North Carolina licenses cosmetologists through the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (NCBCE), which oversees all branches of cosmetic art in the state under General Statutes Chapter 88B. You need a North Carolina cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in North Carolina.
North Carolina requires 1,500 hours of approved training (or 1,200 hours plus a 6-month apprenticeship) and NIC written and practical exams administered through Prov. The license fee is $49, and North Carolina is one of the few states with a 3-year renewal cycle. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislation Affecting North Carolina Cosmetology Licensing
Session Law 2024-45 (SB 607) — Blow-Drying Exemption (Effective July 9, 2024): North Carolina now allows unlicensed employees in cosmetic art shops to shampoo and blow-dry hair without a cosmetology license, provided their duties are confined only to shampooing and blow-drying and they comply with Board sanitation rules. Previously, only shampooing was exempt. This does not affect the licensing requirements for cosmetologists — it only expands what unlicensed support staff may do.
Board Rule Changes (Effective April 1, 2023): The Board updated the cosmetology curriculum to include lash lift and brow lamination, artificial lashes, and lash and brow tinting. Additionally, licensed cosmetologists returning to school for an esthetician, manicurist, or natural hair care specialist program may now request schools to apply up to 50% of their cosmetology program hours toward the new curriculum.
North Carolina Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (NCBCE) |
| Statutory Authority | NC General Statutes Chapter 88B; 21 NCAC Chapter 14 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified by statute (schools typically require 16 or 18) |
| Education Prerequisite | Not required by statute (most schools require a high school diploma or GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved school OR 1,200 hours + 6-month apprenticeship |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,200 school hours + 6-month supervised apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exam | NIC written + practical exams (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% on both exams (70% for apprentice license) |
| Exam Fees | Practical: ~$79 | Written: (paid to Prov) |
| License Fee | $49 (paid to NCBCE) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $49 + exam fees |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 3 years (due October 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $39 every 3 years |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours per year (24 hours per 3-year cycle) |
| Apply Online | NCBCE Online License Application |
| Exam Registration | Prov Exam Registration |
| Board Website | nccosmeticarts.com |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 88B does not specify a minimum age for cosmetology licensure. Most Board-approved schools require applicants to be at least 16 or 18 years old for enrollment. A high school diploma or GED is not required by the licensing statute, but most approved schools require one for admission.
North Carolina does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. Under 21 NCAC 14I .0401, the Board may refuse to grant a license to any applicant convicted of a felony, but evaluates each case individually.
If you are deciding between cosmetology and other beauty licenses in North Carolina, cosmetology requires 1,500 hours but provides the broadest scope of practice — covering hair, skin, and nail services. For a comparison of cosmetology and barbering, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
North Carolina offers two pathways to meet the cosmetology training requirement:
Option 1: Cosmetology School (1,500 Hours)
Complete 1,500 hours of a cosmetologist curriculum at a Board-approved cosmetic art school. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months. Both private cosmetology schools and community college programs are recognized, provided they are approved by the Board. The curriculum must cover:
- Hair care services (cutting, coloring, styling, perming, chemical treatments)
- Skin care services (facials, makeup, waxing, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow lamination)
- Nail care services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- North Carolina laws and rules
- Business management and professional ethics
Option 2: Apprenticeship (1,200 Hours + 6 Months)
Complete at least 1,200 hours at a Board-approved school, then serve a 6-month apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. Apprenticeship completion must be certified by sworn affidavit of three licensed cosmetologists or by other evidence satisfactory to the Board. Apprentice license holders pass the exam at a lower threshold (70% vs. 75%) and work under supervision — they cannot operate a shop independently.
Transfer Credits: Licensed cosmetologists returning to school for an esthetician, manicurist, or natural hair care specialist program may request schools to apply up to 50% of their cosmetology hours toward the new curriculum (per the April 2023 rule changes).
North Carolina’s 1,500-hour requirement is close to the national average for cosmetology. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
After completing your training, you must pass two NIC (National-Interstate Council) examinations: the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam and the NIC Cosmetology Practical Exam. The Board contracts with Prov to administer both exams.
How to register:
- Your school submits graduation paperwork to the Board
- Register for exams through Prov within 3 months of graduation
- Pay exam fees to Prov
- Schedule your exams — practical is scheduled first, then the written exam
Written (Theory) Exam: Computer-based with 110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 10 unscored pilot questions). You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Topics cover cosmetology theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and North Carolina laws and rules. A passing score of 75% is required (70% for apprentice license).
Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies. Practical exams are administered at designated locations across North Carolina. A passing score of 75% is required (70% for apprentice license).
Exam locations: Per G.S. 88B-14, exams are given at a minimum of three geographically scattered locations across the state.
Retake policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake only the portion you failed. After three failed attempts, the Board requires you to complete additional requirements before retesting.
