How to get a cosmetology license in New York

The steps at a glance

New York's appearance enhancement law sets the route for cosmetology, nail specialty and esthetics in the same way. You finish an approved course at a licensed school, pass the state's written and practical exams, and apply to the Department of State. The details below come from the Department's law booklet.

1. Be old enough to apply

General Business Law section 406 lets any person 17 years of age or older apply for a license to practice nail specialty, waxing, natural hair styling, esthetics or cosmetology.

2. Finish the school hours

The application must show you completed an approved course of study at a school licensed under the Education Law. The hours are set in 19 NYCRR Part 162: 1,000 for cosmetology, 600 for esthetics and 250 for nail specialty. Waxing and natural hair styling have their own, shorter courses.

3. Pass the written exam

The written exam is multiple choice, based on the curriculum, with 2½ hours allowed. You book it online through the state's e-Licensing system and bring photo ID. Results are pass or fail only, and a passed result is valid for five years, so there is no need to rush the next step.

4. Pass the practical exam

Section 407 says the examinations for natural hair styling, esthetics, nail specialty and cosmetology shall be practical and written. Waxing is the only one limited to a written exam. The regulations add that anyone taking a practical exam must meet the photograph requirement, and that practical examiners are New York licensed, practicing professionals.

5. Apply for the license

With your schooling and both exams behind you, you apply to the Secretary of State. There is a separate route for someone already licensed in another state or country whose standards New York judges not lower than its own, where that place extends similar reciprocity.

6. Keep it current

Under section 408, every license expires four years from the date it is issued. It can be renewed for further four-year periods without another exam. Let it lapse for more than five years without filing for renewal, though, and you must pass an examination again.

Where practice fits

School teaches the material; the written exam asks you to recall it under a clock. Our practice exams for each of the three licenses follow the curriculum hours so the mix you practice on matches what you studied.