Oregon does not issue a traditional cosmetology license. Instead, the state issues separate practitioner certificates by field of practice through the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology. The closest equivalent to a cosmetology license in Oregon is the Hair Design Practitioner Certificate, which authorizes hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling, and shaving services.
Oregon requires approximately 1,150 hours of approved training (1,110 curriculum hours plus 40 hours of Oregon laws and career development) and walk-in written exams administered at the HLO office in Salem. The total state fees are approximately $155. SB 217 (2023) significantly overhauled Oregon’s cosmetology curriculum requirements, reducing training hours from 1,700 to the current standard. Here is exactly how to get your Oregon cosmetology license.
Recent Legislation Affecting Oregon Cosmetology Licensing
SB 217 (2023): Oregon’s most significant cosmetology licensing reform in years. SB 217 transferred curriculum approval authority from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to the Board of Cosmetology, required a Curriculum Requirements Advisory Committee to review and set new training standards, and mandated Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training for all certification renewals effective July 1, 2025. The Board adopted new curriculum rules effective July 1, 2024, substantially reducing training hours across all fields of practice. SB 217 also exempted spray tanning from cosmetology regulation and created the framework for provisional certificates (effective January 1, 2027).
Provisional Certificate Pathway (effective January 1, 2027): Under ORS 690.107, applicants who live more than 50 miles from an approved school may obtain a provisional certificate to practice under the supervision of a practitioner with 5+ years of experience. Supervised hours count toward full certification. HB 2380 (2025 session) is developing implementation rules.
Oregon Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Hair Design Practitioner Certificate |
| Governing Agency | Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology |
| Minimum Age | Not specified by statute (ORS 690) |
| Education Prerequisite | Not required by statute; must complete a Board-approved school program |
| Training Hours Required | 1,110 curriculum hours + 455 practical operations + 40 hours (laws and career development) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No (provisional certificate pathway available January 1, 2027 for applicants 50+ miles from a school) |
| Licensing Exam | Hair Design written exam + Oregon Laws & Rules written exam (walk-in at HLO Salem) + practical exam (at approved school) |
| Passing Score | |
| Exam Fees | Hair Design exam: $45 | Laws & Rules exam: $45 | Total: $90 |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Certification Fee | $35 (2-year certification) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$155 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $65 |
| Continuing Education | BBP training annually (effective July 1, 2025) |
| Apply | In-person at HLO office in Salem |
| Board Website | Oregon HLO Board of Cosmetology |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Oregon has minimal eligibility barriers for cosmetology certification. ORS Chapter 690 does not specify a minimum age or require a high school diploma or GED for practitioner certification. You must complete a Board-approved school program, which individual schools may set their own enrollment prerequisites for.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
You must complete a Hair Design curriculum at a school approved by the Board of Cosmetology. The current requirement is 1,110 curriculum hours plus 455 practical operations, along with 20 hours of Oregon Laws and Rules and 20 hours of Career Development.
The curriculum covers hair styling, permanent waving, relaxing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, shampooing, conditioning, shaving, and scalp and neck massage performed in conjunction with hair services.
No Apprenticeship Available: Oregon does not currently offer an apprenticeship pathway. Competency-based school programs are available as an alternative to traditional clock-hour programs. A provisional certificate pathway for applicants living 50+ miles from a school takes effect January 1, 2027.
Oregon’s training hours are below the 1,500-hour standard used by most states. For a comparison, see our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
Oregon uses a three-exam system: two written exams administered by the HLO office and a practical exam administered at your approved school.
Hair Design Written Exam: Walk-in at the HLO office in Salem. 90 minutes. Covers hair design theory, techniques, safety, and sanitation. Must pass within 2 years of application date.
Oregon Laws & Rules Written Exam: Walk-in at the HLO office in Salem. 90 minutes. Covers Oregon cosmetology statutes and administrative rules. Must pass within 2 years of application date.
Practical Exam: Administered at your Board-approved school. Passing score valid for 5 years.
Exam Fees: $45 per written exam ($90 total for both). The practical exam fee is included in your school tuition.
Language Availability: Written exams are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Additional time accommodations are available for ESL test-takers.
Retake Policy: You may retake a failed exam the next business day for attempts 1 through 10. After 10 failures, the Board may require additional training hours and practical operations before retesting.
