6.8 Connecticut Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Connecticut 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 Connecticut licensing board before scheduling.
Connecticut Cosmetology License Requirements
Connecticut requires 1,500 training hours and classifies cosmetologists as "hairdressers."
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| License Fee | $100 application fee |
| Total Initial Cost | $165 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Unique Terminology
Connecticut uses the term "hairdresser" instead of "cosmetologist" for licensed professionals.
Reciprocity Requirements
Connecticut offers reciprocity if you:
- Hold an active, current cosmetology license in another state
- Completed equivalent training (minimum 1,500 hours)
- Passed a state board licensing examination
- Are in good standing with no pending disciplinary actions
State Board Contact
Connecticut Department of Public Health - Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmeticians
- Website: portal.ct.gov/dph
- Phone: (860) 509-7603
Exam Focus
For Connecticut, 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.