Delaware Cosmetology State Requirements

Step-by-Step Delaware Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Delaware’s approach to cosmetology licensure is rooted in thorough training, verified experience, and professional accountability, leading to successful completion of the licensing process. Whether you’re starting in a traditional cosmetology program or gaining experience through a licensed shop apprenticeship, the state offers flexible paths to becoming a licensed cosmetologist.

Unlike some states, Delaware allows candidates to pursue a cosmetologist license through either classroom instruction or supervised apprenticeship hours, making it more accessible for those learning while working. While continuing education is not currently required for renewal, the state’s emphasis on practical examinations, personal supervision, and strict reciprocity rules assures that services rendered meet high standards.

This guide will walk you through the Delaware cosmetology state requirements step by step, from your first day of practical training to the final approval of your cosmetology license, so you'll confidently build a career in this dynamic and growing industry across cities like Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, and Dover.

Delaware Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In Delaware, becoming a licensed cosmetologist involves following a clear, standards-based process established by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Whether you're studying at an accredited school or pursuing an apprenticeship in a licensed shop, the goal is to confirm that all persons engaged in cosmetology or hairstyling services are trained, tested, and qualified to render cosmetology services safely and professionally.

Licensing Criteria

To practice cosmetology legally in Delaware, all applicants must be duly licensed according to the Delaware Administrative Code. The requirements include:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
• They must have completed at least the 10th grade or equivalent education, verified through transcripts or G.E.D. documentation.
• Completion of 1,500 classroom hours in a cosmetology program or 3,000 apprenticeship hours in a licensed shop is required.
• Applicants must successfully complete both the written and practical examinations administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).
• A completed application with all documentation must be submitted through the Division of Professional Regulation, along with the required application fee.

Examination Requirements

All applicants must:

• Complete 1,500 hours in a registered cosmetology program or 3,000 hours via a supervised apprenticeship.
• Pass the PCS theory and practical examinations, scoring at least 75 on each.
• Schedule and take both exams at a designated test site.
• After passing, applicants must submit all necessary paperwork and pay the remaining licensing fees to receive their cosmetologist license.

Continuing Education

Currently, continuing education is not a requirement for practicing licensees in Delaware. However, all cosmetology licenses expire on October 31st of every even-numbered year, and a renewal notice is sent prior to expiration.

Apprenticeship Programs

Delaware allows aspiring cosmetologists to receive practical training through a formal apprenticeship, provided the following conditions are met:

• The applicant must complete 3,000 hours under the personal supervision of a duly licensed professional in a licensed shop.
• Apprenticeships must span no less than 18 months and no more than 36 months.
• A pre-approved application must be on file with the Delaware Board, and any change in location or supervisor requires submission of a new application.
• Extensions beyond 36 months may be granted, with a maximum allowance of one additional year upon written request and Board approval.

License Reciprocity

Delaware offers a service contingent pathway for licensed professionals from other states. To qualify for license reciprocity, applicants must:

• Hold a current license from a state with substantially equivalent requirements.
• Submit notarized statements from employers verifying 3 out of the past 5 years of experience.
• If a notarized letter is unavailable, provide a written explanation and alternate proof such as tax records.
• Note: Unlicensed practice in Delaware does not count as valid experience.

Instructor Licensing

Those wishing to become a cosmetology instructor in Delaware must:

• Already be a licensed cosmetologist in good standing.
• Submit an official transcript showing 500 hours of teacher training.
• Alternatively, applicants with 2 years of experience must submit notarized employment verification.
• The Delaware Board may accept other supporting documentation, such as W-2 forms, at its discretion.
• Licensed instructors are permitted to teach cosmetology, nail technology, and aesthetics, and may teach barbering with proof of 35 hours of shaving instruction.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

If you're planning to provide skin care services, from facials to exfoliation and more, you’ll need to become a duly licensed esthetician under the Delaware cosmetology state requirements. To qualify:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You’ll need to provide proof of 10th-grade education or equivalent, such as a G.E.D.
• You must complete 600 classroom hours in a registered school or qualify via a licensed shop apprenticeship.
• You must successfully complete both the written and practical examinations administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).
• All paperwork and application fees must be submitted to the Division of Professional Regulation.

Estheticians in Delaware often find career opportunities in licensed health care facilities, motion picture production industries, and spas along the state’s scenic coastline, from Bethany Beach to Wilmington.

Examination Requirements

To earn your esthetician license, you must:

• Complete 600 classroom hours or 1,200 apprenticeship hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
• Pass both the theory and practical PCS exams, scoring a minimum of 75 on each.
• Schedule and attend exams at an approved testing center.
• Submit final documentation and fees for licensure after passing.

Apprenticeship Programs

Delaware’s apprenticeship option gives you hands-on practical training while earning your credentials. To qualify:

• You must complete 1,200 hours of supervised experience in a licensed shop.
• Apprenticeships must last no fewer than 30 weeks and no more than 24 months.
• Any changes to your apprenticeship location or supervisor must be reported with a new application.
• The Delaware Board may grant a one-year extension for valid reasons submitted in writing before your end date.

