State Licensing Requirements in WISCONSIN

Cosmetologists

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant must complete one of the following education requirements:
• Graduate from high school or equivalent.
• Participate in a program approved by the department.
• Be at least 18 years of age and meet the ability to benefit rule.
• Applicant must complete one of the following training requirements:
• Applicant must graduate from a course of instruction of at least 1,550 training hours in no less than 10 months in a school of cosmetology licensed by the department.
• Applicant must successfully complete an apprenticeship of at least 3,712 hours of practical training and at least 288 training hours of theoretical instruction in a school of cosmetology licensed by the department.
• Applicant must pass the examination:
• Applicants who have completed all training may be issued a temporary permit t practice for up to 6 months.
• Applicant must present evidence that is satisfactory to the examination board that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of cosmetology

Exam Requirements

Continuing Education Requirements

If continuing education is required, it must be taken from a provider on the list of approved Cosmetology providers/courses. Wis. Admin Code Ch. COS 11 outlines the standards and requirements for approval of the required courses. Per Wis. Admin Code Ch. COS 11.04 (2), the following providers meet the requirements and are accepted by the Board and do not need preapproval:

• Universities, technical colleges and schools licensed by the appropriate authority for the state in which the program is offered.
• The Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• State or national professional organizations recognized by the board.

Apprenticeship Programs

• Complete the Application for Apprentice Contract and Permit and submit it to the DWD.
• Complete the apprenticeship contract with DWD and obtain an apprentice permit.

• Have completed 288 training hours of instruction in theory at an approved school of barbering or cosmetology.
• Have 3,172 hours of practical training at an approved school for barbering and cosmetology
• Training must be at least 32 hours per week and in not less than 2 or more than 4 years

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• Applicant must hold a current license in another jurisdiction.
• Applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
• Applicant must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in licensed practice.

Instructors

• Applicant shall complete 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed Cosmetologist OR hold a current Wisconsin Cosmetology Manager license.
• Applicant shall complete 150 hours of instructor training.
• Applicant shall pass the state examination.

Hair Stylists

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant must complete one of the following education requirements:
• Graduate from high school or equivalent.
• Participate in a program approved by the department.
• Be at least 18 years of age and meet the ability to benefit rule.
• Applicant must complete one of the following training requirements:
• Graduate from a prescribed barbering course of at least 1,000 hours in a school of barbering or cosmetology as approved by the Department.
• Successfully complete an apprenticeship of at least 1,712 hours of practical training and at least 288 training hours of instruction in a school of barbering or school of cosmetology licensed by the Department. Training must be at least 32 hours per week and be completed in not more than 4 years.
• Applicant must pass the examination:
• Applicants who have completed all training may be issued a temporary permit t practice for up to 6 months.
• Applicant presents evidence satisfactory to the examination board that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of barbering.

Exam Requirements

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education credit hours can be obtained in any of the following ways:

• Attending seminars, corporate in-house courses, workshops, or professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences that meet the requirements of SPS 50.421. Attendance may be in person or via remote classroom where a qualified provider is available to the participant to comment and answer questions.
• Teaching a continuing education program that meets the requirements of s. SPS 50.421. A person who teaches may only receive credit for the initial offering or presentation of a course or program during a biennium. Fifty minutes of actual instruction is equivalent to one continuing education credit hour.
• Participating in distance education that meets the requirements of s. SPS 50.421, including completion of interactive short courses or tutorials, delivery of educational programs and courses on CD-ROM or the Internet, or correspondence courses.

• Universities, technical colleges, and schools licensed by the appropriate authority for the state in which the program is offered.
• State-licensed or state-certified instructors who have not had any disciplinary actions taken against them in the 3-year period preceding their planned instruction.
• Product distribution companies, state-level or national-level professional organizations, national salon chains, or other providers, that offer programs with significant professional educational benefits for licensees.

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• Applicant must hold a current license in another jurisdiction.
• Applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
• Applicant must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in licensed practice.

Instructors

• Applicant shall submit an application for initial certification and include the initial credential fee determined by the department under section: 440.03 (9) (a)
• Applicant shall complete 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed barber or holds a current barbering manager license issued by the department.
• Applicant shall 150 training hours of instructor training approved by the department.
• Applicant shall pass an examination conducted by the department to determine fitness as a barbering instructor

Barbers

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant must complete one of the following education requirements:
• Graduate from high school or equivalent.
• Participate in a program approved by the department.
• Be at least 18 years of age and meet the ability to benefit rule.
• Applicant must complete one of the following training requirements:
• Graduate from a prescribed barbering course of at least 1,000 hours in a school of barbering or cosmetology as approved by the Department.
• Successfully complete an apprenticeship of at least 1,712 hours of practical training and at least 288 training hours of instruction in a school of barbering or school of cosmetology licensed by the Department. Training must be at least 32 hours per week and be completed in not more than 4 years.
• Applicant must pass the examination:
• Applicants who have completed all training may be issued a temporary permit t practice for up to 6 months.
• Applicant presents evidence satisfactory to the examination board that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of barbering.

Exam Requirements

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education credit hours can be obtained in any of the following ways:

• Attending seminars, corporate in-house courses, workshops, or professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences that meet the requirements of SPS 50.421. Attendance may be in person or via remote classroom where a qualified provider is available to the participant to comment and answer questions.
• Teaching a continuing education program that meets the requirements of s. SPS 50.421. A person who teaches may only receive credit for the initial offering or presentation of a course or program during a biennium. Fifty minutes of actual instruction is equivalent to one continuing education credit hour.
• Participating in distance education that meets the requirements of s. SPS 50.421, including completion of interactive short courses or tutorials, delivery of educational programs and courses on CD-ROM or the Internet, or correspondence courses.

