Wyoming licenses cosmetologists through the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology, which oversees cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology licensing in the state. You need a Wyoming cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Wyoming.
Wyoming requires 2,000 hours of approved training — one of the highest requirements in the nation, where most states require 1,500 hours. Despite the high hour requirement, Wyoming’s licensing fees are remarkably low: just $36 for the license application and $65 for the NIC exam, totaling approximately $101 before tuition. No continuing education is required for renewal. Here is exactly how to do it.
Wyoming Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Wyoming Board of Cosmetology |
| Training Hours Required | 2,000 hours at a state-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship pathway |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or equivalent |
| Exam Required | NIC theory + written-practical exam (administered by Prov) |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| License Application Fee | $36 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $101 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years | $72 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Wyoming Board of Cosmetology |
| Board Website | cosmetology.wyo.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Wyoming requires completion of 2,000 hours of cosmetology training at a state-approved school. This is among the highest training requirements in the country — most states require 1,500 hours, and only a few states match or exceed Wyoming’s standard. Full-time programs typically take 14 to 18 months to complete.
The curriculum must cover:
- Hair care services (cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments)
- Skin care services (facials, makeup, waxing)
- Nail care services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Wyoming laws and rules
- Salon management and professional ethics
No apprenticeship pathway: Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship alternative for any license type. All training must be completed at a state-approved cosmetology school.
Eyelash extensions: Wyoming requires a cosmetologist or esthetician license to perform eyelash extension services.
Microblading: Microblading is not regulated by the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology. It is regulated by local health departments and is not within the scope of a cosmetology license.
For a comparison of cosmetology training hours across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
Wyoming uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prov (formerly DL Roope/ISO-Quality Testing). You must pass both a theory exam and a written-practical exam.
- Theory Exam: Multiple-choice covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, and Wyoming laws and rules.
- Written-Practical Exam: Tests your knowledge of practical cosmetology procedures through written questions about hands-on techniques.
- Passing Score: 75% on each exam
- Exam Fee: $65 total
Register for your exam through the Prov testing platform after your school confirms completion of your training hours. Exam results are typically available on the same day or within a few business days.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 2,000 hours of training at a Wyoming-approved cosmetology school.
- Register for the NIC theory and written-practical exams through Prov.
- Pay the exam fee of $65.
- Pass both exams with a score of 75% or higher.
- Submit your license application to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology.
- Pay the $36 license fee.
- Receive your Wyoming cosmetology license.
Independent contractor note: If you plan to rent a booth or work as an independent contractor, Wyoming requires a separate independent contractor license.
Wyoming Cosmetology License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| NIC Exam (theory + written-practical) | $65 | Prov |
| License Application | $36 | Wyoming Board of Cosmetology |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$101 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $72 | Wyoming Board of Cosmetology |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State Transfer) | $273 | Wyoming Board of Cosmetology |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Wyoming cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $72.
Wyoming does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply submit your renewal application and pay the fee before your license expires.
If you fail to renew on time, you may be subject to late fees or need to apply for reinstatement. Contact the Board directly at 307-777-3534 or cosmetology@wyo.gov for specific reinstatement procedures.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Wyoming offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states. The endorsement fee is $273, payable by money order only. No exam is required if you meet the following conditions:
- Hold a current, active license in good standing from another state
- Graduated from an accredited school or state-approved cosmetology program
- Passed a state board examination in your original licensing state
- Submit a notarized application
- Have your current state send a license certification directly to the Wyoming Board at cosmetology@wyo.gov
Wyoming evaluates each endorsement application individually. If your original state’s training requirements differ significantly from Wyoming’s 2,000-hour standard, the Board may require additional documentation or training.
If you are considering other states, compare requirements in Colorado (1,800 hours) or Texas (1,000 hours).
Military Provisions
Wyoming provides licensing accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses. Under Wyoming law, the Board may expedite license processing for active-duty military members and their spouses who hold equivalent licenses from other states.
The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions. Each military branch reimburses spouses up to $1,000 for relocation-related licensing costs.
Contact the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology at 307-777-3534 for specific military licensing procedures and any available fee waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours do I need for a Wyoming cosmetology license?
Wyoming requires 2,000 hours of cosmetology training at a state-approved school. This is one of the highest requirements in the nation — most states require 1,500 hours. Full-time programs typically take 14 to 18 months to complete.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Wyoming?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $101: $65 in exam fees paid to Prov and $36 for the license application paid to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology. Despite the high hour requirement, Wyoming’s licensing fees are among the lowest in the country.
Does Wyoming require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Wyoming does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $72 biennial renewal fee.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Wyoming?
Yes, through endorsement. The fee is $273 (money order only). You must hold a current license from another state, have graduated from an accredited or state-approved program, and have passed a state board exam. No additional exam is required. Your current state must send a license certification directly to the Wyoming Board.
Does Wyoming offer an apprenticeship for cosmetology?
No. Wyoming does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology or any other beauty license type. All training must be completed at a state-approved school.
Can I perform eyelash extensions with a Wyoming cosmetology license?
Yes. Eyelash extensions are within the scope of practice for licensed cosmetologists and estheticians in Wyoming. However, microblading is not regulated by the Board of Cosmetology and falls under local health department jurisdiction.
Official Resources
- Wyoming Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application
- Board Phone: 307-777-3534
- Board Email: cosmetology@wyo.gov
- Board Address: 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 302, Cheyenne, WY 82002