Nevada licenses cosmetologists through the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO), which oversees all cosmetology-related professions in the state. You need a Nevada cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Nevada.
Nevada requires 1,600 hours of approved training at a Board-licensed school (or 3,200 hours as an apprentice) plus three separate exams: a theory exam, a practical exam, and a Nevada State Law exam. The total initial cost including exams and a two-year license is approximately $195. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Nevada Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO) |
| Statutory Authority | NRS Chapter 644A; NAC Chapter 644A |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of 10th grade or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,600 hours at a Board-approved school OR 3,200 hours apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exams | Theory exam + Practical exam + Nevada State Law exam (75% passing score) |
| Exam Fee | $110 (paid to NVCOSMO); reexamination $95 |
| License Fee | $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $195 (exam + 2-year license, excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires last day of birthday month) or 4-year option |
| Renewal Fee | $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year) |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours of infection control per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | NVCOSMO Applications Portal |
| Exam Registration | Pearson VUE (theory and law exams) |
| Board Website | nvcosmo.com |
Education and Training Requirements
Nevada requires completion of 1,600 hours of practical training at a Board-approved school of cosmetology (NRS 644A.300). Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Hairdressing, including cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical treatments
- Nail care services, including manicures, pedicures, and artificial nails
- Skin care services, including facials, makeup application, and waxing
- Sanitation and infection control
- Nevada laws and rules
- Equipment and tool usage
Apprenticeship Alternative: Nevada offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 3,200 hours of service as a cosmetologist’s apprentice in a licensed cosmetological establishment (NRS 644A.300). Apprentices must register with the Board and pay a $100 registration fee (NRS 644A.310). Apprentice certificates are valid for 24 months. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade (NAC 644A.300).
Out-of-Country Experience: Applicants who practiced cosmetology for at least 4 years outside the United States may qualify for examination based on documented experience that the Board deems acceptable (NRS 644A.300).
Nevada’s 1,600-hour requirement is slightly above the national average. For a comparison of requirements across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
Nevada requires three separate exams to obtain a cosmetology license. The theory and law exams are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers, while the practical exam is administered at the Board office.
Theory Exam
The theory exam is a computer-based test that validates your knowledge of cosmetology theory and safe, sanitary service delivery. You must score at least 75% to pass (NAC 644A.290). The exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Nevada State Law Exam
The law exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions on Nevada laws and regulations governing cosmetology. A score of 75% or higher is required to pass. This exam is required for all persons obtaining their first Nevada cosmetology license, including reciprocity applicants.
Practical Exam
The practical exam tests your hands-on cosmetology skills and is administered at the Board office. You must receive a “Pass” grade. Practical exams are offered Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Exam fees: The examination fee is $110 for all three exams. If you fail any portion, the reexamination fee is $95 (NAC 644A fee schedule).
Retake policy: You may retake failed exams by paying the reexamination fee and rescheduling. You must bring a government-issued photo ID to all exams.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete your 1,600-hour training program at a Board-approved school (or complete your apprenticeship)
- Submit your application through the NVCOSMO applications portal with the $15 application fee
- Once approved, schedule your theory and law exams through Pearson VUE
- Pay the $110 examination fee
- Pass all three exams (theory, practical, and state law) with 75% or higher
- Pay the license fee: $70 for a 2-year license or $140 for a 4-year license
- Receive your Nevada cosmetology license
Nevada Cosmetology License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $15 [VERIFY] | NVCOSMO |
| Examination (all 3 exams) | $110 | NVCOSMO |
| Reexamination | $95 | NVCOSMO |
| 2-Year License | $70 | NVCOSMO |
| 4-Year License | $140 | NVCOSMO |
| Total Initial Cost (2-year) | ~$195 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $70 | NVCOSMO |
| 4-Year Renewal | $140 | NVCOSMO |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $20/month after expiration | NVCOSMO |
| Reciprocity/Endorsement | $325 | NVCOSMO |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Nevada cosmetology licenses expire on the last day of your birthday month, either every 2 years or every 4 years depending on which license term you selected.
