State Licensing Requirements in
WEST VIRGINIA

Cosmetologists

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant is at least 18 years of age;
• Applicant is of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Applicant has completed at least a 12th grade education or its equivalent;
• Applicant has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Board
• Applicant has passed the appropriate examination;
• Applicant has presented a certificate of health from a licensed physician to the Board;
• Applicant is a citizen of the United State or is eligible for employment in the United States;
• Applicant has transmitted the appropriate application to the Board with the respective fee.

Exam Requirements

• Applicants must complete at least 1,800 hours of course study;
• A cosmetology student shall have at least 300 clock hours before working on the general public in a licensed school;
• Applicants must pass an examination;
• Upon passing, Applicant must pay all required fees

Continuing Education Requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• A student who has previously attended school, or who has graduated from a school of barbering or cosmetology in another state, may receive credit towards the 1800 for cosmetologist s or 1200 for barbering clock requirement for graduation in this state,
• If, on entrance into a school in this state, the student requests credit for hours obtained in another state and subsequently presents to the in-state school manager, credentials showing subjects studied and the hours of credit received, duly signed and certified by the manager of the school previously attended.
• The Board may also award credit to those applicants who can demonstrate work experience. The amount of credit awarded shall be 25 hours credit for each month or 300 hours credit for 1 year, not to exceed a total award of 50% of West Virginia’s hour requirements.

Instructors

• Have successfully passed a “teaching techniques” course at a post-secondary education
  level;
• Be of good moral character and of temperate habits;
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or “ability to benefit” test approved by the United States Department of Education;
• Have graduated from a recognized school of cosmetology;
• Have passed an examination approved by the Board consisting of an NIC Instructor exam, and WV State Law exam with at least an 80% pass percentage;
• Pay applicable certification, examination and registration fees.

Hair Stylists

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant is at least 18 years of age;
• Applicant is of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Applicant has completed at least a 12th grade education or its equivalent;
• Applicant has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Board;
• Applicant has passed the appropriate examination;
• Applicant has presented a certificate of health from a licensed physician to the Board;
• Applicant is a citizen of the United State or is eligible for employment in the United States;
• Applicant has transmitted the appropriate application to the Board with the respective fee.

Exam Requirements

• Applicants must complete at least 1,000 hours of course study;
• A cosmetology student shall have at least 250 clock hours before working on the general public in a licensed school;
• Applicants must pass an examination;
• Upon passing, Applicant must pay all required fees.

Continuing Education Requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• A student who has previously attended school, or who has graduated from a school of barbering or cosmetology in another state, may receive credit towards the 1800 for cosmetologist s or 1200 for barbering clock requirement for graduation in this state,
• If, on entrance into a school in this state, the student requests credit for hours obtained in another state and subsequently presents to the in-state school manager, credentials showing subjects studied and the hours of credit received, duly signed and certified by the manager of the school previously attended.
• The Board may also award credit to those applicants who can demonstrate work experience. The amount of credit awarded shall be 25 hours credit for each month or 300 hours credit for 1 year, not to exceed a total award of 50% of West Virginia’s hour requirements.

Instructors

• Have successfully passed a “teaching techniques” course at a post-secondary education
  level;
• Be of good moral character and of temperate habits;
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or “ability to benefit” test approved by the United States Department of Education;
• Have graduated from a recognized school of cosmetology;
• Have passed an examination approved by the Board consisting of an NIC Instructor exam, and WV State Law exam with at least an 80% pass percentage;
• Pay applicable certification, examination and registration fees.

Barbers

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant is at least 18 years of age;
• Applicant is of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Applicant has completed at least a 12th grade education or its equivalent;
• Applicant has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Board;
• Applicant has passed the appropriate examination;
• Applicant has presented a certificate of health from a licensed physician to the Board;
• Applicant is a citizen of the United State or is eligible for employment in the United States;
• Applicant has transmitted the appropriate application to the Board with the respective fee.

Exam Requirements

• Applicants must complete at least 1,200 hours of course study;
• A cosmetology student shall have at least 250 clock hours before working on the general public in a licensed school;
• Applicants must pass an examination;
• Upon passing, Applicant must pay all required fees.

Continuing Education Requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

• Is at least sixteen years of age;
• Is of good moral character;
• Has a high school diploma, a GED, or has passed the “ability to benefit test” approved by the US Department of Education;
• Has paid the application fee;
• Has a certificate of health from a licensed physician;
• Is a citizen of the United States or is eligible for employment in the United States; and
• Has submitted completed application to the Board.

