North Dakota licenses cosmetologists through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology, which oversees cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and instructors statewide. You need a North Dakota cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
North Dakota requires 1,500 hours of approved training (reduced from 1,800 hours in August 2021) plus NIC written and practical exams and a separate North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam administered by Prov. A new US DOL-approved apprenticeship pathway of 2,500 hours became available on January 1, 2026. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $115. Here is exactly how to get your North Dakota cosmetology license.
North Dakota Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | NDCC Title 43, Chapter 11; Administrative Rules Title 32 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (typically required by schools) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a state-approved school (or 2,500-hour apprenticeship) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,500 hours in a US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written Theory + NIC Practical + ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% on all exams |
| Exam Fees | $90 (theory + state law during one session) |
| License Application Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $115 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Annual, expires December 31 | $15/year |
| Continuing Education | |
| Apply Online | |
| Exam Registration | Prov (provexam.com) or call (801) 733-4455 |
| Board Website | ndcosmetology.com |
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a school approved by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. This requirement was reduced from 1,800 hours effective August 1, 2021. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete. The curriculum covers hair care services (cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments), skin care services, nail care services, sanitation and infection control, and North Dakota laws and rules.
Apprenticeship pathway: As of January 1, 2026, North Dakota offers an alternative apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,500 hours in a US Department of Labor-approved registered apprenticeship program. This is a new option for individuals who prefer to learn in a salon setting rather than a traditional school environment.
At 1,500 hours, North Dakota’s cosmetology training requirement is at the national average. For a comparison of requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass three exams to qualify for a North Dakota cosmetology license:
- NIC Written Theory Exam: Multiple-choice exam covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, and scientific concepts. Administered by Prov. A passing score of 75% is required.
- NIC Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies. A passing score of 75% is required.
- North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam: A separate exam covering state-specific laws and rules. Also administered by Prov.
Exam fees: $90 for the theory and state law exams taken during one session. If retaking only the theory exam, the fee is $90. If retaking only the state law exam, the fee is $60.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (801) 733-4455 to schedule your exams.
Retake policy: If you fail an exam, you may retake it by re-registering with Prov and paying the applicable retake fee.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school (or 2,500 hours through the apprenticeship pathway).
- Register for your exams through Prov and pay the exam fees ($90 for theory + state law).
- Pass the NIC Written Theory, NIC Practical, and ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exams with a score of 75% or higher on each.
- Submit your cosmetology license application to the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- Pay the $25 license application fee.
- Receive your North Dakota cosmetology license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Theory + State Law Exam (one session) | $90 | Prov |
| Theory Retake Only | $90 | Prov |
| State Law Retake Only | $60 | Prov |
| License Application | $25 | ND Board of Cosmetology |
| Total Initial Cost (approx.) | $115 | |
| Annual Renewal | $15 | ND Board of Cosmetology |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
North Dakota cosmetology licenses expire annually on December 31. You must renew your license before it expires to continue practicing legally. The renewal fee is $15 per year.
Contact the Board at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for renewal instructions and deadlines.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
North Dakota offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. To transfer your license to North Dakota, you must hold an active license in good standing from another state.
Reciprocity fee: $105 plus the original license fee.
Additional requirements: You may be required to pass the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam before receiving your license.
Work experience credit: North Dakota credits licensed work experience toward training hour requirements. The formula is 1,000 hours of licensed work experience equals 100 hours of school training, up to a maximum of 500 hours. This can help bridge the gap if your original state required fewer training hours than North Dakota.
If you are considering transferring your cosmetology license between states, see our guides for Texas, Florida, and other states.
Military Provisions
North Dakota provides accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking professional licenses. 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.
Contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for specific information about expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licenses available to military-connected applicants.
Recent Legislative Changes
Training hours reduced from 1,800 to 1,500 (effective August 1, 2021): North Dakota reduced the cosmetology training requirement by 300 hours, bringing the state in line with the national average. This change reduced the time and cost required to enter the profession.
Apprenticeship pathway added (effective January 1, 2026): A new 2,500-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program became available as an alternative to traditional school-based training. This gives aspiring cosmetologists the option to train in a working salon environment.
Advanced Esthetician licensing (effective January 1, 2026): North Dakota introduced a new Advanced Esthetician license category requiring 1,100 hours of training. Existing cosmetologists and estheticians who held ND licenses as of January 1, 2025 receive grandfather status for the advanced credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become a cosmetologist in North Dakota?
You need 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school. This requirement was reduced from 1,800 hours in August 2021. Alternatively, you can complete a 2,500-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program, which became available on January 1, 2026.
How much does it cost to get a North Dakota cosmetology license?
State fees total approximately $115: $90 in exam fees paid to Prov and $25 for the license application paid to the Board. This does not include school tuition.
What exams do I need to pass for a North Dakota cosmetology license?
You must pass three exams: the NIC Written Theory exam, the NIC Practical exam, and the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam. All exams are administered by Prov, and you need a score of 75% or higher on each.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. You must pay the reciprocity fee ($105 plus the original license fee) and may be required to pass the ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam. North Dakota also credits work experience toward training hours at a rate of 1,000 licensed work hours equaling 100 school hours, up to 500 hours.
Does North Dakota offer an apprenticeship for cosmetology?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, North Dakota offers a 2,500-hour apprenticeship pathway through a US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program. This is an alternative to the traditional 1,500-hour school-based training.
Official Resources
- North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application
- Prov Exam Registration (provexam.com) | Phone: (801) 733-4455
- Board Contact: 701-224-9800 | bocinfo@nd.gov
- Board Address: PO Box 2177, Bismarck, ND 58502-2177 (Physical: 4719 Shelburne St., Suite 1, Bismarck, ND 58503)