6.21 Maine Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Maine cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Maine 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 Maine licensing board before scheduling.
Maine Cosmetology License Requirements
Maine requires 1,500 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours OR 2,500 apprenticeship hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | None specified |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $50-75 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Related License Hours
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours |
| Barbering | 1,500 hours |
| Esthetician | 750 hours |
| Nail Technician | 500 hours |
Apprenticeship Option
Maine offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,500 hours of supervised training.
Reciprocity
Maine offers reciprocity for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements.
State Board Contact
Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering and Cosmetology
- Website: maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing
- Phone: (207) 624-8603
Exam Focus
For Maine, 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.