State Licensing Requirements in NEW YORK
Cosmetologists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age;
- Applicant must complete the required hours of approved course study in a licensed school;
- Applicant must pass both the New York State written and practical examinations;
- Applicant shall submit an application with the required documents;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicant must complete 1,000 class hours to qualify for examination;
- Applicant must pass both a written and practical exam;
- Applicant must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the examination;
- Upon passing, Applicant shall pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
New York does not currently require continuing education for cosmetology licenses. Cosmetology licenses must be renewed online. The expiration dates are printed on the license
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships are not permitted in New York. An Applicant’s education must be received in a Board approved school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
An applicant who holds a Cosmetology license in another jurisdiction may obtain a Cosmetology license in New York through endorsement or reciprocity. The lists for reciprocity and endorsement are available at: License Reciprocity and License Endorsement.
- Applicants must submit certification from the cosmetology board where currently licensed;
- Applicants must also complete the cosmetology application and pay the application fee.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- New York holds a number of different pathway options for individuals seeking an instructor position;
- All pathways are available at: Cosmetology Instructor Pathways;
- Applicants must have a cosmetology license to apply for an instructor’s license;
- Applicants must also complete the New York State Teacher Certification Exam and receive the teaching certificate;
- Applicant must also be cleared by the New York State Education Department through a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check;
- Applicants must provide approved citizenship status;
- Each pathway holds other requirements and are available at the link above.
Natural Hair Stylists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in natural hair styling shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age;
- Applicant must complete the required hours of approved course study in a licensed school;
- Applicant must pass both the New York State written and practical examinations;
- Applicant shall submit an application with the required documents;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicant must complete 300 class hours to qualify for examination;
- Applicant must pass both a written and practical exam;
- You must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the examination.
- Upon passing, Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
New York does not currently require continuing education for Natural Hair Stylist licenses. License renewal. Natural Hair Stylist licenses must be renewed online. The expiration dates are printed on the license.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships are not permitted in New York. An Applicant’s education must be received in a Board approved school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
New York does not have license reciprocity for Natural Hair Stylists. However, New York does hold endorsement agreements with other states, the list is available at: Endorsement List
Instructors
Applicants must have a cosmetology license to apply for an instructor’s license;
Barbers
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in barbering shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant successful completion of a course of study; or
- Applicant successfully completes a 2-year apprenticeship;
- Applicant completed a one-time course of study regarding “the transmission of contagious diseases and the proper methods of sanitation and sterilization”;
- Applicant successfully completed the NYS practical examination within 2 years;
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age;
- Applicant shall submit an application with the required documents;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicant must complete 600 course hours; or
- Applicant must complete a 2-year apprenticeship;
- Applicant must complete a practical examination;
- Upon passing, Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
New York does not currently require continuing education for barber licenses. Barber licenses must be renewed online. License expirations are printed on the license.
Apprenticeship Programs
After you have worked as a NYS-registered barber apprentice under the supervision of a NYS-licensed barber for two years you may apply for a barber license based on the apprenticeship.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
For barbers, there is a reciprocal agreement between New York State the following states: Maine, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.
Because of the similarity in license standards in Maine, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, the Department of State will waive the New York State practical exam requirement if you supply an original certificate (with raised seal) from one of those states, along with a completed Barber Operator Application.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in barbering instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- New York holds a number of different pathway options for individuals seeking an instructor position;
- All pathways are available at: Barber Instructor Pathways;
- Applicants must have a Barber license to apply for an instructor’s license;
- Applicants must also complete the New York State Teacher Certification Exam and receive the teaching certificate;
- Applicant must also be cleared by the New York State Education Department through a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check;
- Applicants must provide approved citizenship status;
- Each pathway holds other requirements and are available at the link above.
Estheticians
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in esthetics shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age;
- Applicant must complete the required hours of approved course study in a licensed school;
- Applicant must pass both the New York State written and practical examinations;
- Applicant shall submit an application which the required documents;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicant must complete 600 hours approved course of study;
- Applicant must pass both a written and practical exam;
- You must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the examinations;
- Esthetician exams cannot be taken online they must be taken at an approved examination site.
Continuing Education Requirements
New York does not currently require continuing education for Esthetician licenses. Esthetic licenses must be renewed online. The expiration dates are printed on the license.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships are not permitted in New York. An Applicant’s education must be received in a Board approved school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
New York does not have license reciprocity for estheticians. However, New York does hold endorsement agreements with other states, the list is available at: Endorsement List
Instructors
Applicants must have a cosmetology license to apply for an instructor’s license;
Nail Technicians/Manicurist
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in nail technology shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age;
- Applicant must complete the required hours of approved course study in a licensed school;
- Applicant must pass both the New York State written and practical examinations;
- Applicant shall submit an application with the required documents;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicant must complete 250 hours of approved course study;
- Applicant must pass both a written and practical exam;
- You must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the examination;
- Upon passing, Applicant shall pay any required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
New York does not currently require continuing education for Nail Specialty licenses. Nail Specialty licenses must be renewed online. The expiration dates are printed on the license.
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in New York shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- New York State offers a Nail Trainee program;
- Applicant must complete one year as a NYS Licensed Nail Trainee;
- Applicant must complete a 26-hour nail trainee course of study;
- Applicant must pass both the NY written and practical examinations.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
New York does not have license reciprocity for Nail Specialists. However, New York does hold endorsement agreements with other states, the list is available at: Endorsement List
Instructors
Applicants must have a cosmetology license to apply for an instructor’s license;
Make-up Artists
Individuals seeking a career in this field must have an Esthetics license.
Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services
New York does not license Mobile Salons.
High School Cosmetology Programs
New York does have high school cosmetology programs available. Students must complete 1,000 course hours.
Additional Professions Licensed
- Body Piercing
- Waxing
- Hair services- blow drying
- Massage
- Tattoo