License Reciprocity

Delaware evaluates reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. Applicants from states with less rigorous standards must:

• Provide notarized statements showing 3 years of experience out of the last 5 years, from a licensed state.
• Submit tax documentation or a written explanation if employment records can’t be provided.
• Understand that unlicensed practice in Delaware won’t count toward eligibility.
• If not eligible for reciprocity, applicants may be required to pass the written examination to receive a Delaware license.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Delaware, hairstylists are licensed under the Barbering and Cosmetology Act, meaning professionals must meet specific qualifications to provide cosmetology or hairstyling services legally. Whether you’re shaping modern fades in Wilmington or styling beach-ready looks in Rehoboth, you’ll need to be licensed under the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

To qualify:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have completed 10th grade or equivalent education, verified by school transcripts or G.E.D.
• Complete 1,500 hours in a barber school or 3,000 apprenticeship hours in a licensed shop.
• Pass both written and practical examinations through Professional Credential Services (PCS).
• Submit a completed application and all required licensing fees to the Division of Professional Regulation.

Licensed cosmetologists in Delaware may not automatically qualify to barber without additional training; however, a crossover with documented shaving instruction may apply if approved.

Examination Requirements

To take the Delaware barber licensing exams, candidates must:

• Complete 1,500 classroom hours or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship.
• Pass the PCS theory and practical exams, each requiring a minimum score of 75.
• Schedule exams online and take them at a Board-approved location.
• Pay all licensure fees after passing to receive a barber license.

Apprenticeship Programs

Delaware supports hands-on practical training through apprenticeship, as long as these conditions are met:

• Apprentices must complete 3,000 hours of training under the personal supervision of a licensed barber.
• The program must last no fewer than 18 months and no more than 36 months.
• All work must be completed in a licensed shop, and any change in supervisor or shop location requires a new application to the Delaware Board.
• An extension of up to one year may be granted for good cause upon written request before the expected completion date.

License Reciprocity

Delaware offers license reciprocity under these conditions:

• Your out-of-state license must come from a jurisdiction with requirements equal to or greater than Delaware’s.
• Applicants must submit notarized statements verifying 3 of the last 5 years of active licensed work experience.
• If documentation is unavailable, alternative proof, like tax records, may be submitted along with a written explanation.
• Unlicensed practice in Delaware or elsewhere does not count toward experience.
• If you do not meet these standards, you must pass Delaware’s written examination to receive a license.

Instructor Licensing

Those wishing to become a barbering instructor must:

• Hold a valid barber or cosmetologist license.
• Submit proof of 500 hours of instructor training from an accredited school.
• Alternatively, have 2 years of verifiable professional experience documented with notarized employer letters.
• If documentation is incomplete, submit W-2s or other records for Board review.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

If you want to provide nail technology services like manicures, pedicures, and nail art in Delaware, whether in a spa, a licensed shop, or even a mobile salon near the Rehoboth boardwalk, you must meet the Delaware cosmetology state requirements for becoming a licensed nail technician. To qualify:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have completed the 10th grade or equivalent education.
• You must complete 300 hours of training in a Board-approved cosmetology program or qualify via apprenticeship hours.
• You must pass both the theory and practical examinations administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).
• Submit a completed application and pay all required licensing fees through the Division of Professional Regulation.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the Delaware nail technician licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 300 classroom hours or 600 apprenticeship hours in a licensed shop.
• Pass both PCS theory and practical exams, with a minimum score of 75 on each.
• Schedule and take both tests at an approved location.
• Pay all necessary fees once the exams are passed to receive a nail technician license.

Apprenticeship Programs

Delaware offers a flexible option for persons employed in the beauty field to gain experience and licensure through apprenticeship training. To qualify:

• Applicants must complete 600 hours of nail technician apprenticeship hours under the personal supervision of a duly licensed practitioner.
• The apprenticeship must take place in a licensed shop and last no fewer than 6 weeks and no more than 12 months.
• Changes to the apprenticeship location or supervisor must be reported with a new application.
• The Delaware Board may grant a one-time extension of up to one year for valid, documented reasons submitted before the program end date.

License Reciprocity

Delaware does offer reciprocity to qualified nail technicians entering from other states or foreign countries, as long as these conditions are met:

• The applicant’s license is active and issued by a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
• The applicant must provide notarized employer statements proving they have practiced for 3 of the last 5 years.
• If letters or statements can’t be acquired, alternate verification, like tax records, may be submitted along with an explanation.
• Unlicensed practice in Delaware or elsewhere will not count toward the required experience.
• Those who do not meet reciprocity standards must complete the Delaware written examination.

Instructor Licensing

To become a nail technology instructor in Delaware, individuals must:

• Hold an active cosmetologist license or nail technician license in good standing.
• Complete 500 hours of teacher training from a registered school.
• Alternatively, have 2 years of documented experience in the profession, verified by notarized statements from previous employers.
• If the statements are unavailable, applicants must submit a letter of explanation with supporting materials like W-2 forms.
• The Delaware Board may approve or deny these documents at its discretion.

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Makeup Artists

In Delaware, makeup artists are regulated under the broader scope of cosmetology and esthetics. This means that individuals who administer cosmetic preparations, perform skin care treatments, or offer makeup services must be duly licensed as either cosmetologists or estheticians, depending on the specific services rendered.

There is currently no standalone makeup artist license in Delaware. Those planning to provide professional makeup services, whether in salons, motion picture production industries, or on location for weddings and events, must complete the appropriate cosmetology program or esthetics training, pass the required examinations, and maintain a valid cosmetology or esthetician license.

For more detailed guidance on how your services align with licensing classifications, such as whether your work requires handling skin care products or just cosmetic application, it’s best to consult the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering or the Division of Professional Regulation directly.

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