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Step-by-Step Oregon Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Thinking about a future in Oregon’s beauty industry? Whether you're in Portland, Eugene, or a coastal town like Cannon Beach, becoming a licensed cosmetologist starts with completing a state-approved training program and passing both a written and practical exam. The Oregon Health Licensing Office oversees the process, and once you're certified, you'll be ready to launch a professional career in salons, spas, or as an independent contractor.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Oregon cosmetology license requirements for 2025—from training hours to reciprocity rules—so you can take your first step with confidence.
Oregon Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials
In Oregon, earning your cosmetology license means following a clear set of steps outlined by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency and enforced under Oregon laws and rules. Whether you’re planning to work in a chic Portland salon, open a booth in a Eugene market, or offer freelance services along the Oregon Coast, here’s what you need to know to get licensed.
Licensing Criteria
To legally practice in Oregon, applicants must meet the following requirements set by the Oregon cosmetology state requirement:
Be at least 18 years old.
Provide proof of completion of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent level of education.
Graduate from a board-approved cosmetology school and complete the required training hours for your chosen field of practice (such as hair design, nail technology, or esthetics).
Successfully pass both the practical examination conducted by a certified school and the board-approved written examination, which includes the rules exam on Oregon laws and rules.
Submit a completed application to the Health Licensing Office with all required documentation.
Pay the application fee and any additional examination or certification fees.
Examination Requirements
To receive a cosmetology practitioner certification, applicants must:
Complete the required number of training hours for their specialty (e.g., 1,100 hours for hair design).
Pass both the written examination and practical exam, administered on two separate testing days at a licensed testing center.
Pass the Oregon laws and rules examination, which is mandatory for all applicants.
Pay certification fees following the successful completion of all required examinations.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements in Oregon. However, your Oregon cosmetology license must be renewed every two years by the last day of your birth month. Staying in good standing assures your ability to provide services legally in a licensed facility or under independent contractor registration.
Apprenticeship Programs
Oregon does not allow apprenticeship as a pathway to meet your required training hours. All training must be completed at an approved cosmetology program within a licensed school.
License Reciprocity
If you are an out-of-state applicant, Oregon offers limited reciprocity under these conditions:
You must submit an affidavit of licensure showing a current license in good standing, free from disciplinary action.
Your license must be substantially equivalent to Oregon’s certification in one or more fields of practice.
You must pass a written exam within two years of application, including the rules exam on Oregon laws and rules.
If you’re adding a new field of practice, you’ll need to retake the Oregon laws exam unless it was passed within the previous two years.
After passing all required examinations, you must pay all certification and licensing fees to receive your Oregon certification.
Instructor Licensing
To teach in Oregon, instructors must:
Hold a valid practitioner certification.
Complete a 1,000-hour instructor training program at a licensed career school.
If you previously held an instructor license (expired within the last 3 years) or were licensed in another state with lower instructor training requirements, you may qualify after a 200-hour additional training course in Oregon.
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Estheticians
Licensing Criteria
Individuals wishing to perform skin care services must obtain an esthetician license. Requirements include:
Being at least 17 years old.
Completing the 10th grade or equivalent education.
Graduating from a Board-approved program with the necessary training hours.
Passing both written and practical examinations.
Submitting an application with required documents and fees.
Examination Requirements
Candidates must:
Complete 600 hours of classroom instruction or 3,200 hours of training.
Pass a written and practical exam based on Board standards.
Appeal for any failed scores if needed.
Pay required fees upon passing.
License Reciprocity
Oregon allows reciprocity for eligible out-of-state estheticians. Applicants must:
Hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing.
Have held the license for at least three of the past five years without disciplinary actions or convictions.
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Hairstylists/Barbers
Licensing Criteria
Hairstylists are licensed under Barbering and Cosmetology. To practice hairstyling or barbering in Oregon, individuals must secure a license by meeting the following qualifications:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
Graduate from a Board-approved barbering program and complete the required training.
Pass the state examinations.
Submit the necessary application materials and pay the applicable fees.
Licensed cosmetologists in Oregon may take a crossover course to become licensed hairstylists or barbers.
Examination Requirements
Barbering examination candidates must:
Complete 1,100 training hours for hairstylists or 746 training hours for barbers.
Pass both written and practical exams.
Attain a passing score based on Board standards.
File an appeal for any failed scores if necessary.
Pay the fees after passing.
License Reciprocity
Out-of-state barbers may apply for a Oregon license through reciprocity, provided:
Their current license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.
They have held the license for at least three of the past five years without disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.
Those not meeting reciprocity conditions must undergo Oregon’s licensing process, including required training and exams.
Instructor Licensing
Barbering instructors need a valid license and technical training.
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Nail Technicians/Manicurists
Licensing Criteria
To legally provide nail care services in Oregon, individuals must obtain a license by meeting the following requirements:
Be at least 17 years old.
Complete the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education.
Graduate from a Board-approved training program and fulfill the required instruction.
Pass both the written and practical licensing examinations.
Submit a complete application with all required documentation and fees.
Examination Requirements
To sit for the licensing exam, applicants must:
Complete either 400 hours of formal training.
Demonstrate practical skills during a hands-on test and pass a written examination.
Achieve a passing score determined by the Oregon Health Licensing Office.
File an appeal if the score is unsatisfactory.
Pay the required fees after passing.
License Reciprocity
Oregon offers reciprocity for out-of-state nail technicians who:
Hold an active, valid license in good standing without restrictions or disciplinary actions.
Have maintained an active license for at least three of the past five years without criminal convictions or disciplinary measures.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements must complete the Oregon licensing process, including training and exams.
Instructor Licensing
To instruct in nail care, individuals must hold a valid cosmetology license and complete required technical training.
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Makeup Artists
Makeup artists in Oregon are licensed under either esthetics or cosmetology, depending on the services they offer. Individuals providing skin care or makeup services must adhere to the respective licensing requirements for estheticians or cosmetologists. Contact the Oregon Health Licensing Office for more detailed information.
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