• Universities, technical colleges, and schools licensed by the appropriate authority for the state in which the program is offered.
• State-licensed or state-certified instructors who have not had any disciplinary actions taken against them in the 3-year period preceding their planned instruction.
• Product distribution companies, state-level or national-level professional organizations, national salon chains, or other providers, that offer programs with significant professional educational benefits for licensees.

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• Applicant must hold a current license in another jurisdiction.
• Applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
• Applicant must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in licensed practice.

Instructors

• Applicant shall submit an application for initial certification and include the initial credential fee determined by the department under section: 440.03 (9) (a)
• Applicant shall complete 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed barber or holds a current barbering manager license issued by the department.
• Applicant shall 150 training hours of instructor training approved by the department.
• Applicant shall pass an examination conducted by the department to determine fitness as a barbering instructor

Estheticians

Licensing Requirements

• All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
• Applicant must pay the initial credential fee determined by the Department.
• Applicant must present evidence satisfactory to the examining board that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of cosmetology.
• Complete one of the following education requirements:
• Graduate from high school or equivalency.
• Participate in a program approved by the Department.
• Be at least 18 years of age and meet the ability to benefit rule under 20 USC 1091(d).
• Complete one of the following training requirements:
• A course of instruction in aesthetics of at least 450 training hours in not less than 11 weeks and not more than 30 weeks in a school of cosmetology or a school of aesthetics licensed by the Department.
• At least 450 training hours in not less than 11 weeks and not more than 30 weeks under the supervision of a Cosmetology Instructor or Aesthetics Instructor licensed by the Department.
• Pass the examination:
• Applicants who have completed all training may be issued a temporary permit to practice for up to 6 months.

Exam Requirements

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education programs offered by the following providers qualify for continuing education credit hours with no prior approval from the board necessary:

• Universities, technical colleges, and schools licensed by the appropriate authority for the state in which the program is offered.
• The Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• State or national professional organizations recognized by the board.

• One CE credit hour reviewing the laws governing the cosmetology professions and establishments.
• Three CE credit hours in safety, sanitation, and infection control

• Attending seminars, corporate in-house courses, workshops, professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences approved by the board under s. Cos 11.04. Attendance may be in person or via remote classroom where a qualified provider is available to the participant to comment and answer questions.
• Teaching a continuing education program. A person who teaches may only receive credit for the initial offering or presentation of a course or program during a biennium. Fifty minutes of actual instruction is equivalent to one continuing education credit hour. A maximum of 4 credit hours may be obtained by teaching in any biennial reporting period. Full-time faculty may not claim continuing education credits for teaching done as part of their regular duties.
• Distance education, including completion of interactive short courses or tutorials, delivery of educational programs and courses on CD-ROM or the internet or correspondence courses.

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• Applicant must hold a current license in another jurisdiction
• Applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
• Applicant must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in licensed practice

Instructors

• Applicant shall submit application for initial certification and include the initial
  credential fee determined by the department.
• Applicant shall complete 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed esthetician
• Applicant shall complete 150 training hours of instructor training approved by the department.
• Applicant must pass an examination conducted by the department to determine fitness as an esthetics instructor.

Nail Technicians/Manicurist

Licensing Requirements

• Applicant shall pay the initial credential fee determined by the department
• Applicant shall provide evidence satisfactory to the examining board that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony committed while engaged in the practice of barbering or cosmetology.

• A course of instruction in manicuring of at least 300 training hours in not less than 7 weeks and not more than 20 weeks, in a school of cosmetology or a school of manicuring licensed under 440.62 (3) or accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the board.
• At least 300 hours of training in not less than 7 weeks and not more than 20 weeks under the supervision of a certified cosmetology instructor or manicuring instructor or a licensed cosmetology manager, in a licensed establishment that is also licensed under a specialty school of manicuring under 440.62 (4)(c).

• Graduate from high school or equivalent.
• Participate in a program approved by the department.
• Be at least 18 years of age and meet the ability to benefit rule.

• Applicants who have completed all training may be issued a temporary permit to practice for up to 6 months.

Exam Requirements

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education programs offered by the following providers qualify for continuing education credit hours with no prior approval from the board necessary:

• Universities, technical colleges, and schools licensed by the appropriate authority for the state in which the program is offered.
• The Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• State or national professional organizations recognized by the board.

• One CE credit hour reviewing the laws governing the cosmetology professions and establishments.
• Three CE credit hours in safety, sanitation, and infection control.

• Attending seminars, corporate in-house courses, workshops, professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences approved by the board under s. Cos 11.04. Attendance may be in person or via remote classroom where a qualified provider is available to the participant to comment and answer questions.
• Teaching a continuing education program. A person who teaches may only receive credit for the initial offering or presentation of a course or program during a biennium. Fifty minutes of actual instruction is equivalent to one continuing education credit hour. A maximum of 4 credit hours may be obtained by teaching in any biennial reporting period. Full-time faculty may not claim continuing education credits for teaching done as part of their regular duties.
• Distance education, including completion of interactive short courses or tutorials, delivery of educational programs and courses on CD-ROM or the internet or correspondence courses.

Apprenticeship Programs

License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

• Applicant must hold a current license in another jurisdiction.
• Applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
• Applicant must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in licensed practice.

Instructors

• Applicant shall submit application for initial certification and include the initial credential fee determined by the department.
• Applicant shall complete 2,000 hours of practice as a licensed nail technician.
• Applicant shall complete 150 training hours of instructor training approved by the department.
• Applicant must pass an examination conducted by the department to determine fitness as a nail technician instructor.

Make-up Artists

Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services

High School Cosmetology Programs

Additional Professions Licensed

• Tattooist
• Body Piercer