Maine licenses cosmetologists through the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Unlike most states, Maine does not have a traditional cosmetology board — licensing is administered directly by the OPOR Director under Title 32, Chapter 126. You need a Maine cosmetology license to perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation.
Maine requires 1,500 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov, Inc. No continuing education is required. A major 2019 overhaul (PL 2019 c. 373) restructured all beauty licensing categories. Total initial cost is approximately $240. Here is exactly how to get your Maine cosmetology license.
Maine Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | OPOR (Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation) |
| Statutory Authority | Title 32, Chapter 126 (32 MRSA §14201 et seq.) |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute (schools may set own requirements) |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute (schools may require diploma/GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,500 hours |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$190 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fees | ~$50 ($10 registration + $40 license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$240 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires October 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $20 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | OPOR Barbering & Cosmetology |
| Board Website | maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing |
Recent Changes Affecting Maine Cosmetology Licensing
PL 2019 c. 373 (effective September 2019): Major restructuring of all barbering and cosmetology licensing in Maine. Key changes affecting cosmetology:
- Eliminated the Board of Cosmetology — OPOR Director now administers licensing directly
- Created the Hair Designer license (1,200 hours) as a new mid-level tier between cosmetology and barbering
- Repealed statutory minimum age and education prerequisites (schools may still set their own admission requirements)
- Established apprenticeship pathways for all license types
- Renamed and restructured several license categories
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school. The cosmetology curriculum is the broadest scope license in Maine, covering hair cutting, coloring, styling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, facials, skin care, makeup, manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail application.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 10 to 14 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 2,500 hours under a licensed cosmetologist (approximately 1.67x the school hour requirement). Apprentices must register with OPOR before beginning.
Related license tiers in Maine: If you want a narrower scope, Maine also offers Hair Designer (1,200 hours — hair services only, no skin or nails), Barber Hair Stylist (800 hours — cutting only, no chemical services), Esthetician (600 hours), and Nail Technician (200 hours).
For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC exams through Prov, Inc.:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), Skin Care (10%), Nail Care (10%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$190 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through OPOR ($10 registration + $40 license = $50)
Total: approximately $240.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires annually on October 31. Renewal fee: $20. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Lapsed licenses may require re-examination depending on the length of lapse.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Maine offers endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours. If your state’s requirements are lower than Maine’s 1,500 hours, additional training or examination may be required.
Military Provisions
Temporary license issued within 30 days for active-duty members or spouses holding a valid license from another state. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension. Military training and experience credited toward licensing qualifications under Title 32, §14212.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in Maine?
1,500 hours at a licensed school, or a 2,500-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 10 to 14 months.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Maine?
Approximately $240 total: ~$190 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and ~$50 in application and license fees (paid to OPOR).
Does Maine require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Maine does not require CE for cosmetology license renewal.
Does Maine have a cosmetology board?
No. Maine eliminated its Board of Cosmetology in 2019. Licensing is now administered directly by the OPOR Director.
What is the difference between a cosmetologist and hair designer in Maine?
A cosmetologist (1,500 hours) can perform hair, skin, and nail services. A hair designer (1,200 hours) can perform only hair services — no skin care or nail services.
Official Resources
- Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) (official website)
- Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
- Prov Exam Registration
- OPOR Contact: (207) 624-8603 | professionallicensing@maine.gov
- Address: 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333