Vermont licenses cosmetologists through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Vermont Secretary of State. The advisory Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists operates under OPR. You need a Vermont cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Vermont.
Vermont requires 1,000 hours of approved training — well below the national average of approximately 1,500 hours, making it one of the more accessible states for cosmetology licensing. You must also pass NIC theory and practical exams administered by Prov. The application and initial license fee is $155. Here is exactly how to get your Vermont cosmetology license.
Vermont Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
| Advisory Board | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| Statutory Authority | 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute (schools may require high school diploma or GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at an approved school (or apprenticeship up to 1,500 hours) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC theory + NIC practical exam (administered by Prov) |
| Exam Time | 90 minutes (theory) |
| Exam Fees | |
| Application/License Fee | $155 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, every odd-numbered year by November 30 |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | Not specified in statute |
| Apply Online | OPR Online Services |
| Board Website | sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a state-approved school. Vermont’s 1,000-hour requirement is significantly below the national average of approximately 1,500 hours, making it one of the more accessible states for cosmetology licensing. Full-time students can typically complete the program in 7 to 10 months.
The curriculum must include:
- Practical demonstrations
- Theoretical studies in sanitation, sterilization, and antiseptics
- Care, styling, and treatment of textured hair, including cutting and styling techniques, specialized products, hair health practices, and cultural competency
- Hair services (cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments)
- Esthetics services (skin care, facials)
- Manicuring services (nail care)
Apprenticeship alternative: Vermont offers an apprenticeship pathway. Under 26 V.S.A. Section 280a, the apprenticeship duration is capped at 150% of formal training hours, meaning cosmetology apprenticeships require up to 1,500 hours.
Scope of practice: A Vermont cosmetology license is the broadest license available, authorizing you to perform hair, esthetics, and manicuring services. If you want to specialize, Vermont also offers separate esthetician, barber, and nail technician licenses with lower hour requirements.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both the NIC theory exam and NIC practical exam. Both exams are administered by Prov.
- Theory exam: Multiple-choice, 90 minutes. Covers cosmetology theory, sanitation, safety, and Vermont laws and rules.
- Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills.
- Passing score:
- Time limit: You must pass both exams within 1 year.
- Exam fees:
Register for exams through Prov after your school confirms completion of training hours.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at an approved school (or complete an apprenticeship of up to 1,500 hours)
- Register for and pass both the NIC theory and NIC practical exams through Prov
- Submit your license application through OPR Online Services
- Pay the $155 application and license fee
- Receive your Vermont cosmetology license
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Initial License | $155 | OPR |
| Exam Fees | Prov | |
| Biennial Renewal | $120 | OPR |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Vermont cosmetology licenses must be renewed biennially, every odd-numbered year by November 30. The renewal fee is $120.
Renew your license through OPR Online Services.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Vermont offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. The process depends on how your original state’s requirements compare to Vermont’s:
- Substantially equal requirements: If your original state’s cosmetology requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a Vermont license without examination.
- Materially less rigorous requirements: If your original state’s requirements are materially less rigorous than Vermont’s, you may still qualify by providing proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
Apply through OPR Online Services and provide verification of your current license from your original state’s licensing agency.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide. You may also find it helpful to compare how Vermont’s requirements stack up against specific states like Michigan or New York.
Military Provisions
Vermont participates in general military spouse licensing accommodations. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides portability protections that allow military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact OPR directly for current information on expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licensing provisions for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Recent Legislative Changes
Vermont updated its cosmetology curriculum requirements to include mandatory instruction in the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair. This includes cutting and styling techniques, specialized products, hair health practices, and cultural competency. This requirement ensures all cosmetology graduates are trained to serve clients with diverse hair types and textures.
Notable Exemptions
The following activities do not require a Vermont cosmetology license:
- Students enrolled at recognized cosmetology schools performing services as part of their training
- Practitioners of other licensed professions performing related functions within their scope
- Licensed professionals serving patients in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, or funeral homes, or providing services to homebound individuals
- Theatrical and performing arts makeup artists
- Natural hair braiding without cutting, chemicals, dyes, or heat
- Incarcerated individuals who received training in correctional facilities
Non-compete covenants: Vermont law prohibits cosmetology schools from requiring students to sign non-compete covenants.
Shop Licensing
If you plan to open your own salon in Vermont, you need a separate shop license. The shop application fee is $285 and the renewal fee is $355. A designated licensee must be responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of the establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Vermont?
Vermont requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at an approved school. This is well below the national average of approximately 1,500 hours. An apprenticeship pathway is also available, requiring up to 1,500 hours (150% of the formal training requirement).
How much does a Vermont cosmetology license cost?
The application and initial license fee is $155, paid to OPR. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov. The biennial renewal fee is $120. These costs do not include school tuition.
Can I transfer my cosmetology license to Vermont from another state?
Yes. If your original state’s requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a license without examination. If your state’s requirements are materially less rigorous, you can qualify with proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
Does Vermont require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
Continuing education requirements are not specified in the cosmetology statute. Check with OPR for current renewal requirements.
Does Vermont offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
Yes. Vermont allows an apprenticeship pathway capped at 1,500 hours (150% of the 1,000-hour formal training requirement).
Official Resources
- Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application (OPR Online Services)
- 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 (cosmetology statute)
- Contact: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation | sos.vermont.gov/opr