Nevada Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Nevada Licensing Requirements

Nevada’s cosmetology licensing process is structured with a strong emphasis on education, legal compliance, and practical training. Whether you're wanting to become a licensed cosmetologist, a nail technologist, or a makeup artist registered under state law, Nevada makes sure that every licensed person is well-prepared to offer services relating to beauty and wellness safely and professionally.

Nevada requires all applicants to pass a Nevada law exam, highlighting the state’s focus on legal literacy in cosmetology. Nevada includes options for apprenticeship programs in licensed cosmetological establishments for individuals living more than 60 miles from a school, and offers license reciprocity for professionals from many U.S. states, provided they pass the state board law test.

This guide will take you step-by-step through the Nevada cosmetology state requirement process, covering eligibility, exams, apprenticeship paths, continuing education, and renewal, so you can start your journey in a city like Las Vegas or Reno, where beauty businesses flourish and career opportunities shine.

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

In Nevada, getting a cosmetology license follows a structured process established by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. These requirements confirm that every licensed person practicing in the state meets consistent standards for education, safety, and professionalism. Whether your goal is to become a licensed cosmetologist, nail technologist, shampoo technologist, practice hair braiding or makeup artist registered under Nevada law, here’s what you’ll need to know.

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Nevada, individuals must hold a license in compliance with the Nevada Administrative Code. You’ll need to meet these basic Nevada cosmetology license requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• They must be of good moral character.
• Applicants must be a citizen of the U.S. or lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
• A high school education up to the 10th-grade level (or its equivalent) is required.
• Completion of 1,600 hours of practical training from a Board-approved cosmetology school or equivalent hours as an apprentice.
• Applicants must pass all required board exams, including the Nevada law exam.
• All required documentation must be submitted with the application.
• Applicants must timely pay renewal fee and any associated application or testing fees.

Nevada also allows barbers to receive a cosmetology license by completing 600 hours of specialized training in services relating to hair design and esthetics.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the licensing exams in Nevada, applicants must:

• Complete 1,600 hours of instruction at a Board-approved school, or
• Document 3,600 hours of work as a cosmetologist’s apprentice, or
• Have practiced cosmetology for four years outside Nevada, or
• Hold a barber license with 600 hours of cosmetology-specific training.
• Pass a written or oral exam, a practical exam, and the Nevada law exam.
• Once passed, all licensing fees must be paid in full.

The state board determines passing scores and handles all examination logistics, including authorized disciplinary action for those who violate testing or practice guidelines.

Continuing Education

Nevada does require continuing education for license renewal. Cosmetologists must complete 4 hours of approved education per renewal cycle. For instructors, the requirement increases to 30 hours. Licenses are renewed every 2 to 4 years and expire on the licensee’s birthday. If born on February 29, the expiration date defaults to February 28.

Apprenticeship Programs

To qualify for a cosmetologist's apprentice registration in Nevada:

• Applicants must reside at least 60 miles from the nearest licensed cosmetology school.
• The training must take place in a licensed cosmetological establishment under the immediate supervision of a person licensed in cosmetology.
• A signed statement must be submitted from the supervising professional, who must have 3+ years of experience and a clean record.
• A signed statement is also required from the owner of the establishment permitting the apprenticeship.
• Apprenticeship certificates are valid for 24 months and may be renewed if the state board finds good cause.

License Reciprocity

Nevada allows license reciprocity for applicants whose out-of-state license is:

• Active and in good standing, with no disciplinary action.
• From a state included on Nevada’s reciprocity list.
• Accompanied by successful completion of the Nevada law exam.

Applicants must also have their licensing board send verification directly to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. States accepted for reciprocity include Alaska, Florida, Texas, New York, Washington, and many others. The board determines final eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Instructor Licensing

To teach cosmetology in Nevada:

• Applicants must hold a valid Nevada cosmetology license.
• They must have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent.
• One year of experience as a licensed person (either as a cosmetologist or student instructor) is required.
• Instructors must complete 1,000 hours of training, or 500 hours if acting as a provisional instructor.
• Passing both the theory exam and the Nevada law exam is required.
• All fees must be paid before issuing a new license.

Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Individuals who wish to provide skincare and facial services in Nevada must hold an esthetician license issued by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. Nevada defines esthetics to include services relating to skin care, facials, and the removal of hair. Licensing requirements include:

• Being at least 18 years old.
• Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education.
• Graduation from a Board-approved esthetics program or completion of qualifying apprenticeship hours.
• Successful completion of both the written and practical examinations, including the Nevada law exam.
• Submission of a complete application with all required documentation and fees.

A licensed person may also offer advanced esthetics services if additional requirements are met under Nevada law.

Examination Requirements

To become a licensed esthetician in Nevada, applicants must:

• Complete 900 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school, or
• Complete 1,800 hours of apprenticeship in a licensed cosmetological establishment.
• Pass the Board-administered written/oral exam, practical skills test, and the Nevada law exam.
• Pay all required fees upon passing.

Testing is conducted under the authority of the state board of cosmetology, and any issues may be subject to appeal or authorized disciplinary action.

Continuing Education

Nevada requires estheticians to complete 4 hours of continuing education to renew their license. Instructors must complete 30 hours. Licenses are renewed every two to four years and expire on the licensee’s birthday. For those born on February 29th, the expiration date defaults to February 28th.

Apprenticeship Programs

To become an esthetician's apprentice in Nevada:

• You must live more than 60 miles from the nearest licensed school.
• You must train in a licensed cosmetological establishment under the immediate supervision of a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician with at least 3 years of experience.
• A signed statement from both the supervising professional and the establishment owner is required.
• Apprenticeship certificates are valid for 12 months and may be renewed with board approval.

Apprentices must maintain clean outer garments, comply with infection control standards, and may not use banned devices prohibited under Nevada law.

License Reciprocity

Nevada does offer license reciprocity to estheticians licensed in other states. Applicants must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing.
• Have their out-of-state board send verification directly to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology.
• Pass the Nevada law exam to demonstrate knowledge of Nevada state law and infection control requirements.

Eligible states include Texas, New York, Florida, Arizona, and others. The board determines final eligibility and may deny applications based on disciplinary history or criminal background.

Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria for Hair Design

In Nevada, hairstylists are usually licensed as hair designers through the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. To legally offer services like hair design, shampoo technology, or removing superfluous hair, you’ll need to get licensed and meet the state’s cosmetology requirements, which include:

• Being at least 18 years old.
• Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education.
• Graduation from a state-approved barbering or hair design program with the required number of training hours or apprenticeship service.
• Passing both the practical and written examinations, including the Nevada law exam.
• Submitting the completed application with required documents.
• Paying all applicable licensing and testing fees.

A licensed cosmetologist in Nevada can pursue additional training to transition into hair design or barbering through crossover pathways approved by the state board.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the licensing exams for barbering or hair design in Nevada, applicants must:

• Complete 1,200 hours in a Board-approved training program for hair design, or
• Document 2,400 hours as a hair designer’s apprentice or hair braider under supervision, or
• Have 4 years of licensed experience outside Nevada, or
• Be a licensed barber pursuing crossover training.
• Pass a written or oral exam, a hands-on practical, and the Nevada law exam.
• Pay all required fees upon successfully passing.

Exams are administered by the state board of cosmetology, and any concerns may result in review or authorized disciplinary action.

Continuing Education

Nevada does require continuing education for hairstylists. 4 hours of board-approved instruction must be completed to renew a license. Instructor licenses require 30 hours of continuing education. Licenses are renewed every 2 to 4 years and expire on the licensee’s birthday, or February 28 for leap day birthdays.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships are available in areas where cosmetology schools are more than 60 miles away. To become a hair designer's apprentice in Nevada:

• Applicants must live at least 60 miles from the nearest licensed school of cosmetology.
• Training must occur inside a licensed cosmetological establishment under the immediate supervision of a licensed person with 3+ years of experience.
• The owner of the establishment must provide written approval to allow such business and apprenticeship training.
• An apprenticeship certificate is valid for 19 months and may be renewed with Board approval.

Apprentices must wear clean outer garments, comply with infection control protocols, and refrain from using banned devices prohibited under Nevada state law.

License Reciprocity

Nevada permits license reciprocity for barbers and hair designers from other U.S. states and territories if:

• The applicant holds an active, unrestricted license in good standing.
• The state board from the applicant’s home state sends official license verification.
• The applicant passes the Nevada law exam and submits the required paperwork.

