State Licensing Requirements in SOUTH CAROLINA
Cosmetologists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology must meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall be at least 16 years of age.
- Applicant shall have completed a 10th grade education or equivalency by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board.
- Applicant shall have completed 1,500 hours in a cosmetology school approved by the Board or be licensed as a registered master hair care specialist for a period of five years.
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation.
- Applicant shall take and pass a written and a practical exam.
- Applicant will pay the required fees.
Exam Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology requires licensure applicants to pass a nationally recognized examination. The only testing accepted by the Board is the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. The testing service provider will expect the following from each candidate:
- Applicant shall review the most recent candidate information bulletin found on the testing service provider’s web site.
- Applicant shall complete the online application.
- Applicant shall take and pass the written and practical Registered Cosmetologist/Nail Technician/Esthetician examination prior to being issued a license to work in South Carolina.
A first time applicant is required to:
- Provide proof of 10th grade or greater education.
- Submit an original certified transcript of school hours earned within 24 months of graduation. (Cosmetologists are required to have 1,500 school hours)
- All school hours greater than 24 months are null and void if you have not passed both NIC exams (theory and practical).
Continuing Education Requirements
All persons licensed by the board as cosmetologists must show satisfactory evidence of 12 contact hours biennially. Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online. At least 3 hours of instruction shall be in sanitation or health and safety for clients.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina does not allow apprenticeships to count towards training hours, the only acceptable way to receive credit is to attend a beauty school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
Reciprocity is offered in South Carolina. A person currently licensed or certified to practice in another state or territorial possession of the United States, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license if the person has satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the profession. In addition, the completed application shall include the applicant’s age and they shall have the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language in order to prevent the unlawful use of hazardous and harmful chemicals.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall submit an application for an instructor’s license on a form prescribed by the board.
- Applicant shall hold a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
- Applicant shall be a licensed cosmetologist.
- Applicant shall have practiced for at least two years or, after receiving a cosmetologist license, has completed 750 hours of instructor training program.
- Applicant shall have received 45 hours of training in a teaching methods course approved by the Board.
- Applicant will pay the required fees.
- Applicant shall pass the instructors examination prescribed by the Board.
Alternately, for specialized theory hours, a person who has a minimum of five years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related profession, occupation or cognitive area, may instruct the required theory classes with prior approval by the board.
Any licensed instructor must complete the following continuing education requirements:
- Show satisfactory evidence of twelve contact hours of instruction geared toward teaching biennially.
- Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online.
- If you complete 6 hours online, you must complete 6 hours in person with the same CE provider in order to gain full credit.
Hair Stylists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in hairstyling must meet the following qualifications under the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology:
- Applicant shall be at least 16 years of age.
- Applicant shall have completed a 10th grade education or equivalency by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board.
- Applicant shall have completed 1,500 hours in a cosmetology school approved by the Board or be licensed as a registered master hair care specialist for a period of five years.
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation.
- Applicant shall take and pass a written and a practical exam.
- Applicant will pay the required fees.
Exam Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology requires licensure applicants to pass a nationally recognized examination. The only testing accepted by the Board is the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. The testing service provider will expect the following from each candidate:
- Applicant shall review the most recent candidate information bulletin found on the testing service provider’s web site.
- Applicant shall complete the online application.
- Applicant shall take and pass the written and practical Registered Cosmetologist/Nail Technician/Esthetician examination prior to being issued a license to work in South Carolina.
A first time applicant is required to:
- Provide proof of 10th grade or greater education.
- Submit an original certified transcript of school hours earned
within 24 months of graduation. (Cosmetologists are required to have 1,500 school hours) - All school hours greater than 24 months are null and void if you have not passed both NIC exams (theory and practical).
Continuing Education Requirements
All persons licensed by the board as hairstylists must show satisfactory evidence of 12 contact hours biennially. Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online. At least 3 hours of instruction shall be in sanitation or health and safety for clients.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina does not allow apprenticeships to count towards training hours, the only acceptable way to receive credit is to attend a beauty school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
Reciprocity is offered in South Carolina. A person currently licensed or certified to practice in another state or territorial possession of the United States, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license if the person has satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the profession. In addition, the completed application shall include the applicant’s age and they shall have the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language in order to prevent the unlawful use of hazardous and harmful chemicals.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in hairstyling instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall submit an application for an instructor’s license on a form prescribed by the board.
