State Licensing Requirements in WASHINGTON
Cosmetologists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology shall obtain a license in compliance with Washington Administrative Code and shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must have successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program;
- Applicant must have received a passing grade on the examinations;
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees.
Applicants currently licensed under this chapter may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if he or she has completed the crossover training course.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicants must complete 1,600 course hours at an approved cosmetology school; or
- Applicant must complete 2,000 hours of apprenticeship;
- Applicants must pass both the written and performance examinations;
- The minimum passing score for both the written and performance examinations in all practices is a scaled score of 75.
- Upon passing examinations, applicants must pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
No continuing education is required for a license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in Washington shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- Apprentice must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours;
- A minimum of one trainer per apprentice is required;
- Apprentice theory hours must be taught in a classroom setting under the direct supervision of an instructor licensed in the curriculum for which he or she is providing theory instruction;
- With the exception of theory hours, only those hours of instruction an apprentice is given under the direction of an apprentice trainer shall be credited toward completion of the apprenticeship training;
- Apprentice trainers and instructors must be physically present where apprentices are receiving practical training;
- Certified training hours expire three years from last date of attendance. Any hours earned by an apprentice that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
The department shall issue a license to any person who is properly licensed in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, or foreign country if the applicant submits:
- Application;
- Fee;
- Proof that he or she is currently licensed in good standing as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, master esthetician, instructor, or the equivalent in that jurisdiction;
- Provides proof that he or she has passed an examination approved by the director.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- The applicant must hold a current license in cosmetology;
- The applicant must complete an approved cosmetology instructor degree program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours in order to qualify for an instructor license; or
- The applicant has documented experience as an instructor for more than 500 hours in another state school;
- Applicant must pass a licensing examination approved or administered by the director;
Hair Stylists
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in hair design shall obtain a license in compliance with Washington Administrative Code and shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must have completed and graduated from a licensed school; or
- Applicant must have successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program;
- Applicant must have received a passing grade on the examinations;
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees.
Applicants currently licensed under this chapter may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if he or she has completed the crossover training course
Exam Requirements
Each Individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicants must complete 1,400 course hours at an approved cosmetology school; or
- Applicant must complete 1,750 hours of apprenticeship;
- Applicants must pass both the written and performance examinations;
- The minimum passing score for both the written and performance examinations in all practices is a scaled score of 75.
- Upon passing examinations, applicants must pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
No continuing education is required for a license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in Washington shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- Apprentice must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours;
- A minimum of one trainer per apprentice is required;
- Apprentice theory hours must be taught in a classroom setting under the direct supervision of an instructor licensed in the curriculum for which he or she is providing theory instruction;
- With the exception of theory hours, only those hours of instruction an apprentice is given under the direction of an apprentice trainer shall be credited toward completion of the apprenticeship training;
- Apprentice trainers and instructors must be physically present where apprentices are receiving practical training;
- Certified training hours expire three years from last date of attendance. Any hours earned by an apprentice that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
The department shall issue a license to any person who is properly licensed in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, or foreign country if the applicant submits:
- Application;
- Fee;
- Proof that he or she is currently licensed in good standing as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, master esthetician, instructor, or the equivalent in that jurisdiction;
- Provides proof that he or she has passed an examination approved by the director.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in hair design instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- The applicant must hold a current license in cosmetology;
- The applicant must complete an approved cosmetology instructor degree program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours in order to qualify for an instructor license; or
- The applicant has documented experience as an instructor for more than 500 hours in another state school;
- Applicant must pass a licensing examination approved or administered by the director;
Barbers
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in barbering shall obtain a license in compliance with Washington Administrative Code and shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must have completed and graduated from a licensed school; or
- Applicant must have successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program;
- Applicant must have received a passing grade on the examinations;
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees.
Applicants currently licensed under this chapter may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if he or she has completed the crossover training course.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicants must complete 1,000 course hours at an approved cosmetology school; or
- Applicant must complete 1,200 hours of apprenticeship;
- Applicants must pass both the written and performance examinations;
- The minimum passing score for both the written and performance examinations in all practices is a scaled score of 75.
- Upon passing examinations, applicants must pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
No continuing education is required for a license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in Washington shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- Apprentice must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours;
- A minimum of one trainer per apprentice is required;
- Apprentice theory hours must be taught in a classroom setting under the direct supervision of an instructor licensed in the curriculum for which he or she is providing theory instruction;
- With the exception of theory hours, only those hours of instruction an apprentice is given under the direction of a apprentice trainer shall be credited toward completion of the apprenticeship training;
- Apprentice trainers and instructors must be physically present where apprentices are receiving practical training;
- Certified training hours expire three years from last date of attendance. Any hours earned by an apprentice that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
The department shall issue a license to any person who is properly licensed in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, or foreign country if the applicant submits:
- Application;
- Fee;
- Proof that he or she is currently licensed in good standing as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, master esthetician, instructor, or the equivalent in that jurisdiction;
- Provides proof that he or she has passed an examination approved by the director.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in barbering instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- The applicant must hold a current license in cosmetology;
- The applicant must complete an approved cosmetology instructor degree program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours in order to qualify for an instructor license; or
- The applicant has documented experience as an instructor for more than 500 hours in another state school;
- Applicant must pass a licensing examination approved or administered by the director;
Estheticians
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in esthetics shall obtain a license in compliance with Washington Administrative Code and shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must have completed and graduated from a licensed school; or
- Applicant must have successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program;
- Applicant must have received a passing grade on the examinations;
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees.