Accepted states include Arizona, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and many others. The board determines eligibility and reserves the right to deny licensure for any history of disciplinary action or illegal purposes.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering or hair design instructor in Nevada:

• You must hold a valid license as a barber or hair designer.
• Applicants must have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent.
• At least one year of licensed experience or service as a student instructor is required.
• Completion of 1,000 hours of instructor training—or 500 hours as a provisional instructor in a licensed cosmetological establishment—is mandatory.
• You must pass the instructor theory test and the Nevada law exam.
• All required fees must be paid prior to the issuance of a new license.

Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally offer nail technology services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail art in Nevada, individuals must be licensed by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. All licensed persons must meet the following nevada cosmetology state requirement qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete the 10th grade or equivalent level of education.
• Graduate from a Board-approved nail technology program or complete qualifying apprenticeship hours.
• Pass the required licensing exams, including the Nevada law exam.
• Submit a completed application with all necessary documentation.
• Pay the application and licensing fees in full.

Providing services without a license or in a non-licensed location may result in authorized disciplinary action under Nevada state law.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the nail technician licensing exam in Nevada, applicants must:

• Complete 600 hours of formal training at a licensed cosmetology school, or
• Complete 1,200 hours as a nail technologist's apprentice in a licensed cosmetological establishment, or
• Provide proof of one year of experience as a licensed nail technician outside Nevada.
• Pass a written or oral exam, a hands-on practical test, and the Nevada law exam.
• Pay all fees upon passing.

All exams are administered by the state board of cosmetology, and passing scores are determined based on current board standards for safety, technique, and infection control.

Continuing Education

Nevada requires nail technicians to complete 4 hours of continuing education for license renewal. Instructors must complete 30 hours. Licenses are renewed every 2 to 4 years and expire on the licensee’s birthday. For licensees born on February 29th, expiration falls on February 28.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship opportunities are available for those who live more than 60 miles from the nearest licensed school. To become a nail technologist’s apprentice in Nevada, candidates must:

• Live at least 60 miles from a licensed school of cosmetology.
• Train under the immediate supervision of a licensed cosmetologist or nail technologist with at least 3 years of experience.
• Provide signed statements from both the supervising professional and the owner of the licensed cosmetological establishment.
• Maintain proper sanitation and wear clean outer garments throughout the program.

The state board issues apprenticeship certificates that are valid for 10 months and may be renewed upon good cause. Apprentices may not use banned devices prohibited by law or engage in illegal purposes during their training.

License Reciprocity

Nevada offers reciprocity to out-of-state nail technologists who meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing.
• Have their current board send official verification directly to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology.
• Pass the Nevada law exam as part of the application process.

The board recognizes licenses from states such as Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona. The board determines final eligibility and may deny reciprocity if disciplinary records or legal infractions are found.

Instructor Licensing

To instruct in nail technology in Nevada, individuals must:

• Hold a valid Nevada nail technician license.
• Have completed the 12th grade or equivalent education.
• Have at least one year of experience as a licensed nail technician or student instructor.
• Complete 500 hours of training at an approved instructor program.
• Pass both the theory exam and the Nevada law exam.
• Submit all required paperwork and pay the necessary fees before a new license is issued.

Makeup Artists

In Nevada, makeup artists are regulated separately from estheticians and cosmetologists. A makeup artist registered pursuant to Nevada state law may apply for a certificate without completing a full cosmetology or esthetics program, provided they do not offer services involving skin care treatments, hair removal, or work with certain substances restricted to licensed estheticians.

To work legally as a makeup artist in Nevada, individuals must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be of good moral character.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully entitled to work in the U.S.
• Have completed at least two years of high school or its equivalent.
• Submit a complete application and pay the required registration fees.

No license required or formal exam is mandated for this category. However, any person found altering their license or performing restricted services may face authorized disciplinary action from the state board of cosmetology.

Makeup artists are not eligible for apprenticeship programs, and there is no continuing education requirement. Certificates must be renewed annually by January 1st. Anyone offering makeup artistry inside a retail establishment, salon, or as an independent contractor must follow all applicable rules related to hygiene, wearing clean outer garments, and avoiding the use of banned devices.

For those wishing to expand into skincare or lash extensions, becoming a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician is required under board pursuant regulations.

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