North Dakota Cosmetology State Requirements

Step-by-Step North Dakota Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

North Dakota’s cosmetology licensing process is structured, detailed, and designed to uphold a strong standard of care and sanitation across the state. From Bismarck to Fargo, the state’s emphasis on formal cosmetology school education, without apprenticeship options, assures every licensed cosmetologist is thoroughly trained in both technical skills and North Dakota sanitation practices.

Unlike states that offer alternative pathways, North Dakota does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology. Instead, applicants must complete the full curriculum hours at a licensed school and pass multiple examinations, including a dedicated North Dakota cosmetology law and sanitation exam. Reciprocity is offered, but only for those whose previous education and exams are substantially equal to North Dakota’s standards.

This guide breaks down the step-by-step process to help you meet the North Dakota cosmetology state requirements, pass your exams, and receive or transfer your license with confidence, no matter if you're fresh out of high school or relocating from another state.

North Dakota Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In North Dakota, becoming a licensed cosmetologist involves meeting clear and structured requirements set by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. Whether you're planning to launch a beauty career in Bismarck or open a salon in Grand Forks, here’s what you need to know to get started:

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice as a licensed cosmetologist in North Dakota, applicants must meet all of the following qualifications, in accordance with current North Dakota cosmetology state requirements:

• Applicants must have completed high school or hold the equivalent of a high school diploma.
• They must enroll in a licensed cosmetology school and successfully complete the required 1,800 curriculum hours.
• Applicants must adhere to all ND State Board regulations and laws, including those covering North Dakota sanitation practices.
• Individuals must pass all examinations required by the board, including a sanitation and cosmetology law exam specific to the state.
• A complete application with all supporting documents must be submitted.
• All application and examination fees must be paid in full.

North Dakota does not currently offer a crossover licensing program between barbering and cosmetology, nor does it support apprenticeship-based training. All education must take place in a board-approved school.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for licensure, applicants must:

• Complete 1,800 hours of training from a licensed cosmetology school.
• Pass three separate exams: the NIC written exam, the North Dakota State Practical exam, and the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law test.
• Pay all required testing and licensing fees.

The ND State Board sets the standards for exam content and determines what qualifies as a passing score.

Continuing Education

While continuing education requirements do not apply to cosmetologists in North Dakota, licenses must be renewed annually before December 31st. It’s important to stay in good standing with the state board of cosmetology to maintain an active license.

Instructors, however, must complete 8 hours of continuing education each year to remain compliant.

Apprenticeship Programs

North Dakota does not offer apprenticeship programs for cosmetology training. All required course curriculum hours must be completed in a licensed school, without exception. This helps to confirm all applicants receive consistent training that meets the state board’s licensing requirements.

License Reciprocity

If you already hold a cosmetology license in another state, North Dakota does offer reciprocity, provided certain qualifications are met:

• Your out-of-state license must be in good standing, and the education/exams must be substantially equal to North Dakota’s requirements.
• You must submit proof of training hours and passing scores from both a theoretical and practical examination similar to North Dakota’s.
• If your credentials don’t match exactly, you may still qualify by:
  • Showing you’ve worked in the field for at least three of the past five years;
  • Proving you graduated from a licensed school;
  • Passing a theoretical and practical exam accepted by the North Dakota State Board;
  • Passing the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law exam.

Instructor Licensing

To teach cosmetology in North Dakota, instructors must:

• Hold a valid cosmetology license;
• Meet one of the following instructor training criteria:
  • Complete 960 hours of instructor training;
  • Have at least 1 year of professional experience and complete 480 hours of instructor training;
  • Have 3 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and complete 160 hours of training;
• Pass the ND State Board’s instructor examination;
• Pay all applicable fees and submit the required documentation.

Protect your artistry with cosmetology insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay covered where it matters most.

Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

In North Dakota, anyone wishing to provide skincare services must first get an esthetician license through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. The following licensing requirements must be met:

• The applicant must have completed high school or earned an equivalent diploma.
• They must enroll in a licensed cosmetology school and complete at least 600 hours of esthetician-specific training.
• All applicants must follow the rules and regulations set by the state board of cosmetology, including North Dakota sanitation practices and cosmetology law.
• Candidates must pass the written, practical, and sanitation/law exams required by the board.
• A complete application and all associated fees must be submitted.

Examination Requirements

To become licensed, esthetician applicants must:

• Successfully complete 600 curriculum hours in a licensed cosmetology school.
• Take and pass:
  • The NIC written examination;
  • The North Dakota State Practical exam;
  • And the sanitation and cosmetology law test required by the board.
• Pay all examination and licensing fees after passing.

The ND State Board sets the content standards and determines passing scores for each exam. All examinations must be successfully completed before licensure is granted.

License Reciprocity

North Dakota offers license reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states or countries, provided certain conditions are met:

• Applicants must hold an active esthetician license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
• Their education, curriculum hours, and examinations must be substantially equal to those required in North Dakota.
• If the requirements differ, applicants may still qualify if they:
  • Have worked as an esthetician for at least 3 of the past 5 years;
  • Graduated from a licensed school;
  • Passed theoretical and practical exams acceptable to the ND State Board.

All reciprocity applicants must still pass the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law exam before licensure.

Secure your studio and your skincare expertise with esthetician insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay covered where it matters most.

Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In North Dakota, hairstylists fall under cosmetology, while barbers are licensed separately through the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners. Anyone wishing to perform haircutting, shaving, or related services must meet the following licensing requirements:

• Hairstylists must meet the standard North Dakota cosmetology state requirements, including completion of high school and 1,800 training hours in a licensed cosmetology school.
• Barber applicants must be at least 17 years old, have good moral character, and graduate from a board-approved barber school with the necessary hours of education.
• All applicants must pass examinations required by the board, submit a completed application, and pay the necessary fees.

Licensed cosmetologists in North Dakota may not use a crossover course to receive a barber license. The two licenses are regulated by separate boards, and each has its own rules and qualifications.

Examination Requirements

Barbers in North Dakota must:

• Complete 1,550 hours of training from a state-approved barbering program.
• Pass a state licensing exam with a minimum score of 70% for apprentices and 75% for master barbers.
• Submit all required documents and pay the state board’s licensing fees.

Following initial licensure as an apprentice barber, candidates must work under direct supervision for one year before taking a second exam to become a registered barber.

Apprenticeship Programs

North Dakota does not offer apprenticeship programs for hairstylists or cosmetologists.

However, barber apprenticeships are part of the licensing pathway:

• Candidates must first complete 1,550 hours of school instruction and pass a qualifying exam.
• They are then issued an apprentice license and must work under a registered barber for one full year.
• After that year, they may sit for a second licensure exam to become fully registered.

License Reciprocity

Out-of-state barbers may apply for reciprocity in North Dakota if they:

• Are at least 18.5 years old and have completed high school or an equivalent.
• Have a valid license in good standing with no restrictions.
• Graduated from a barber school requiring at least 1,550 hours of training.
• Have practiced full-time as a barber for at least three years in the originating state.

If the required hours are lacking, North Dakota allows each year of professional experience to count as 200 instructional hours toward meeting the education requirement. Applicants must still meet ND State Board standards to qualify.

Instructor Licensing

Barbering instructors in North Dakota must:

• Hold a 12th-grade education or equivalent;
• Be a licensed master barber with at least five years of active experience;
• Pass the instructor examination administered by the board;
• Receive unanimous approval from the board following a personal interview.

Shield your salon and your craft with hairstylist and barber insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay protected where it matters most.

Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally offer nail care services in North Dakota, individuals must hold a nail technician license through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. The following licensing requirements apply:

• Applicants must have completed high school or obtained a high school diploma equivalent.
• They must enroll in a licensed cosmetology school and complete at least 350 curriculum hours focused on nail technology.
• Individuals must follow North Dakota sanitation practices, laws, and the rules outlined by the ND State Board.
• All applicants must pass the required examinations.
• A completed application and payment of all applicable fees are required.

Apprenticeship programs are not available for nail technicians in North Dakota. All education must be completed at a licensed school.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for licensure, nail technician applicants must:

• Complete 350 hours of instruction in a licensed cosmetology school.
• Pass the NIC written exam, the North Dakota State Practical, and the sanitation and cosmetology law exam.
• Submit any required documents and pay all necessary fees.

All exams must be successfully completed in accordance with state board of cosmetology regulations before a license will be issued.

License Reciprocity

North Dakota does offer license reciprocity for out-of-state manicurists and nail technicians, as long as specific conditions are met:

• Applicants must hold a valid license in good standing from another state, territory, or country.
• The license must be based on training hours and exams substantially equal to North Dakota’s requirements.
• If these conditions are not met, applicants may still qualify by:
  • Showing they have worked in the field for 3 of the past 5 years;
  • Providing proof of graduation from a licensed school;
  • Passing theoretical and practical exams approved by the ND State Board.

Regardless of background, all reciprocity applicants must also pass the North Dakota sanitation and cosmetology law exam.

Instructor Licensing

To teach manicuring in North Dakota, instructors must:

• Be licensed cosmetologists in good standing;
• Complete additional instructor training hours as required by the ND State Board (criteria vary based on experience);
• Pass the instructor examination and submit all required fees and documentation.

Protect your nail artistry and your career with nail technician insurance. Get instant coverage today and keep your craft safe where it matters most.

Makeup Artists

In North Dakota, makeup artists must be licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the type of services they provide. Individuals offering makeup application or skincare services are required to adhere to the state board of cosmetology’s licensing requirements for estheticians or licensed cosmetologists.

Since there is no separate license specifically for makeup artistry, applicants must complete either the 600-hour esthetics program or the 1,800-hour cosmetology program at a licensed cosmetology school, pass all ND State Board examinations, and comply with North Dakota sanitation practices and cosmetology laws.

For full details on how to become a licensed makeup artist in North Dakota, contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology directly.

Defend your brushes and your brilliance with makeup artist insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay protected where it matters most.

Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?

Don’t let the details of licensure hold you back. With Elite Beauty Society, you gain a partner dedicated to safeguarding your professional journey. Secure your policy today and make a move towards a flourishing and protected career in the beauty industry.

Over 500+ Beauty & Wellness Services Protected: Including design, cut, color, thermal styling, men's grooming, facials, micro-current toning, eyelash extensions, manicures, pedicures, instruction, body contouring, hair treatments, and microblading. See all the modalities we cover.

For any questions about our insurance offerings or to learn how we can help protect your professional journey, contact us. Join Elite Beauty Society now and gain the peace of mind that comes with top-tier liability insurance tailored for beauty professionals.