6.42 South Carolina Requirements
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- South 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 South Carolina licensing board before scheduling.
South Carolina Cosmetology License Requirements
South Carolina requires 1,500 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written (Theory) and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | 4 hours every 2 years |
Examination Details
South Carolina requires both NIC theory and practical examinations.
Continuing Education
All licensed cosmetologists must complete 4 contact hours of board-approved continuing education for renewal.
Reciprocity
South Carolina accepts reciprocity if you:
- Are actively licensed in another state AND
- Passed NIC theory and practical exams, OR
- Have been actively licensed for at least 2 years in another state AND
- Complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE
State Board Contact
South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
- Website: llr.sc.gov/cosmo
- Phone: (803) 896-4588
Exam Focus
For South 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.