- Applicant shall hold a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
- Applicant shall be a licensed cosmetologist.
- Applicant shall have practiced for at least two years or, after receiving a cosmetologist license, has completed 750 hours of instructor training program.
- Applicant shall have received 45 hours of training in a teaching methods course approved by the Board.
- Applicant will pay the required fees.
- Applicant shall pass the instructors examination prescribed by the Board.
Alternately, for specialized theory hours, a person who has a minimum of five years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related profession, occupation or cognitive area, may instruct the required theory classes with prior approval by the board.
Any licensed instructor must complete the following continuing education requirements:
- Show satisfactory evidence of twelve contact hours of instruction geared toward teaching biennially.
- Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online.
- If you complete 6 hours online, you must complete 6 hours in person with the same CE provider in order to gain full credit.
Barbers
Licensing Requirements
Any person interested in becoming a barber must apply for a student permit to train as a barber. Once can either complete 1,500 hours of barber training from an accredited school or complete 12 months of full time training under a licensed barber instructor in a barber shop (Approx. 1,920 hours). Once the required training is completed, a person can contact our office for an application for the examination. The application needs to be completed and returned with a transcript of the total number of hours completed as well as a negative tuberculosis test and the required fee.
Exam Requirements
Examinations are administered by Professional Credential Service (PCS). Applicants should contact PCS for applications and information pertaining to the examinations they administer.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are no continuing education requirements for barbers
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina offers credit to persons who have completed 12 months of full time training under a licensed barber instructor in a barber shop.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
Reciprocity is offered in South Carolina as long as persons currently licensed in another meet the following qualifications:
- Applicants must have two notarized statements from two registered or master barbers from the state they are coming from which indicates that they know the applicant has been working as a registered or master barber in that state for at least the preceding calendar year
- Applicants must have a letter of certification from the state board in the state they are coming from.
- Applicant is required to provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test
- Applicant is required to provide proof of completion of the ninth grade or above.
- Applicant is required to pay the proper fee.
Once these requirements are met the Board will review the application.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in barber instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant that is training a student in a shop must have had three years’ experience as a registered barber.
- Applicant must have been examined by the board and determined to be qualified to train a student barber.
- Applicant may not train more than two students at a time if each student has a chair full time.
- Applicant must continue to maintain active licensure as a registered barber or master hair care specialist in addition to renewing their barber instructor license
- Applicant if found qualified after examination must be issued an instructor’s license.
Estheticians
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in esthetics shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall be at least 16 years of age.
- Applicant shall have completed a 10th grade education or equivalency.
- Applicant shall have completed 450 hours in classes in skin care at a school approved by the Board or comparable training approved by the board.
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation
- Applicant shall take and pass a written and practical exam.
- Applicant will pay the required fees.
Exam Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology requires licensure applicants to pass a nationally recognized examination. The only testing accepted by the Board is the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. The testing service provider will expect the following from each candidate:
- Applicant shall review the most recent candidate information bulletin found on the testing service provider’s web site.
- Applicant shall complete the online application.
- Applicant will be required to take and pass the written and practical Registered Cosmetologist/Nail Technician/Esthetician examination prior to being issued a license to work in South Carolina.
A first time applicant is required to:
- Provide proof of 10th grade or greater education.
- Submit an original certified transcript of school hours earned within 24 months of graduation. (Estheticians are required to have 450 school hours)
- All school hours greater than 24 months are null and void if you have not passed both NIC exams (theory and practical).
Continuing Education Requirements
All persons licensed by the board as an esthetician must show satisfactory evidence of 12 contact hours biennially. Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online. At least 3 hours of instruction shall be in sanitation or health and safety for clients.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina does not allow apprenticeships to count towards training hours, the only acceptable way to receive credit hours is to attend a beauty school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
Reciprocity is offered in South Carolina. A person currently licensed or certified to practice in another state or territorial possession of the United States, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license if the person has satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the profession. In addition, the completed application shall include the applicant’s age and they shall have the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language in order to prevent the unlawful use of hazardous and harmful chemicals.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in esthetics instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall submit an application for an instructor’s license on a form prescribed by the
board. - Applicant shall hold a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
- Applicant shall be a licensed esthetician.