• Shall complete 2,400 hours of apprenticeship training offered solely by a master barber or in conjunction with a school teaching theory courses prior to commencing practical work in a licensed facility or through a Board pre-approved online theory educational program for teaching theory courses;
• A work permit can only be issued if the applicant is registered for the upcoming examination and can only be renewed once;
• May receive compensation after earning no less than 600 hours of apprenticeship hours;
• Shall successfully pass each chapter review examination with at least a 70% and shall retain each examination for a period of two years after completion of apprenticeship program;
• Shall complete apprenticeship program within 30 months of commencing studies;
• Shall have direct supervision from the registered Master Barber while performing services;
• Shall have direct supervision from the registered Master Barber while performing services;
• Shall submit an application for registration for licensure after completing apprenticeship and passing the barber examination

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• A student who has previously attended school, or who has graduated from a school of barbering or cosmetology in another state, may receive credit towards the 1800 for cosmetologist s or 1200 for barbering clock requirement for graduation in this state,
• If, on entrance into a school in this state, the student requests credit for hours obtained in another state and subsequently presents to the in-state school manager, credentials showing subjects studied and the hours of credit received, duly signed and certified by the manager of the school previously attended.
• The Board may also award credit to those applicants who can demonstrate work experience. The amount of credit awarded shall be 25 hours credit for each month or 300 hours credit for 1 year, not to exceed a total award of 50% of West Virginia’s hour requirements.

Instructors

• Has had an active Barber license in West Virginia for at least five years.
• Has worked in a licensed barber shop in West Virginia for the last five years with at least two barber chairs in the barber shop.
• Is of good moral and responsible character;
• Has consistent history of satisfactory inspections conducted by Board’s agent at shop.
• Has an individual license currently in good standing with the Board; and works in a barber shop currently in good standing with the Board;
• Has paid the application fee; and
• Has submitted completed application to the Board.

Estheticians

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant is at least 18 years of age;
• Applicant is of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Applicant has completed at least a 12th grade education or its equivalent;
• Applicant has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Board;
• Applicant has passed the appropriate examination;
• Applicant has presented a certificate of health from a licensed physician to the Board;
• Applicant is a citizen of the United State or is eligible for employment in the United States;
• Applicant has transmitted the appropriate application to the Board with the respective fee.

Exam Requirements

• Applicants must complete 600 hours of required course study.
• A cosmetology student shall have at least 200 clock hours before working on the general public in a licensed school;
• Applicants must pass an examination;
• Upon passing, Applicant must pay all required fees.

Continuing Education Requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• A student who has previously attended school, or who has graduated from a school of barbering or cosmetology in another state, may receive credit towards the 1800 for cosmetologist s or 1200 for barbering clock requirement for graduation in this state,
• If, on entrance into a school in this state, the student requests credit for hours obtained in another state and subsequently presents to the in-state school manager, credentials showing subjects studied and the hours of credit received, duly signed and certified by the manager of the school previously attended.
• The Board may also award credit to those applicants who can demonstrate work experience. The amount of credit awarded shall be 25 hours credit for each month or 300 hours credit for 1 year, not to exceed a total award of 50% of West Virginia’s hour requirements.

Instructors

• Have successfully passed a “teaching techniques” course at a post-secondary education level;
• Be of good moral character and of temperate habits;
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or “ability to benefit” test approved by the United States Department of Education;
• Have graduated from a recognized school of cosmetology;
• Have passed an examination approved by the Board consisting of an NIC Instructor exam, and WV State Law exam with at least an 80% pass percentage;
• Pay applicable certification, examination and registration fees.

Nail Technicians/Manicurist

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant is at least 18 years of age;
• Applicant is of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Applicant has completed at least a 12th grade education or its equivalent;
• Applicant has graduated from a school of cosmetology approved by the Board;
• Applicant has passed the appropriate examination;
• Applicant has presented a certificate of health from a licensed physician to the Board;
• Applicant is a citizen of the United State or is eligible for employment in the United States;
• Applicant has transmitted the appropriate application to the Board with the respective fee.

Exam Requirements

• Applicants must complete 400 hours of required course study;
• A cosmetology student shall have at least 150 clock hours before working on the general public in a licensed school;
• Applicants must pass an examination;
• Upon passing, Applicant must pay all required fees.

Continuing Education Requirements

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• A student who has previously attended school, or who has graduated from a school of barbering or cosmetology in another state, may receive credit towards the 1800 for cosmetologist s or 1200 for barbering clock requirement for graduation in this state,
• If, on entrance into a school in this state, the student requests credit for hours obtained in another state and subsequently presents to the in-state school manager, credentials showing subjects studied and the hours of credit received, duly signed and certified by the manager of the school previously attended.
• The Board may also award credit to those applicants who can demonstrate work experience. The amount of credit awarded shall be 25 hours credit for each month or 300 hours credit for 1 year, not to exceed a total award of 50% of West Virginia’s hour requirements.

Instructors

• Have successfully passed a “teaching techniques” course at a post-secondary education
  level;
• Be of good moral character and of temperate habits;
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or “ability to benefit” test approved by the United States Department of Education;
• Have graduated from a recognized school of cosmetology;
• Have passed an examination approved by the Board consisting of an NIC Instructor exam, and WV State Law exam with at least an 80% pass percentage;
• Pay applicable certification, examination and registration fees.

Make-up Artists

Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services

High School Cosmetology Programs

Additional Professions Licensed

• Massage Therapy
• Shampoo Assistance
• Waxing Specialty