6.22 Maryland Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Maryland cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Maryland 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 Maryland licensing board before scheduling.
Maryland Cosmetology License Requirements
Maryland 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 OR 24-month apprenticeship |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | 9th grade or equivalent |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $77 combined, $47 each separately |
| License Fee | $53 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Examination Fees
| Exam Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Practical and Theory Combined | $77 |
| Practical Only | $47 |
| Theory Only | $47 |
Apprenticeship Option
Maryland offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 24 months of supervised training.
Cosmetology Compact Member
Maryland has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, enabling multistate practice.
Reciprocity
Maryland offers license waiver for applicants with:
- Current license in good standing from another state
- Certification of equivalent standards
State Board Contact
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
- Website: labor.maryland.gov/license/cos
- Phone: (410) 230-6322
Exam Focus
For Maryland, 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.