Virginia Cosmetology State Requirements for Licensing

Step-by-Step Virginia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Virginia offers a straightforward, clearly defined path to becoming a licensed cosmetologist. The state focuses on making sure professionals receive comprehensive training, pass required exams, and stick to ethical standards within the profession and the beauty industry.

With options like apprenticeship programs and license reciprocity for out-of-state professionals, Virginia makes it possible to build a rewarding career while maintaining high industry standards. Unlike some states, Virginia does not require continuing education for license renewal, simplifying long-term compliance.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of getting a cosmetology license in Virginia, from initial license application through to completion of licensure, so you'll confidently launch your career in this dynamic field.

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

In Virginia, earning a cosmetology license involves a series of steps designed to make sure that all professionals meet the high standards set by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. Here’s what you need to know to receive one:

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Virginia, individuals must acquire a license in accordance with the Code of Virginia. The following requirements must be met:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma or equivalent is explicitly required for cosmetology licensure.

• Applicants must graduate from a Board-approved Virginia cosmetology schools and fulfill the mandated training hours or apprenticeship requirements.

• Successful completion of the necessary examinations is mandatory including .

• Submission of a complete application with supporting documents from licensed cosmetology school is required.

• All associated fees must be paid.

• Individuals holding a Barber license in Virginia can complete a crossover program to become licensed cosmetologists.

Examination Requirements

Applicants seeking to take the licensing examination must:

• Complete either 1,000 hours of training or 3,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship.

• Pass written test and a practical demonstration administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).

• Achieve a passing score determined by the Board’s established criteria.

• Appeal options are available for those who fail the exam.

• Once passed, applicants must pay the licensing fees.

The cosmetology exams cover theoretical knowledge, safety practices, sanitation protocols, and the practical application of cosmetology skills.

Continuing Education

Virginia does not mandate continuing education for cosmetologists. Licenses must be renewed biennially, with expiration occurring at midnight on the last day of the issuing month.

Failure to renew on time may result in late fees or license reinstatement requirements.

Apprenticeship Programs

To join a cosmetology apprenticeship program, candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma requirement.

• Complete 3,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training at a Virginia Board-approved establishment.

• Complete 144 hours of related classroom instruction within the apprenticeship period as required by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

• Accumulate these hours while working between 32 and 42.5 hours per week.

• Be paid at least minimum wage by a Board-approved establishment.

This program provides practical experience under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist.

License Reciprocity

Virginia offers reciprocity through an Endorsement Application for individuals holding a valid out-of-state license. To qualify:

• The out-of-state license must be active, valid, and in good standing, without restrictions or disciplinary actions.

• The license must have been active for at least three of the past five years without criminal convictions.

• The applicant must provide documentation of at least 1,000 training hours or:

• 800–999 training hours with at least 5 years of full-time work experience within the last 10 years.

• If training hours fall short, candidates must complete additional coursework from a Virginia-approved program.

• Submit all required documentation of training, work history, and exam results.

Applicants with less than 800 documented training hours are ineligible for reciprocity and must apply for licensure through the standard examination pathway.

Instructor Licensing

Cosmetology instructors must hold a valid cosmetology license and complete the necessary technical training. To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a valid Virginia cosmetology license.

• Complete a Board-approved instructor training program.

• Pass the required instructor examinations, including both written and practical components, administered by PCS.

• Submit a complete application with supporting documentation and pay the required fees.

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Estheticians in Virginia

Estheticians in Virginia provide skin care services such as facials, exfoliation, hair removal, and makeup application. To legally offer these services, individuals must get a license from the Contact the Virginia State Board of Cosmetology Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Licensing Criteria

Individuals wishing to perform skin care services in Virginia must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma or equivalent is required for licensure.

• Graduate from a Board-approved esthetics program with 600 hours of training or complete a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship.

• Pass both the written and practical examinations administered by Professional Credential Services.

• Submit a completed application with all required documents.

• Pay the required fees upon application and after passing the exams.

