South Carolina licenses cosmetologists through the State Board of Cosmetology, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). You need a South Carolina cosmetology license to perform hair services, skin care, nail care, and related beauty services for compensation anywhere in South Carolina.
South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams administered through Prov, with a 75% passing score. The state requires only a 10th-grade education — no high school diploma needed. Renewal is biennial with 4 hours of continuing education. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
South Carolina Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Registered Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) |
| Board | State Board of Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | SC Code Title 40, Chapter 13; SC Regulations Chapter 35 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th-grade education or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved school |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | Theory $55 + Practical $65 = $120 (paid to Prov) |
| Repeat Exam Fee | $45 (paid to Board) |
| Endorsement Fee | $60 |
| License Term | Biennial (odd years, expires March 10) |
| Renewal Fee | $52 |
| Continuing Education | 4 contact hours per renewal period |
| Apply Online | LLR eService Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of classroom instruction at a Board-approved cosmetology school (SC Code 40-13-230). Full-time students typically complete the program in 9 to 12 months.
The curriculum covers both theory and practical instruction (SC Regulation 35-3):
Theory/Science (~465 hours):
- Chemistry (100 hours)
- Public Relations/Psychology (50 hours)
- Anatomy (45 hours)
- Sanitation and Disinfection (45 hours)
- Professional Ethics (35 hours)
- Personal Hygiene (30 hours)
- Safety Precautions (30 hours)
- Dermatology (25 hours)
- Trichology (25 hours)
- Nail Structure (15 hours)
Practical (~1,015 hours):
- Hair Styling (325 hours)
- Chemical Waving/Relaxing (225 hours)
- Hair Tinting/Bleaching (225 hours)
- Hair Shaping/Cutting (150 hours)
- Shampoos and Rinses (45 hours)
- Facial/Skin Care (40 hours)
- Scalp Treatments (30 hours)
- Nail Technology (25 hours)
No apprenticeship pathway: South Carolina does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology licensure. All training must be completed at a Board-approved school. The only alternative path is for individuals who have held a master hair care specialist license (under the Barber Board) for five or more years, who may qualify for cosmetology licensure.
Exam deadline: You must take the state board exam within 24 months of completing your required hours, or the hours become invalid. Students who attempted either exam within the 24-month period may continue testing beyond that deadline (policy effective January 8, 2024).
At 1,500 hours, South Carolina is at the national average for cosmetology training. 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. South Carolina uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov.
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75% | $55 [VERIFY] |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration on mannequin | Varies by section | 75% | $65 [VERIFY] |
Written exam content: Scientific concepts (~35%) including infection control, safety practices, anatomy/physiology, and basic chemistry. Hair care and services (~45%) including haircutting, styling, chemical texture, and color. Skin care (~10%) and nail care (~10%).
Practical exam: You demonstrate cosmetology services on a mannequin head. Services tested include hair shaping (cutting), chemical waving, chemical relaxing, hair lightening and coloring, and thermal curling. You must provide a new, uncut, unprocessed mannequin with minimum 8-inch hair length from the nape.
How to register: Schedule your exams through Prov or call (801) 733-4455.
Retake policy: If you fail one part, you only need to retake the failed portion. Submit a Repeat Examination Request through the LLR Licensee Portal with the $45 Board fee.
Application Process and Fees
Apply for your cosmetology license through the LLR eService Portal.
- Complete 1,500 hours of training at a Board-approved school
- Have your school submit the Affidavit of Completion to the Board
- Download and complete the supplemental forms from llr.sc.gov/cosmo/pub.aspx:
- Verification of Lawful Presence affidavit (notarized)
- Notarized Signature Affidavit and Passport Type Photo Form
- Submit the online application with uploaded supplemental forms and fee payment
- Once approved, register with Prov and pass both NIC exams with 75% or higher
- Board issues your license after passing both exams
Processing time: Applications are processed in the order received. Check your status at the Application Status page.