Step 4: Apply for Your North Carolina Cosmetology License
After passing both exams, apply for your cosmetology license through the Board’s online application portal or by mail. The license fee is $49. Applications are typically processed within 24 hours online, with licenses issued and mailed within 5 to 10 business days.
Temporary Employment Permit: If you need to start working before your exam, North Carolina offers a temporary employment permit. To qualify, your school must have submitted graduation paperwork to the Board, you must have submitted your exam application to Prov within 3 months of graduation, and you must submit the temporary permit form with a $5 fee. The permit is valid for 6 months after your graduation date and cannot be renewed. Permit holders may practice only under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist and may not operate a cosmetic art shop.
North Carolina Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | Prov | |
| Practical Exam | ~$79 [VERIFY] | Prov |
| Exam Reschedule Fee | $25 | Prov |
| Cosmetologist License (In-State) | $49 | NCBCE |
| Apprentice License | $20 | NCBCE |
| Temporary Employment Permit | $5 | NCBCE |
| Cosmetologist License (Out-of-State) | $64 | NCBCE |
| 3-Year Renewal | $39 | NCBCE |
| Late Renewal Fee | $10 | NCBCE |
| Duplicate License | $1 | NCBCE |
License Renewal Requirements
North Carolina cosmetology licenses renew every three years, due on or before October 1. This is one of the few states with a 3-year renewal cycle — most states require annual or biennial renewal. The renewal fee is $39.
To renew:
- Renew online through the Board’s renewal portal or by mail
- Pay the $39 renewal fee
- Complete 8 hours of continuing education per year (24 hours total per 3-year cycle)
Continuing education requirements: At least 50% of your CE must broaden your knowledge of the cosmetic art profession. Acceptable formats include learning new skills from another professional, educational videos or tutorials, online or correspondence courses, and hands-on classes. The Board offers free CE classes for cosmetologists on its website. You must keep records of each course (title, description, date, location or URL, and total hours) — the Board may audit you at any time.
CE exemptions: Cosmetologists with 20 or more consecutive years of experience are exempt from CE but must still report any CE completed. Practitioners aged 60 or older with at least 10 consecutive years of active practice are also exempt. Both groups must still renew and pay the renewal fee.
Late renewal: A $10 late fee applies for renewals submitted after October 1. If you fail to renew within 5 years of expiration, you must pass a Board-prescribed examination before reinstatement.
Inactive status: Licensees in good standing may request inactive status. Inactive licensees cannot practice but are exempt from CE. To reactivate, notify the Board, pay the required fee, and complete 8 to 24 hours of CE as determined by the Board.
Transferring Your Cosmetology License to North Carolina
North Carolina offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. No exam is required for out-of-state transfers. You must hold a current license in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions, and you must have passed a state or national board exam to obtain your original license. The out-of-state cosmetologist license fee is $64.
Two-tier application process:
Tier 1 — Certification Required First: If you are licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, D.C., Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, or Wisconsin, your state licensing agency must send a certification letter directly to the Board (email certifications@nccosmeticarts.com or mail) before you can apply. Certifications are held on file for 90 days.
Tier 2 — Direct Application: If you are licensed in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Wyoming, you may apply directly online and submit a copy of your current license and photo ID.
Important: Only current licenses are accepted — registrations and certificates from other states are not recognized. Temporary permits are not available during the reciprocity process.
Foreign-Trained Applicants
North Carolina law does not allow for the review or verification of foreign cosmetic art credentials or education. International applicants must either obtain a U.S. cosmetology license in another state and transfer to North Carolina through reciprocity, or complete the full NC training program at a Board-approved school and pass the exams.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
North Carolina provides strong licensing accommodations for military-connected individuals under G.S. 93B-15.1:
No-Fee Reciprocity: Military service members and military spouses from all states may obtain a North Carolina cosmetology license through reciprocity with current licensure, a valid photo ID, and military orders. No application fee is charged for military and military spouse applications.
Expedited Processing: The Board must respond to military applications within 15 days — either granting licensure or identifying specific deficiencies.
Temporary Practice Permits: The Board must issue temporary practice permits to military applicants and spouses within 15 days of application, valid for one year or until licensure is granted.
Military Training Credit: Applicants with equivalent military training and at least 2 of the past 5 years of active practice in cosmetology may qualify for licensure. Alternatively, applicants with military documentation may pass a proficiency examination.
SCRA License Portability: Under the 2023 SCRA amendment, service members and spouses who relocate to North Carolina due to military orders can use their current home-state license. Each military branch reimburses spouses up to $1,000 for relocation-related licensing costs.
What Can You Do with a North Carolina Cosmetology License?