Applicants must also declare any prior disciplinary actions, past licenses in Virginia or other states, and any other criminal history or convictions involving moral turpitude, drug distribution, or physical injury.

Examination Requirements

Candidates must:

• Complete 600 hours of classroom instruction or 2,000 hours of apprenticeship training.

• Pass both a written exam and a practical exam covering theoretical knowledge, safety and sanitation protocols, and skincare techniques.

• Achieve a passing score as determined by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.

• Appeal for any failed scores if necessary.

• Pay the required licensing fee after passing.

Exams are administered by Professional Credential Services on behalf of the Board.

Continuing Education

Virginia does not require continuing education for estheticians.

• Licenses must be renewed every two years, expiring at midnight on the last day of the issuance month.

• Late renewals may result in fees or the need to reinstate the license.

Apprenticeship Programs

Applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma or equivalent is required.

• Complete 144 hours of classroom instruction during the apprenticeship period provided by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).

• Accumulate 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training in a Board-approved establishment.

• Be employed full-time, typically 32–42.5 hours per week.

• Earn at least minimum wage while completing the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a licensed esthetician.

License Reciprocity

Virginia allows license reciprocity for eligible out-of-state estheticians. Applicants must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted esthetician license from another state.

• Provide documentation of 600 hours of training from a state-approved program or submit proof of:

• At least six months of full-time work experience as a licensed esthetician and

• Completion of any additional training as required by the Board if training hours are insufficient.

• Submit all supporting documents and pay the reciprocity application fee.

Applicants with fewer than 600 hours of training are not eligible for reciprocity and must apply for licensure through the standard exam pathway.

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Hairstylists/Barbers in Virginia

Hairstylists and barbers in Virginia are licensed under the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. These professionals offer services like hair cutting, coloring, styling, and grooming. To work legally in the state, they must fulfill specific requirements and secure a valid license.

Licensing Criteria

Hairstylists and barbers must meet the following qualifications to receive a license in Virginia:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.

• Graduate from a Board-approved barbering or cosmetology program by completing one of the following:

• 1,100 hours of training in a licensed Virginia barbering school or

• 2,000 hours of on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

• Pass the state-administered written and practical examinations.

• Submit a completed application with the required supporting documents.

• Pay all applicable fees.

Licensed cosmetologists in Virginia may complete a crossover program to get a barbering license.

Applicants must also disclose:

• Previous licenses held in Virginia or other states.

• Any prior disciplinary actions related to professional licenses.

• Any criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offenses, drug distribution, or physical injury within the required disclosure periods.

Examination Requirements

Barbering examination candidates must:

• Complete either 1,100 training hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours.

• Pass both a written exam and a practical exam administered by PCS.

• Achieve a passing score based on Board standards.

• File an appeal to contest any failed scores if necessary.

• Pay the required licensing fees after passing.

Exams cover topics like haircutting, sanitation protocols, safety standards, Virginia laws, and barbering techniques.

Continuing Education

Virginia does not require continuing education for barbers or hairstylists.

• Licenses expire every two years on the last day of the month in which they were issued.

• Failure to renew by the expiration date may result in late fees or the need to reapply.

Renewals can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Apprenticeship Programs

Individuals entering barbering apprenticeships in Virginia must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.

• Complete 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed barber at a Board-approved establishment.

• Complete 144 hours of related classroom instruction as part of the apprenticeship.

• Work full-time at least 32–42.5 hours per week.

• Earn at least minimum wage during the apprenticeship period.

DOLI monitors the apprenticeship program and offers hands-on training with direct supervision from experienced professionals.

License Reciprocity

Out-of-state barbers may apply for a Virginia barbering license through reciprocity (endorsement) if they meet the following conditions:

• Hold a current, active, and unrestricted barber license issued by another state.

• The out-of-state license must have similar or greater training requirements than Virginia’s licensing process.

• Provide documentation showing they completed:

• 1,100 training hours, or

• A minimum of 800 hours with five years of verified work experience completed within the last 10 years.