Testing Hours: Walk-in exams are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the HLO office in Salem. No appointment is necessary.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
After passing all three exams, submit your application and pay the $30 application fee plus $35 certification fee at the HLO office. Initial applications are submitted in-person at the Salem office. Your Hair Design Practitioner Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Oregon Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $30 | HLO |
| Hair Design Written Exam | $45 | HLO |
| Oregon Laws & Rules Exam | $45 | HLO |
| Original Certification (2 years) | $35 | HLO |
| Total Initial Cost | $155 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $65 | HLO |
| Late Fee (delinquency) | $50/year (up to 3 years) | HLO |
| Reciprocity Application | $100 | HLO |
| Reciprocity Certification | $65 | HLO |
License Renewal
Oregon Hair Design certificates renew every 2 years. Renewal applications are mailed approximately 6 weeks before expiration. Renew online through the Oregon HLO online portal. Renewal fee: $65.
BBP Training Requirement (effective July 1, 2025): All practitioners must complete and maintain current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training for renewal. BBP training is valid for 1 year, so practitioners on a 2-year cycle must complete it twice per renewal period. You must attest to completion at renewal and keep documentation on file for 5 years. Training can be completed online or in-person.
Late Renewal: A delinquency fee of $50 per year applies for up to 3 years after your inactive date. After 3 years, you must retake the practical and written exams, reapply, and pay all applicable fees.
Transferring Your License to Oregon (Reciprocity)
Oregon accepts reciprocity from all U.S. states, territories, and foreign countries. To transfer:
- Hold an active license in good standing with no disciplinary action
- Have your current state board send official verification directly to HLO
- Pass the Oregon Laws & Rules written exam and Hair Design written exam at the HLO office in Salem
- Pay the reciprocity application fee ($100), exam fees ($45 each), and certification fee ($65) — approximately $255 total
Certification can be issued the same day upon passing exams and paying all fees.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Under ORS 690.046(2), the Board may waive educational requirements if the applicant’s military training is determined to be substantially equivalent to Oregon certification requirements.
What Can You Do with an Oregon Hair Design Certificate?
Under ORS 690.005, a Hair Design Practitioner Certificate authorizes you to perform:
- Hair cutting, styling, and finishing
- Chemical treatments including coloring, dyeing, permanent waving, and relaxing
- Shampooing, conditioning, and applying hair products
- Shaving, trimming, or cutting the beard or mustache
- Scalp and neck massage when performed in conjunction with hair services
- All Natural Hair Care services
Important: Oregon’s Hair Design certificate does NOT include esthetics (skin care) or nail technology services. If you want to perform those services, you need separate Esthetics and/or Nail Technology certificates. This differs from states that issue a single cosmetology license covering hair, skin, and nails.
Related License Options in Oregon
| Certificate Type | Hours Required | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Design | 1,110 hrs + 455 operations | Hair services, chemical treatments, shaving |
| Barbering | 746 hrs + 465 operations | Hair cutting, shaving — no chemical treatments |
| Esthetics | 444 hrs + 220 operations | Skin care, waxing, makeup, facials |
| Nail Technology | 241 hrs + 70 operations | Manicures, pedicures, artificial nails |
| Natural Hair Care | Included in Hair Design/Barbering | Natural hair braiding, locking, twisting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon have a cosmetology license?
No. Oregon does not issue a unified cosmetology license. Instead, the state issues separate practitioner certificates for Hair Design, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, and Natural Hair Care. The Hair Design certificate is the closest equivalent to a cosmetology license in other states, but it does not include skin care or nail services.
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Oregon?
Most people complete the Hair Design program in 8 to 12 months. Full-time programs cover approximately 1,150 total hours. Walk-in exams at the HLO office in Salem allow same-day testing without scheduling delays.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Oregon?
State fees total approximately $155: $30 application fee, $90 in exam fees ($45 each for two written exams), and $35 for the 2-year certification. This does not include school tuition.
Does Oregon require continuing education for cosmetologists?
Starting July 1, 2025, all practitioners must complete annual Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training for renewal. No other continuing education hours are required.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Oregon?
Yes. Oregon accepts reciprocity from all states. You must pass two written exams (Hair Design and Oregon Laws & Rules) at the HLO office in Salem. Total reciprocity cost is approximately $255. Certification can be issued the same day.
Where do I take the Oregon cosmetology exam?
Written exams are administered on a walk-in basis at the HLO office in Salem, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment is needed. Practical exams are administered at your approved school.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
- Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- Certification Application Information Packet
- Online Renewal Portal
- License Verification Lookup
- Board Contact: (503) 378-8667 | hlo.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov
- Board Address: 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301-2192
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Testing Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.