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Step-by-Step Colorado Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Colorado’s approach to cosmetology licensing is straightforward, assuring that professionals meet consistent training and examination standards. Unlike some states, Colorado does not offer apprenticeship programs, requiring all candidates to complete formal education through licensed cosmetology schools.
Colorado does not mandate continuing education for license renewal, making it easier for professionals to maintain compliance. However, with no reciprocity agreements in place, out-of-state applicants must meet the state's endorsement requirements or pass the Colorado licensing exams to practice.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of getting a cosmetology license in Colorado, highlighting the requirements and what you need to know to start your career in the beauty industry—from the vibrant streets of Denver to the ski resorts of Aspen.
Colorado Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials
In Colorado, getting a cosmetology license requires meeting specific education and examination criteria set by the Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure. Unlike some states, the Colorado board does not offer apprenticeship programs, so formal training at an accredited school is mandatory.
Licensing Criteria
To legally practice cosmetology in Colorado, individuals must receive a license in compliance with state regulations. The following requirements must be met:
Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Completion of a state-approved cosmetology program with the minimum requirements and training hours.
Must successfully pass both the written examinations and practical licensing exams.
Submission of a complete application with supporting documents.
Payment of all required fees.
Unlike some states with crossover programs, the state of Colorado does not allow licensed barbers to transition to cosmetology through a condensed program—they must meet full cosmetology training requirements.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the cosmetology licensing exam, applicants must:
Complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a state-approved school.
Pass the written and practical examinations, both administered through PSI.
Meet the passing score set by the state board.
If failing, applicants may retake the exam following state guidelines.
Once passed, applicants must submit licensing fees to receive their official credentials.
Continuing Education
Colorado does not have required hours of continuing education for all those in the beauty industry. However, licenses must be renewed every two years by April 30, based on the original issuance year.
Apprenticeship Programs
Unlike states that offer apprenticeship pathways, Colorado does not have a cosmetology apprenticeship program. Instead, all candidates must complete their training through a licensed cosmetology school.
License Reciprocity
Colorado does not offer direct reciprocity. Instead, licensed professionals from other states or countries must apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires:
Holding an active cosmetology license in good standing.
Providing official license verification directly from the issuing state.
Ensuring their previous training and state licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to Colorado’s.
Paying all required application fees.
If an applicant’s previous licensing requirements do not align with Colorado’s, they must pass Colorado’s written licensing exam before being granted approval to practice.
Instructor Licensing
The Colorado Private Occupational School Board governs instructor qualifications rather than the Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure. To become an instructor, candidates must:
Have at least two years or 4,000 hours of relevant experience.
Pass a background check.
Regularly update their education and employment experience to maintain competency.
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Estheticians
Licensing Criteria
Individuals wishing to provide skincare services in Colorado must receive an esthetician license. The following requirements must be met:
Be at least 16 years old.
Complete a state-approved esthetician program with the required training hours.
Pass both the written and practical licensing exams.
Submit a completed application with all required documentation.
Pay the necessary licensing fees.
Colorado does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians, so all training must be completed at a licensed school.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for licensure, applicants must:
Complete 600 hours of esthetician training at an accredited school.
Pass the practical and written exams, both administered through PSI.
Meet the passing score established by the state board.
Applicants who fail may appeal or retake the exam as per state guidelines.
Once passed, applicants must pay licensing fees before receiving their official license.
License Reciprocity
Colorado does not offer direct reciprocity for out-of-state estheticians. Instead, licensed professionals must apply for licensure by endorsement.
If an applicant’s previous licensing standards do not match Colorado’s, they must pass the Colorado written exam to qualify for licensure.
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Hairstylists/Barbers
Licensing Criteria
In Colorado, hairstylists and barbers are regulated under the Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure. To practice hairstyling or barbering, individuals must receive a state license by meeting the following requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
Complete the required training hours at a licensed barbering or hairstyling school.
Pass both the written and practical licensing exams.
Submit a completed application with supporting documents.
Pay all required licensing fees.
Unlike some states, Colorado does not offer crossover programs for licensed cosmetologists to become barbers or hairstylists. Those interested must meet the full training requirements for each profession.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for a hairstylist or barbering license, applicants must:
Complete 1,200 training hours for hairstyling or 1,500 training hours for barbering at a state-approved school.
Pass both the written and practical examinations, administered through PSI.
Meet the passing score set by the state board.
Appeal a failing score or retake the exam following state guidelines.
Pay the necessary licensing fees upon passing.
License Reciprocity
Colorado does not offer direct reciprocity for hairstylists or barbers. Instead, professionals from other states or countries must apply for licensure by endorsement.
If an applicant’s previous licensing requirements do not meet Colorado’s standards, they must pass the Colorado written exam to receive a license.
Instructor Licensing
In Colorado, barbering and hairstyling instructors are regulated under the Private Occupational School Board, rather than the Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure. To qualify as an instructor, candidates must:
Have at least two years or 4,000 hours of full-time experience in their field.
Pass a background check.
Demonstrate ongoing education and industry experience to maintain competency.
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Nail Technicians/Manicurists
Licensing Criteria
To legally provide nail care services in Colorado, individuals must receive a nail technician license by meeting the following requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
Complete the required training hours at a licensed nail technician program.
Pass both the written and practical licensing exams.
Submit a complete application with all required documentation.
Pay all necessary licensing fees.
Colorado does not allow apprenticeship training for nail technicians, meaning all applicants must complete formal education at an accredited school.
Examination Requirements
To sit for the licensing exam, applicants must:
Complete 600 hours of nail technician training at a state-approved school.
Pass a hands-on practical skills test and a written exam, both administered through PSI.
Meet the passing score established by the Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure.
Appeal any failed scores or retake the exam according to state regulations.
Pay the required licensing fees upon passing.
License Reciprocity
Colorado does not offer direct reciprocity for nail technicians. Instead, individuals licensed in another state or country must apply for licensure by endorsement.
If an applicant’s prior training does not meet Colorado’s requirements, they must pass the state’s written exam before receiving licensure.
Instructor Licensing
In Colorado, nail technician instructors are regulated under the Private Occupational School Board instead of the Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure. To become an instructor, individuals must:
Have at least two years or 4,000 hours of full-time experience as a nail technician.
Complete a background check.
Demonstrate continued competency through education and hands-on industry experience.
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Makeup Artists
In Colorado, makeup artists are not licensed separately but fall under cosmetology or esthetics licensure, depending on the services they provide. Individuals offering makeup application and basic skincare services must hold either a cosmetology or esthetician license and meet the corresponding training requirements.
Those interested in permanent makeup (such as microblading or tattooed eyeliner) must receive additional training and certification as required by Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment.
For more details on licensing and requirements, contact the Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure.
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