraction) | 150 |
| Permanent Waving/Chemical Relaxing | 135 |
| Cutting (all hair types) | 125 |
| Nail Care (manicuring, pedicuring, nail extensions) | 75 |
| Styling (all hair types) | 65 |
| General Sciences (infection control, chemical safety) | 55 |
| Business and Professional Topics | 45 |
| Applied Sciences (anatomy, physiology) | 40 |
| Lashes and Brows | 35 |
| Hair Removal (waxing, threading) | 35 |
| Shampooing/Scalp Treatments | 25 |
| Wigs and Hairpieces | 15 |
| Laws and Regulations | 10 |
| Total | 1,000 |
No education prerequisite: Virginia does not require a high school diploma or GED for cosmetology licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Apprenticeship pathway: Virginia offers a registered apprenticeship alternative requiring 3,000 hours of on-the-job training in a licensed salon, administered through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Apprentices must be at least 16 years old.
Online training: Theory hours may be delivered online if the school verifies student identity and requires in-person competency assessments. Practical instruction must be completed in person.
At 1,000 hours, Virginia’s requirement is among the lowest in the country for cosmetology. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. Virginia uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov (which replaced PSI as the exam vendor effective January 1, 2025).
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75 (scaled) | $99 |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration on mannequin | Varies by section | 75 (scaled) | $95 |
Written exam topics: Safety and infection control, hair care and chemical services, skin and nail basics, client consultation, and Virginia laws and regulations.
Practical exam: You demonstrate cosmetology services on a mannequin, graded on a checklist of required steps and safety standards.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (877) 228-3926 to schedule your exams.
Exam validity: If you pass one exam, you do not need to retake it as long as you pass the other exam within one year. If you pass both exams but do not apply for licensure within five years, you must retake both examinations.
Application Process and Fees
After passing both exams, apply for your cosmetology license. You can apply through the DPOR Online Services Portal, by email to BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov, or by mail.
- Complete your 1,000-hour training program or 3,000-hour apprenticeship
- Register with Prov and pass both the NIC written and practical exams ($194 total)
- Submit the Cosmetology Exam and License Application (Form A450-1201)
- Pay the $120 application fee (nonrefundable)
- Disclose any felony convictions within the past 10 years
- Sign the certification statement confirming you have read Virginia’s barber and cosmetology laws
- Receive your license
Temporary license: While awaiting exam results, eligible applicants can receive a free temporary license valid for 90 days. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist during this period.
Processing time: DPOR notifies applicants within 5 calendar days of receipt whether the application is approved or deficient.
DPOR mailing address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. Phone: (804) 367-8509.
License Renewal
Virginia cosmetology licenses expire every 2 years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued. The renewal fee is $120. Renew online at the DPOR renewal portal.
Virginia does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee on time.
Late renewal: If your license expires, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $240 ($120 renewal + $120 reinstatement). If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must reapply as a new applicant and meet all current requirements. Practicing on an expired license may result in prosecution and fines.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Virginia
Virginia offers three pathways for out-of-state cosmetologists:
License by endorsement (18VAC41-20-30):
- Must hold a current, valid license in another state
- Training must be “substantially equivalent” to Virginia’s — at least 80% of Virginia’s required hours (800 of 1,000 hours)
- If your state required both written and practical exams, you may be licensed without additional examination
- If your state only required one exam, you may take Virginia’s other exam to qualify
- Fee: $120
Work experience substitution: If your training is not substantially equivalent, you may substitute 3 years of documented licensed work experience for training deficiencies.
Universal License Recognition (ULR): Since 2023, Virginia offers ULR for applicants who have held a valid license in another state for at least 3 years, passed an examination, have no disciplinary actions, and have no disqualifying criminal record. Fee: $120.
Applicants from states with similar or higher hour requirements like California (1,000 hours) or Texas (1,000 hours) will easily meet the endorsement standard. Even applicants from lower-hour states may qualify through ULR or work experience.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Virginia provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Military training credit: DPOR must accept substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience toward licensing requirements (Virginia Code 54.1-118). Applicants with at least 2 years of cosmetology experience in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for examination.
- Military spouse expedited processing: DPOR has 20 days to act on applications from military spouses. If review cannot be completed in 20 days, a temporary 12-month license must be issued (Virginia Code 54.1-119).
- License portability: Active-duty service members and spouses may transfer licenses from other states under SCRA provisions.
- Renewal extensions: Active-duty personnel serving outside the U.S. may receive up to a 5-year renewal extension.
- Financial assistance: Military branches offer spouse license reimbursement up to $1,000 for PCS-related license transfer costs.
Recent Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Training hours reduced (effective September 1, 2024): Virginia’s Board reduced cosmetology training from 1,500 to 1,000 hours through regulatory action. New curriculum requirements include updated subject breakdowns. Students enrolled before September 1, 2024 must complete the 1,500-hour program by August 31, 2026.
Cosmetology Licensure Compact (HB 322, signed April 2024): Virginia enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which will allow cosmetologists to practice across member states with a multistate license. Virginia is one of approximately 9 states that have enacted the compact. The compact is not yet active — activation typically takes 18-24 months after the seventh state enacts it.
New exam vendor (effective January 1, 2025): Prov replaced PSI as the examination vendor for all Board for Barbers and Cosmetology exams.
Scope of practice clarified (HB 2669, effective July 1, 2025): Cosmetology services now explicitly include hair removal treatments and basic cleansing facials (cleanse, tone, mask/moisturizer application). Cosmetic treatments are explicitly excluded from cosmetology scope.
Criminal history reform (SB 826, effective July 1, 2025): Felony disclosure window reduced from 20 to 10 years. Applicants may request a binding predetermination of whether a criminal record would disqualify them before completing training.
International credentials (HB 1940/SB 1188, effective July 1, 2025): DPOR must create regulatory pathways for foreign-trained applicants with U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa.
Minor employment (HB 1667/SB 1228, effective July 1, 2025): Individuals aged 16 and older may now work in licensed salons as apprentices, through work-training programs, or with an active cosmetology license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Virginia?
Virginia requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a DPOR-licensed school. This was reduced from 1,500 hours effective September 1, 2024. Alternatively, you can complete a 3,000-hour registered apprenticeship.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Virginia?
State fees total approximately $314: $99 for the written exam and $95 for the practical exam (both paid to Prov), plus a $120 application fee paid to DPOR. School tuition is separate.
Does Virginia require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
No. Virginia does not require any continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $120 biennial renewal fee.
Does Virginia require a high school diploma for a cosmetology license?
No. Virginia does not require a high school diploma, GED, or minimum education level for cosmetology licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Is Virginia part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Yes. Virginia enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact in April 2024. Once the compact is fully activated, Virginia cosmetologists will be able to practice in other member states with a multistate license. The compact is not yet active as of early 2026.
Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers license by endorsement if your training is substantially equivalent (at least 80% of Virginia’s 1,000 hours). If your training falls short, you may substitute 3 years of licensed work experience. Virginia also offers Universal License Recognition for applicants who have held a license for at least 3 years.
Official Resources
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (official website)
- DPOR Online Services Portal (license applications)
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- 18VAC41-20 — Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations
- Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7
- License Renewal Portal
- License Verification
- Phone: (804) 367-8509 | Email: BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov
- Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233