6.35 North Carolina Requirements
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- North Carolina 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 North Carolina licensing board before scheduling.
North Carolina Cosmetology License Requirements
North Carolina requires 1,500 training hours and has significant continuing education requirements.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | State Board Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $75-100 |
| License Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 3 years |
| CE Required | 8 hours per year (24 hours per 3-year cycle) |
Related License Hours
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours |
| Esthetician | 600 hours |
| Manicurist | 300 hours |
Continuing Education
North Carolina has significant CE requirements:
- 8 hours per year (24 total per 3-year renewal cycle)
- Cosmetologists with 20+ consecutive years may be exempt (must report any courses taken)
State Board Contact
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
- Website: nccosmeticarts.com
- Phone: (919) 733-4117
Exam Focus
For North Carolina, 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.