6.7 Colorado Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Colorado cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Colorado requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Colorado licensing board before scheduling.
Colorado Cosmetology License Requirements
Colorado requires 1,500 training hours and is a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | None required |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $32 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years (odd/even years by April 30) |
| CE Required | No |
Related Licenses
Colorado offers related licenses with lower hour requirements:
- Barber-Stylist: 1,250 hours (uses chemicals)
- Barber: 1,000 hours (no chemicals)
Instructor License
Requirements for instructor license:
- Active cosmetology license
- 2 years of work experience
Reciprocity
Colorado accepts licensure by endorsement. Requirements:
- Submit application for licensure by endorsement
- Hold valid license from home state with equivalent requirements
Cosmetology Compact Member
Colorado has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, enabling multistate practice.
State Board Contact
Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
- Website: dora.colorado.gov/licensing/cosmetology
- Phone: (303) 894-7800
Exam Focus
For Colorado, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license. Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.