To renew:
- Renew online through the NVCOSMO renewal portal
- Pay the renewal fee: $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year)
- Complete 4 hours of approved continuing education in infection control and prevention (NRS 644A.520)
Late renewal: A $20 late fee begins accruing the day after your license expires and increases by $20 for each additional month the license remains unrenewed.
Continuing education providers: The Board maintains a list of approved CE providers on the NVCOSMO CEU list. All CE must focus on infection control and prevention.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Nevada offers licensure by endorsement (reciprocity) for cosmetologists licensed in other states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, or other countries (NRS 644A.460). The process requires:
- An active license in good standing from your current jurisdiction
- A completed reciprocity application with a non-refundable $325 fee
- A passport-quality photograph
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or ITIN documentation
- Passing the Nevada State Law exam (25 questions, 75% passing score)
Certification requirement: If you are licensed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, or Wyoming, you must have your state board send a license certification directly to NVCOSMO before your application can be processed.
For more information on transferring from specific states, see our California, Texas, or Arizona cosmetology license guides.
Military Provisions
Nevada provides accommodations for military-connected cosmetology professionals:
License Expiration Deferral: Active duty service members and their spouses or dependent children may defer the expiration of their cosmetology license by submitting Board-provided forms before the license expires (NAC 644A.245). This prevents licenses from lapsing during active military service.
Commissioned Medical Officers: Commissioned medical officers of the Armed Forces are exempt from cosmetology licensing requirements when performing services in the course of their official duties (NRS 644A.150).
Recent Legislative Changes
SB 249 (2023, 82nd Session): This bill revised several provisions governing the scope of practice for persons licensed under NRS 644A. Key changes include revised definitions of “cosmetologist” and “esthetics” to clarify permitted and prohibited device usage, requirements for the Board to adopt regulations identifying nonablative esthetic medical procedures for advanced estheticians, and repealed provisions for demonstrators of cosmetics and hair braiding establishments.
2025 Legislative Session (83rd Session): Proposed changes under consideration would reduce the out-of-country experience requirement from 4 years to 1 year for examination qualification, and would allow cosmetology licensees to work in the same space as licensed barbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Nevada?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,600-hour training program typically takes 10 to 12 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Nevada?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $195: $110 in exam fees and $70 for a two-year license, plus a $15 application fee. If you choose a four-year license, the total is approximately $265.
Does Nevada require continuing education for cosmetologists?
Yes. Nevada requires 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education in infection control and prevention per renewal cycle. This requirement applies to all cosmetology license renewals.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Nevada?
Yes, through reciprocity (endorsement). You must submit an application with a $325 non-refundable fee, provide documentation of your active license, and pass the Nevada State Law exam (25 questions, 75% passing score). Applicants from certain states must have their state board send a license certification directly to NVCOSMO.
What exams do I need to pass for a Nevada cosmetology license?
Nevada requires three separate exams: a theory exam, a practical exam, and a Nevada State Law exam. The theory and law exams are computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. The practical exam is administered at the Board office. A score of 75% or higher is required on the theory and law exams, and a “Pass” is required on the practical exam.
Does Nevada offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
Yes. Nevada offers a 3,200-hour apprenticeship as an alternative to the 1,600-hour school pathway. Apprentices register with the Board ($100 fee), receive a certificate valid for 24 months, and work under supervision in a licensed cosmetological establishment. After completing the apprenticeship, you must pass all three licensing exams.
Official Resources
- Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO) (official website)
- Online License Application
- Fee Schedule
- Reciprocity / Transfer to Nevada
- License Renewal
- Pearson VUE Exam Registration
- NRS Chapter 644A (cosmetology statutes)
- NAC Chapter 644A (cosmetology regulations)
- Board Contact: (702) 508-0015 | info@nvcosmo.com
- Las Vegas Office: 8945 W Russell Rd, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148