6.10 District of Columbia Requirements
Key Takeaways
- District of Columbia cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia licensing board before scheduling.
District of Columbia Cosmetology License Requirements
Washington D.C. requires 1,500 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
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 | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $35-75 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Related License Requirements
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours |
| Esthetician | 260 hours |
| Nail Technician | 240 hours |
Examination Details
D.C. uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for licensing.
Reciprocity
D.C. offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in states with equivalent requirements.
Licensing Agency Contact
District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
- Website: dcra.dc.gov/service/cosmetology-licensing
- Phone: (202) 442-4400
Exam Focus
For District of Columbia, 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.