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Step-by-Step Washington Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Washington State takes a structured, practical approach to cosmetology licensing, making sure that professionals entering the industry meet consistent, high-quality standards. From state-approved apprenticeship programs to standardized exams administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC), Washington emphasizes both classroom learning and hands-on experience.
While Washington does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal, professionals must adhere to specific training hours and examination standards. The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees the licensing process, ensuring that all applicants meet the qualifications necessary to practice safely and effectively.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your cosmetology license in Washington, detailing the required documentation, exam requirements, license renewal rules, and reciprocity options to help you get your license and start your career with confidence.
Washington Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials
In Washington, earning a cosmetology license involves meeting specific requirements established by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Here’s what you need to know to get your license:
Licensing Criteria
To legally practice cosmetology in Washington, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete either 1,600 training hours at a state-approved cosmetology school or 2,000 hours through a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Pass both the written exam and practical exam, administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC).
Submit a completed application, including all required documentation.
Pay the application fee via money order or other approved methods.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the licensing examination, applicants must:
Complete the required training hours from a state-approved cosmetology program or approved apprenticeship program.
Pass both the written exam and practical test with a scaled score of 75 or higher.
Submit proof of eligibility and all exam fees.
Upon passing, pay the necessary licensing fees to receive their active license.
Continuing Education
Washington does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. However, licenses must be renewed every two years, with the expiration date set on the license.
Apprenticeship Programs
Those interested in the state-approved apprenticeship program must:
Complete 2,000 apprenticeship hours under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist.
Attend theory classes taught by a licensed instructor.
Assure all training hours are documented properly, as hours expire after three years if not applied toward licensure.
License Reciprocity
Washington offers license reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. To apply, candidates must:
Submit a reciprocity application form.
Provide proof of a current license in good standing.
Pass the Washington state board exams unless the state of origin uses the NIC exams.
Pay the required application and licensing fees.
Instructor Licensing
To become a cosmetology instructor in Washington, candidates must:
Hold a current cosmetology license.
Complete 500 hours of instructor training at an approved cosmetology school.
Provide documentation of at least 500 hours of teaching experience in another state (if applicable).
Pass the instructor's written and practical examinations.
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Estheticians
Licensing Criteria
Individuals wishing to provide skin care services in Washington must receive an esthetician license. The following Washington cosmetology state requirements apply:
Must be at least 17 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must complete 750 hours of classroom instruction at a state-approved cosmetology school or 800 apprenticeship hours through a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Must pass both the written exam and practical exam, administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC).
You must submit an application form along with the required documentation and application fees.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the Washington esthetician licensing exam, candidates must:
Complete 750 classroom hours or 800 apprenticeship hours.
Pass both the written exam and practical exam, scoring a minimum scaled score of 75.
Exams are overseen by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Pay the exam fees and submit any required documentation.
If unsuccessful, candidates can appeal exam results following state board guidelines.
Continuing Education
Washington does not require continuing education for estheticians to renew their licenses. However, licenses must be renewed every two years before the expiration date to maintain an active license.
Apprenticeship Programs
For those pursuing an esthetician license through a state-approved apprenticeship program, the following requirements apply:
Must be 17 years old or older with a high school diploma.
Complete 800 hours of practical training under a licensed esthetician.
Attend theory classes conducted by a licensed instructor in a classroom setting.
Apprentice training hours expire after three years if not applied toward a license.
Each apprentice must have one designated trainer for supervision.
License Reciprocity
Washington allows license reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states. To qualify, applicants must:
Submit a reciprocity application form.
Provide proof of licensure in good standing from the origin state.
Pass the NIC-administered exams unless the original state also uses NIC standards.
Pay all applicable fees via money order or other approved payment methods.
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Hairstylists/Barbers
Licensing Criteria
Hairstylists and barbers in Washington are licensed under the oversight of the Washington State Department of Licensing. To legally practice hair design or barbering, individuals must meet the following Washington cosmetology state requirements:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate from a state-approved cosmetology school with 1,400 training hours or complete 1,750 hours through a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Pass the state licensing exams.
Submit a completed application with the required documentation.
Pay the application fee via money order or other approved payment methods.