Board address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210. Phone: (803) 896-4588. Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
South Carolina cosmetology licenses renew biennially in odd years, with a deadline of March 10 at 11:59 PM. The renewal fee is $52. Renew online at the LLR renewal portal.
Continuing education: South Carolina requires 4 contact hours of Board-approved CE per renewal period. Topics must cover:
- Board laws and regulations
- Client safety
- Infection control (including sanitation and disinfection)
CE may be completed through Board-approved in-person or online classes. It takes approximately 15 business days for the Board to receive records of CE completion. First-time licensees are exempt from CE during their initial licensing period.
CE exemptions: Practitioners with 15+ consecutive years of SC licensure who are age 60 or older, or practitioners with 30+ continuous years who are age 50 or older (with no disciplinary action), are exempt from CE.
Late renewal: The reinstatement fee is $152. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must retake and pass both the theory and practical exams.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to South Carolina
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology does not offer reciprocity but does provide licensure by endorsement. You must meet one of two pathways:
Pathway 1: Hold an active license in good standing in another state AND have passed the NIC examination (theory and practical).
Pathway 2: Hold an active license in good standing for at least 2 years in another state AND have completed 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education.
All endorsement applicants must also pass a South Carolina state law exam as designated by the Board. The endorsement fee is $60.
Applicants from states that use NIC exams like Florida, Texas, and Georgia can typically qualify through Pathway 1.
Military Service Members and Spouses
South Carolina provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under SC Code Title 40, Chapter 1:
- Military spouse temporary license: The Board issues temporary licenses to spouses of active-duty service members stationed in South Carolina. You must hold a valid license in good standing from another state. Valid for 1 year. Required documents include military orders, marriage license, and verification of licensure from all jurisdictions (SC Code 40-1-630).
- CE exemption: Active-duty military members are exempt from continuing education requirements (SC Code 40-1-610).
- Fee exemption: Service members on active duty cannot be charged license fees during any calendar year they serve (SC Code 40-1-620).
- Military training credit: The Board must accept military education, training, and experience and apply it “in the manner most favorable” toward licensure qualifications (SC Code 40-1-640).
- Expedited processing: LLR prioritizes military spouse applications. Contact: militaryspouseinfo@llr.sc.gov.
Recent Legislative Changes
Act No. 162 (2022) — Barbers in cosmetology salons: Licensed barbers and master hair care specialists may now practice within the scope of their barber license in salons registered with the Board of Cosmetology (SC Code 40-13-40). This allows barbers and cosmetologists to work under the same salon roof.
Exam vendor transition: The Board transitioned from PSI to Prov as the NIC exam administrator. The NIC exam content itself remains unchanged.
Bill H.4186 (2025 — pending): Would create a portable operations permit for cosmetologists, exempt “express styling services” (shampooing, drying, thermal styling without cutting or chemicals) from licensure, and exempt makeup-only artists from regulation. Not yet enacted as of February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 9 to 12 months. There is no apprenticeship alternative.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in South Carolina?
Exam fees are approximately $120 ($55 theory + $65 practical, paid to Prov). The endorsement fee for out-of-state transfers is $60. Biennial renewal is $52.
Does South Carolina require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
Yes. South Carolina requires 4 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education per biennial renewal period. Topics must cover Board laws and regulations, client safety, and infection control. First-time licensees are exempt during their initial period.
Do you need a high school diploma for a cosmetology license in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina requires only a 10th-grade education or equivalent — you do not need a high school diploma or GED. The minimum age is 16.
Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to South Carolina?
Yes, through endorsement. You must either have passed the NIC exam or hold an active license for at least 2 years plus complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE. You must also pass a South Carolina state law exam. The endorsement fee is $60.
What happens if my South Carolina cosmetology license expires?
You can reinstate a license that expired within the last 3 years by paying the $152 reinstatement fee and completing CE requirements. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must retake and pass both NIC exams.
Official Resources
- South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- LLR Online Application Portal
- Applications and Forms
- Fee Schedule
- Exam Information
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- SC Code Title 40, Chapter 13
- License Verification
- Phone: (803) 896-4588 | Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210