A North Carolina cosmetology license authorizes you to practice all parts of cosmetic art, which includes:
- Hair services: Cutting, coloring, bleaching, perming, relaxing, styling, braiding, extensions
- Skin services: Facials, makeup application, waxing, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow lamination, lash and brow tinting
- Nail services: Manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, nail decoration
Services NOT included:
- Massage and bodywork therapy (regulated separately under Article 36, Chapter 90)
- Microblading (classified as tattooing, regulated by county Environmental Health Departments)
- Permanent makeup and tattooing (regulated by county Environmental Health Departments)
- Treatment of pathologic conditions
2022 Board Declaratory Ruling: The Board ruled that dermaplaning and microneedling (up to 1mm depth) are within the cosmetologist and esthetician scope of practice, provided the devices are FDA-approved and operated within manufacturer guidelines.
Practice Settings: Licensed cosmetic art shops, clients’ residences (for sick or disabled individuals), hospitals, and nursing homes.
If you want to compare cosmetology with esthetics licensing, see our guide on whether you can be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Related License Options in North Carolina
| License Type | Hours Required | Scope of Practice | Governing Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours (or 1,200 + apprenticeship) | Hair, skin, and nail services | NCBCE |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Skin care services only | NCBCE |
| Manicurist | 300 hours | Nail services only | NCBCE |
| Natural Hair Care Specialist | 300 hours | Natural hair care (no chemicals) | NCBCE |
| Barber | 1,528 hours + 12-month apprenticeship | Hair cutting, shaving, grooming | NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners |
For more on the esthetician pathway, see our North Carolina esthetician license guide.
Cosmetology Instructor Requirements
To become a cosmetology teacher in North Carolina, you must hold a current cosmetologist license in good standing, hold a high school diploma or GED, and meet one of the following:
- Complete at least 800 hours of a teacher curriculum at an approved cosmetic art school, OR
- Have one year of full-time work experience as a practicing cosmetologist immediately before application, OR
- Have 5 years of full-time work in a cosmetic art shop immediately before application (alternative pathway)
You must then pass the Board’s teacher examination with a score of 85% or higher. Teacher licenses cost $20 (in-state) or $35 (out-of-state) and renew every 2 years on October 1 ($10 renewal fee).
North Carolina Cosmetology Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), cosmetologists in North Carolina earn a median annual salary of approximately $36,140 ($17.37 per hour). Salaries range from about $24,060 at the 10th percentile to $61,620 at the 90th percentile. The Durham-Chapel Hill metro area reports the highest median wages in the state at $40,580, followed by Raleigh-Cary at $38,030.
These figures do not include tips, commissions, or self-employment income, which commonly add 15% to 25% to base compensation. Employment of cosmetologists nationally is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in North Carolina?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,500-hour training program typically takes 10 to 12 months. The apprenticeship pathway (1,200 school hours plus 6-month apprenticeship) takes approximately the same total time. 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 North Carolina?
The license fee is $49, paid to the Board. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov — the practical exam is approximately $79 . A temporary work permit costs an additional $5 if needed. Tuition at North Carolina cosmetology programs varies but averages approximately $10,000 to $18,000.
Does North Carolina require continuing education for cosmetologists?
Yes. Cosmetologists must complete 8 hours of continuing education per year (24 hours per 3-year renewal cycle). At least 50% must be in your cosmetic art field. The Board offers free CE classes on its website. Cosmetologists with 20 or more consecutive years of experience are exempt from CE.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to North Carolina?
Yes, through reciprocity ($64 fee). No exam is required. You must hold a current license in good standing and have passed a state or national board exam. The process depends on which state you are transferring from — some states require your licensing agency to send certification to the Board first, while others allow direct application.
Does North Carolina offer an apprenticeship for cosmetology?
Yes. You can complete 1,200 hours at a Board-approved school plus a 6-month supervised apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. Apprentices pass the exam at a lower threshold (70% instead of 75%) and work under direct supervision. Apprentice licenses cost $20 and renew annually at $10.
Can I do eyelash extensions with a cosmetology license in North Carolina?
Yes. Eyelash extension application, lash lifts, brow lamination, and lash and brow tinting are within the cosmetology scope of practice. These services were formally added to the cosmetology curriculum in the April 2023 rule changes.
Can unlicensed workers shampoo and blow-dry hair in North Carolina?
Yes. Under Session Law 2024-45 (effective July 9, 2024), unlicensed employees in cosmetic art shops may shampoo and blow-dry hair without a license, provided their duties are confined only to those tasks and they comply with Board sanitation rules.
What is the difference between a cosmetologist and a barber in North Carolina?
Cosmetologists are licensed by the Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (1,500 hours) and can perform hair, skin, and nail services. Barbers are licensed by the separate Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners (1,528 hours plus a mandatory 12-month apprenticeship) and focus on hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming. For a detailed comparison, see our barber vs cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
- North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application
- Official Fee Schedule
- Reciprocity Information
- Continuing Education Information and Free CE Classes
- Prov (exam registration) | NCSupport@provexam.com | (866) 773-1114
- NC General Statutes Chapter 88B (Cosmetic Art Act)
- Board Contact: (919) 736-6123 | Fax: (919) 678-3012 | nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com
- Board Address: 121 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 209, Cary, NC 27511