• Submit an application with official transcripts, exam scores, and employment verification.

Applicants with fewer than 800 training hours are ineligible for reciprocity and must complete Virginia’s standard licensing process.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed barbering instructor in Virginia, applicants must:

• Hold a valid Virginia barber license.

• Complete a Board-approved instructor training program under the supervision of a certified barber instructor.

• Pass a post-secondary course in teaching techniques.

• Pass both written and practical instructor examinations administered by Professional Credential Services.

• Submit a completed application with all supporting documents and required fees.

• Disclose any prior disciplinary actions, licenses in other states, or relevant criminal convictions.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists in Virginia

In Virginia, nail technicians provide services like manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and treatments for hands and feet. To legally perform these services, individuals must receive a license through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.

Licensing Criteria

To legally provide nail care services in Virginia, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma or equivalent is required for licensure.

• Graduate from a Board-approved training program with at least 150 hours of instruction or complete a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship.

• Pass both the written and practical licensing examinations.

• Submit a complete application with all required documentation and fees.

• Pay all associated fees during the application process and after passing the exams.

Applicants must also disclose:

• Any previous nail technician licenses held in Virginia or other states.

• Any disciplinary actions related to a professional license.

• Any misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offenses, drug distribution, or physical injury within the last 2 years, and any felony convictions within the last 20 years.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete either 150 hours of training in a Board-approved nail technician program or 2,000 hours through an apprenticeship.

• Pass a written knowledge-based exam and a practical hands-on demonstration.

• Achieve a passing score determined by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.

• File an appeal if the score is unsatisfactory or if they wish to contest the results.

• Pay the required licensing fees after passing both exams.

Exams are administered by:Professional Credential Services is the Board's designated testing partner.

Continuing Education

Virginia does not require nail technicians to complete continuing education for license renewal.

• Licenses expire every two years on the last day of the issuing month.

• Late renewals may incur additional fees or require reinstatement procedures.

Renewals can be processed online via the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website.

Apprenticeship Programs

Those entering nail technician apprenticeships in Virginia must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• No high school diploma or equivalent is required.

• Complete 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship.

• Complete 144 hours of classroom instruction during the apprenticeship period, following the standards set by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).

• Work full-time at least 32–42.5 hours per week.

• Earn at least minimum wage while completing the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship programs offer practical, hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed nail technician.

License Reciprocity

Virginia offers license reciprocity (endorsement) for out-of-state nail technicians who:

• Hold an active, valid license from another state with similar training requirements.

• Have completed 150 hours of training in a Board-approved program or an equivalent out-of-state program.

• If training hours are insufficient, applicants may provide:

• Proof of at least 5 years of full-time work experience as a licensed nail technician.

• Additional documentation, such as a certificate, diploma, or transcript from the previous licensing state.

• Submit an application with all supporting documentation and pay the required fees.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements must:

• Complete additional coursework from a Board-approved school in Virginia.

• Pass both the written and practical licensing exams.

Reciprocity applications are processed through:The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology must include official verification from the previous licensing state.

Instructor Licensing

To instruct in nail care services in Virginia, individuals must:

• Hold a valid Virginia nail technician license.

• Complete an instructor training course approved by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

• Pass a Board-approved course in post-secondary teaching techniques.

• Pass both the written and practical instructor examinations administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).

• Submit a completed application along with all supporting documents and fees.

Applicants must also disclose:

• Any prior disciplinary actions in Virginia or other states.

• Any criminal convictions within the past 2 years (misdemeanors) or 20 years (felonies).

For more information or to begin the application process, visit the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website or contact the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology directly.

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Makeup Artists

In Virginia, makeup artists are not required to have a specific license to practice. However, many professionals choose to enhance their credentials by getting a cosmetologist or esthetician license through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. This involves completing the necessary training hours and passing the required examinations. While licensure is not mandatory for makeup artistry alone, adhering to proper sanitation and safety practices is necessary to protect clients and uphold industry standards.

For more information on industry guidelines, you can contact the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.

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