- Applicant shall have practiced for at least two years or, after receiving an esthetician
license, has completed 750 hours of instructor training program. - Applicant shall have received 45 hours of training in a teaching methods course approved by the board.
- Applicant shall pay the prescribed fee.
- Applicant shall pass the instructors examination prescribed by the Board.
Alternately, for specialized theory hours, a person who has a minimum of five years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related profession, occupation or cognitive area, may instruct the required theory classes with prior approval by the board.
Any licensed instructor must complete the following continuing education requirements:
- Show satisfactory evidence of twelve contact hours of instruction geared toward teaching biennially.
- Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online.
- If you complete 6 hours online, you must complete 6 hours in-person with the same CE provider in order to gain full credit.
Nail Technicians/Manicurist
Licensing Requirements
Any individual that wishes to obtain a nail technician license shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant shall be at least 16 years of age
- Applicant shall have completed 10th grade education or equivalency by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the board.
- Applicant shall have completed 300 hours of class work in a nail technician school approved by the Board or comparable training approved by the board.
- Applicant shall submit an application.
- Applicant shall take and pass a written and a practical exam.
- Applicant shall pay the prescribed fee.
Exam Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology requires licensure applicants to pass a nationally recognized examination. The only testing accepted by the Board is the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. The testing service provider will expect the following from each candidate:
- Applicant shall review the most recent candidate information bulletin found on the testing service provider’s web site.
- Applicant shall complete the online application.
- Applicant will be required to take and pass the written and practical Registered Cosmetologist/Nail Technician/Esthetician examination prior to being issued a license to work in South Carolina.
A first time applicant is required to:
- Provide proof of 10th grade or greater education.
- Submit an original certified transcript of school hours earned within 24 months of graduation. (Nail Technicians are required to have 300 school hours).
- All school hours greater than 24 months are null and void if you have not passed both NIC exams (theory and practical).
Continuing Education Requirements
All persons licensed by the board as a nail technician must show satisfactory evidence of 12 contact hours biennially. Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online. At least 3 hours of instruction shall be in sanitation or health and safety for clients.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina does not allow apprenticeships to count towards training hours, the only acceptable way to receive credit hours is to attend a beauty school.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
Reciprocity is offered in South Carolina. A person currently licensed or certified to practice in another state or territorial possession of the United States, whose license is in good standing, may be issued a license if the person has satisfactorily passed a nationally recognized examination for entry into the profession. In addition, the completed application shall include the applicant’s age and they shall have the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language in order to prevent the unlawful use of hazardous and harmful chemicals.
Instructors
A license to teach nail technology may be issued by the board to any person who:
- Applicant shall submit an application for an instructor’s license on a form prescribed by the board.
- Applicant shall hold a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate
- Applicant shall be a licensed nail technician.
- Applicant shall have practiced for at least two years or, after receiving a nail technician’s license, has completed 750 hours of instructor training program.
- Applicant shall have received 45 hours of training in a teaching methods course approved by the board.
- Applicant shall pay the prescribed fee.
- Applicant shall pass the instructors examination prescribed by the Board.
Alternately, for specialized theory hours, a person who has a minimum of five years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related profession, occupation or cognitive area, may instruct the required theory classes with prior approval by the board.
Any licensed instructor must complete the following continuing education requirements:
- Show satisfactory evidence of twelve contact hours of instruction geared toward teaching biennially.
- Only half of the 12-hour requirement may be completed online.
- If you complete 6 hours online, you must complete 6 hours in-person with the same CE provider in order to gain full credit.
Make-up Artists
Make-up artists are regulated under the Cosmetology Board.
Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services
Mobile Cosmetology Services are not allowed in South Carolina.
High School Cosmetology Programs
South Carolina offers cosmetology classes through vocational schools. 8 units of credit are required for completion
Additional Professions Licensed
- Tattoo Artists
- Body Piercer
- Hair Braider