6.50 West Virginia Requirements
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- West 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 West Virginia licensing board before scheduling.
West Virginia Cosmetology License Requirements
West Virginia has one of the highest training requirements at 2,000 hours and requires significant continuing education.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 2,000 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | 25 hours every 2 years |
Related License Hours
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 2,000 hours |
| Barbering | 1,800 hours |
| Esthetician | 600 hours |
| Nail Technician | 400 hours |
Continuing Education
West Virginia has one of the highest CE requirements:
- 25 hours every 2 years for license renewal
Examination Details
West Virginia uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for both written theory and practical skills testing.
State Board Contact
West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Website: barbers.wv.gov
- Phone: (304) 558-2924
Exam Focus
For West 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.