6.48 Virginia Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Virginia cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Virginia 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 Virginia licensing board before scheduling.
Virginia Cosmetology License Requirements
Virginia recently reduced its training requirements from 1,500 to 1,000 hours and is a founding member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,000 school hours (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | None specified |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical (Professional Credential Services) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $55 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Recent Changes
Virginia reduced training requirements effective September 1, 2024:
- Students enrolled BEFORE 9/1/2024: Complete 1,500 hours by 8/31/2026
- Students enrolled ON/AFTER 9/1/2024: Complete 1,000 hours
Cosmetology Compact Member
Virginia is among the founding members of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which became operational in early 2026.
Apprenticeship Option
Virginia offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 3,000 hours of supervised training.
Examination Details
Exams are administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS).
State Board Contact
Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR)
- Website: dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo
- Phone: (804) 367-8509
Exam Focus
For Virginia, 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.