Applicants currently licensed under this chapter may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if he or she has completed the crossover training course.
Exam Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicants must complete 750 course hours at an approved cosmetology school; or
- Applicant must complete 800 hours of apprenticeship;
- Applicants must pass both the written and performance examinations;
- The minimum passing score for both the written and performance examinations in all
practices is a scaled score of 75. - Upon passing examinations, applicants must pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
No continuing education is required for a license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in Washington shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- Apprentice must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours;
- A minimum of one trainer per apprentice is required;
- Apprentice theory hours must be taught in a classroom setting under the direct supervision of an instructor licensed in the curriculum for which he or she is providing theory instruction;
- With the exception of theory hours, only those hours of instruction an apprentice is given under the direction of an apprentice trainer shall be credited toward completion of the apprenticeship training;
- Apprentice trainers and instructors must be physically present where apprentices are receiving practical training;
- Certified training hours expire three years from last date of attendance. Any hours earned by an apprentice that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
The department shall issue a license to any person who is properly licensed in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, or foreign country if the applicant submits:
- Application;
- Fee;
- Proof that he or she is currently licensed in good standing as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, master esthetician, instructor, or the equivalent in that jurisdiction;
- Provides proof that he or she has passed an examination approved by the director.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in esthetics instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- The applicant must hold a current license in cosmetology;
- The applicant must complete an approved cosmetology instructor degree program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours in order to qualify for an instructor license; or
- The applicant has documented experience as an instructor for more than 500 hours in another state school;
- Applicant must pass a licensing examination approved or administered by the director;
Nail Technicians/Manicurist
Licensing Requirements
Any individual wishing to engage in manicuring shall obtain a license in compliance with Washington Administrative Code and shall meet the following qualifications:
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age or older;
- Applicant must have completed and graduated from a licensed school; or
- Applicant must have successfully completed a state-approved apprenticeship program;
- Applicant must have received a passing grade on the examinations;
- Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
- Applicant shall pay any required fees.
Applicants currently licensed under this chapter may qualify for examination and licensure, after the required examination is passed, in another category if he or she has completed the crossover training course.
Exam Requirements
Each Individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:
- Applicants must complete 600 course hours at an approved cosmetology school; or
- Applicant must complete 800 hours of apprenticeship;
- Applicants must pass both the written and performance examinations;
- The minimum passing score for both the written and performance examinations in all practices is a scaled score of 75.
- Upon passing examinations, applicants must pay the required fees to receive licensure.
Continuing Education Requirements
No continuing education is required for a license renewal. Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Apprenticeship Programs
All persons desiring to enter a program of apprenticeship training in Washington shall satisfy all general student requirements that are applicable to the license. To be an apprentice the following requirements must be met:
- Apprentice must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours;
- A minimum of one trainer per apprentice is required;
- Apprentice theory hours must be taught in a classroom setting under the direct supervision of an instructor licensed in the curriculum for which he or she is providing theory instruction;
- With the exception of theory hours, only those hours of instruction an apprentice is given under the direction of an apprentice trainer shall be credited toward completion of the apprenticeship training;
- Apprentice trainers and instructors must be physically present where apprentices are receiving practical training;
- Certified training hours expire three years from last date of attendance. Any hours earned by an apprentice that are more than three years old are considered by the department to be expired and will not be considered valid towards initial licensure.
License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements
The department shall issue a license to any person who is properly licensed in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, or foreign country if the applicant submits:
- Application;
- Fee;
- Proof that he or she is currently licensed in good standing as a cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, master esthetician, instructor, or the equivalent in that jurisdiction;
- Provides proof that he or she has passed an examination approved by the director.
Instructors
Any individual wishing to engage in manicuring instruction shall meet the following qualifications:
- The applicant must hold a current license in cosmetology;
- The applicant must complete an approved cosmetology instructor degree program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours in order to qualify for an instructor license; or
- The applicant has documented experience as an instructor for more than 500 hours in another state school;
- Applicant must pass a licensing examination approved or administered by the director;
Make-up Artists
Make-up Artists are regulated under Esthetics and Cosmetology.
Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services
Mobile Cosmetology services are licensed in Washington.
High School Cosmetology Programs
Washington does not regulate high school cosmetology programs. In order to be a cosmetology student, one must be 16 years of age.
Additional Professions Licensed
- Body Art
- Body Piercing
- Massage Therapy
- Master Esthetics (Electrology)
- Permanent Cosmetics
- Tattooing