6.32 New Jersey Requirements
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- New Jersey 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 New Jersey licensing board before scheduling.
New Jersey Cosmetology License Requirements
New Jersey requires 1,200 training hours and uses NIC examinations administered by Prometric.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,200 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical (Prometric) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Theory Exam Fee | $39 (Prometric) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $53 (Prometric) |
| Application/License Fee | $60 (State Board) |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Written Exam Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 110 scored (need ~83 correct) |
| Time Limit | 120 minutes |
| Passing Score | 75% |
Typical Timeline
- Training completion: 9-15 months
- Exam and processing: 2-4 weeks additional
Examination Provider
New Jersey uses Prometric as the testing vendor for both theory and practical exams.
State Board Contact
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
- Website: njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos
- Phone: (973) 504-6400
Exam Focus
For New Jersey, 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.