6.40 Pennsylvania Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania licensing board before scheduling.
Pennsylvania Cosmetology License Requirements
Pennsylvania requires 1,250 training hours - one of the lower requirements in the nation.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,250 school hours OR 2,000 apprenticeship hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | None specified |
| Exam Type | Pennsylvania State Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Application Fee | $26 |
| Exam Fee | $186 (both exams) |
| License Fee | $67 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $279 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years (January 31, even years) |
| CE Required | No |
Training Timeline
- Day students: Minimum 8 consecutive months
- Evening students: Minimum 15 consecutive months
Examination Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Score | 75% (both written and practical) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks after passing |
Apprenticeship Option
Pennsylvania offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours of supervised training.
State Board Contact
Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
- Website: dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Cosmetology
- Phone: (717) 783-7130
Exam Focus
For Pennsylvania, 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.