Key Takeaways
- New York does NOT use NIC exams - it has its own state-specific written and practical examinations
- Exams are administered by the NY Department of State (DOS) Division of Licensing Services
- Requires 1,000 hours of approved cosmetology school training (no apprenticeships allowed)
- Both written (2.5 hours) and practical (3.5 hours) exams required with 70% passing score each
- Temporary license available for 6 months while preparing for exams
About the New York Cosmetology Exam
New York is one of the states that does NOT use the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination. Instead, New York has developed its own state-specific exams that focus heavily on New York laws, regulations, sanitation requirements, and practical procedures unique to the state.
New York vs. NIC States: Key Differences
| Feature | New York | NIC States |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | NY Department of State (DOS) | State-specific boards |
| Exam Provider | NY DOS Division of Licensing | PSI (typically) |
| Written Exam | Yes (~100 questions, 2.5 hours) | Yes (varies by state) |
| Practical Exam | Yes (3.5 hours, mannequin-based) | Yes (format varies) |
| Training Hours | 1,000 hours | 1,000-2,100 hours |
| Apprenticeship | NOT permitted | Some states allow |
| Pass Rate (Written) | ~68% | ~80-85% |
Exam Structure
New York requires candidates to pass two separate examinations:
1. Written Exam
- Questions: Approximately 100 multiple-choice
- Time Limit: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- Passing Score: 70%
- Format: Computer-based at DOS testing centers
- Focus: Theory, sanitation, safety, NY laws, anatomy, chemistry
2. Practical Exam
- Duration: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
- Passing Score: 70%
- Format: Mannequin-based demonstrations
- Focus: Haircutting, styling, chemical services, sanitation procedures
Exam Order
You may take the written and practical exams in any order. Many candidates choose to take the written exam first to build confidence, but this is entirely your choice.
Training Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Training Hours | 1,000 hours at a NY-approved cosmetology school |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Apprenticeship | NOT permitted in New York |
| Physical Examination | Required within 30 days of application |
| Health Certification | Form DOS-1948 required |
| Domestic Violence Training | 1-hour awareness course required |
No Apprenticeship Option
Unlike some states, New York does NOT permit cosmetology apprenticeships. All training must be completed through a Board-approved cosmetology program at a licensed school. This ensures every cosmetologist meets the state's rigorous standards for education, sanitation, and client safety.
Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Application | $40 |
| Application with Temporary License | $50 |
| Written Exam | $15 |
| Practical Exam | $15 |
| Temporary License (6 months) | $10 |
| Temporary License Renewal | $10 |
| License Renewal (every 4 years) | $40 |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $10 |
| Duplicate License | $10 |
| Name/Address Change | $10 each |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$70-80 |
Scheduling Your Exams
Step-by-Step Process
- Complete 1,000 hours of approved cosmetology training
- Submit application to NY DOS with required documents:
- Graduate certification from school
- Health certification (Form DOS-1948, within 30 days)
- Domestic violence training certificate
- Application fee ($40 or $50 with temp license)
- Create NY.gov ID account at MyNY.gov
- Receive approval notification
- Schedule exams through NY State e-Licensing system
- Pay $15 exam fee at time of scheduling
Rescheduling Policy
- Free rescheduling if done 6+ days before exam date
- No rescheduling if less than 6 days before exam
- Forfeiture of fee if you cancel, no-show, or arrive late
Exam Results
| Result Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Score Format | Pass/Fail only (no numerical score provided) |
| Notification | Email notification when results available |
| Access | View through MY NY.gov Online Services |
| Phone Results | NOT available - results will not be given by phone |
| Validity | Passing scores valid for 5 years |
Retake Policy
- You only need to retake the exam you failed
- Can schedule retake after receiving failure notification
- Exam fee ($15) required for each retake
- No mandatory waiting period specified
Temporary License Option
New York offers a temporary license that allows graduates to work while preparing for exams:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months |
| Renewal | Can renew once for additional 6 months |
| Renewal Requirement | Must have passed at least one exam |
| Supervision | May work under supervision in a licensed salon |
| Fee | $10 initial, $10 renewal |
Important: You cannot practice on a temporary license if both exams have been failed or if it has expired.
Testing Locations
The NY DOS offers practical examinations at multiple locations across the state:
- Albany - Capital District
- Buffalo - Western New York
- Long Island - Nassau/Suffolk Counties
- New York City - Multiple locations
- Rochester - Finger Lakes Region
- Syracuse - Central New York
Written exams are available at additional computer-based testing centers throughout the state.
Key Takeaways
- New York has its own state-specific exams - NIC prep materials alone are insufficient
- Both written AND practical exams required - unlike Florida which has no practical
- Complete 1,000 hours at a NY-approved school - no apprenticeship option
- Passing score is 70% for both exams
- Temporary license allows working while preparing for exams
- Results valid for 5 years - plan your testing timeline accordingly
Which organization administers the New York cosmetology exams?
How many hours of cosmetology school training are required for New York licensure?
What is the passing score required for both New York cosmetology exams?
How long is the New York cosmetology temporary license valid?
How long are passing exam results valid in New York?