Licensed cosmetologists can take a crossover course to become licensed hairstylists or barbers if they have met the training hour requirements.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the Washington hairstylist or barber licensing exams, candidates must:
Complete either 1,400 hours of training or 1,750 hours of apprenticeship.
Pass both the written exam and practical exam, administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC).
Achieve a minimum scaled score of 75 to pass.
Submit all required documentation and pay the exam fees.
Candidates can appeal exam results through the Washington State Board if needed.
Continuing Education
Washington does not require continuing education for barbers or hairstylists to renew their licenses. However, licenses must be renewed every two years before the expiration date to maintain an active license.
Apprenticeship Programs
For individuals opting for the state-approved apprenticeship program to become hairstylists or barbers, the following requirements must be met:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 1,750 hours of supervised training under a licensed professional.
Attend theory classes in a classroom setting led by a licensed instructor.
All apprenticeship training hours expire after three years if not applied toward licensure.
License Reciprocity
Washington offers license reciprocity for hairstylists or barbers licensed in other states. To qualify, applicants must:
Submit a reciprocity application form.
Provide documentation that their current license is active and in good standing.
Demonstrate that their previous license requirements match or exceed Washington’s standards.
Pass the written exam and practical exam unless they were administered using NIC standards in the state of origin.
Pay the application fee and any associated licensing costs.
Instructor Licensing
To become a licensed instructor for hair design or barbering in Washington, individuals must:
Hold a current and active license in either cosmetology, hair design, or barbering.
Complete 500 hours of instructor training at a state-approved cosmetology school.
Provide documentation of 500 hours of previous teaching experience if applying from another state.
Pass both the written exam and practical exam to receive an instructor license.
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Nail Technicians/Manicurists
Licensing Criteria
To legally provide nail care services in Washington, individuals must get a nail technician license by meeting the following Washington cosmetology state requirements:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program with 600 hours of classroom instruction or complete 800 apprenticeship hours.
Pass both the written exam and practical exam, administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC).
Submit a completed application with all required documentation.
Pay the application fee with an approved method, such as a money order.
Examination Requirements
To qualify for the Washington nail technician licensing exams, applicants must:
Complete 600 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school or 800 hours in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Pass the written exam and practical exam, achieving a minimum scaled score of 75.
Submit all required documents and pay the necessary exam fees.
If unsuccessful, applicants may appeal the exam results by following the Washington State Board's procedures.
Continuing Education
Washington does not require continuing education for nail technician license renewal. However, licenses must be renewed every two years before the expiration date to remain valid.
Apprenticeship Programs
Washington offers a state-approved apprenticeship program for aspiring nail technicians. To participate, individuals must:
Be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma.
Complete 800 apprenticeship hours with a licensed nail technician.
Attend theory classes taught in a classroom setting by a licensed instructor.
Ensure all apprenticeship training hours are recorded correctly; hours expire after three years if not applied toward licensure.
Have one trainer per apprentice for hands-on learning and supervision.
License Reciprocity
Washington offers license reciprocity to out-of-state nail technicians who meet the following qualifications:
Submit a reciprocity application form.
Provide proof of an active license in good standing from the originating state.
Pass the NIC-written and practical exams unless the applicant’s original state also adheres to NIC testing standards.
Pay the required application fee and submit any other necessary documentation.
Instructor Licensing
To become a licensed instructor for nail technician training in Washington, candidates must:
Hold a current and active cosmetology license.
Complete 500 hours of instructor training from a state-approved cosmetology school.
Provide proof of 500 hours of teaching experience from another state, if applicable.
Pass both the written instructor exam and the practical instructor exam.
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Makeup Artists
In Washington, makeup artists are regulated under the esthetician or cosmetology license, depending on the services they provide. Individuals offering makeup application or skin care services must meet the corresponding licensing requirements outlined by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
If makeup services involve skin care—such as facials, exfoliation, or hair removal—a Washington esthetician license is required.
If makeup services extend to hairstyling, special event makeup, or cosmetology-related services, a Washington cosmetology license is necessary.
For more information about which license applies to your services or to get help with the licensing process, you can contact the Washington State Department of Licensing directly.
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