DC beauty licenses
2026 requirements.

Cosmetology License

DC is a standard NIC jurisdiction — NICPrep's cosmetology question bank is a direct match for your written exam. The District requires 1,500 hours of training, both a written and practical exam, and 6 CE credits per renewal cycle. All fees total $230.

Cosmetology licensing in the District is regulated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetology, part of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). The Board oversees applications, approves schools, and coordinates exam scheduling through PSI. Theory exams are offered six times per year; practical exams are held on-site at Bennett Career Institute.

The basics: who qualifies

To apply for a DC cosmetology license, you must meet three baseline requirements:

• Age 17 or older at the time of application.
• Completion of 10th grade (or equivalent — a GED counts).
• 1,500 hours of training from a Board-approved cosmetology school, or completion of an approved apprenticeship (2,000 hours of work experience plus 500 hours of theory education). The apprenticeship must be registered with the DC Apprenticeship Council.

The DC cosmetology written exam

DC uses the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination — the same exam used by ~38 states. The exam is administered by PSI.

Exam structure

• 100 scored questions + 10 unscored pretest questions (110 total)
• 90 minutes to complete
• Multiple choice, computer-based at PSI testing centers
• 75% passing score (75 correct out of 100 scored questions)
• Available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese

NIC domain weighting

• Scientific Concepts — 35% (infection control, anatomy/physiology, chemistry)
• Hair Care and Services — 45% (consultation, tools, hair care, hair design, chemical services)
• Skin Care and Services — 10% (facial procedures, makeup, waxing, eyelash/eyebrow)
• Nail Care and Services — 10% (manicure, pedicure, nail enhancements)

Scientific Concepts and Hair Care together account for 80% of the exam. Master infection control sequencing and hair chemistry before moving to skin and nail content.

Practical exam

After passing the written theory exam, you must pass a separate NIC practical examination. The practical is held at Bennett Career Institute (700 Monroe Street NE, Washington DC 20017). The Board's Exam Coordinator will contact you with scheduling instructions after you pass the theory exam. Practical exams are offered in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

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Step-by-step: how to get licensed in DC

1. Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training

   Attend a Board-approved cosmetology school in DC. Alternatively, complete a 2,000-hour apprenticeship (requires 500 hours of theory education first and registration with the DC Apprenticeship Council at 202-698-3561).

2. Submit your application and fees

   Complete a New License Application and submit it with the $230 total fee ($55 exam + $65 application + $110 license). Include your school transcripts with the school seal affixed, two passport-size photos, and payment by personal check, cashier's check, or money order.

3. Receive authorization and schedule the written exam

   Once the Board approves your application, you receive an Authorization to Test notice. Schedule your theory exam through PSI (psiexams.com or 1-800-733-9267). The theory exam is offered six times per year.

4. Pass the NIC written theory exam

   90 minutes, 110 multiple-choice questions at a PSI testing center. You see your pass/fail result on screen immediately.

5. Pass the practical exam

   After passing the theory exam, you are automatically registered for the next scheduled practical examination at Bennett Career Institute. The Exam Coordinator contacts you with the date and location. Bring your required kit per the NIC practical CIB.

6. Receive your DC cosmetology license

   After passing both exams, the Board issues your license. You cannot practice legally until the license is in hand.

Reciprocity: if you're already licensed in another state

DC grants reciprocity to applicants whose current license is from a state with requirements equivalent to or greater than DC's. Credit for work experience may be granted. To apply:

• Submit a Letter of Certification from your current state board ($30 per letter).
• Submit a reciprocity application with the standard application and license fees.
• The Board reviews equivalency on a case-by-case basis.

If you don't pass on the first try

If you fail either the theory or practical exam, file a new application as a re-examination applicant. No limit on retakes, but each attempt requires a new application and the exam fee. You only retake the component you failed.

License renewal in DC

DC cosmetology licenses expire on April 15 of even-numbered years, regardless of when issued. Renewal requires proof of 6 continuing education credits: 2 hours in health, safety, or welfare, and 4 hours in general electives from a Board-approved provider. First-time renewals are exempt from the CE requirement. If your license lapses for more than 60 days, you must apply for reinstatement.

Official DC cosmetology resources

• DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DLCP)
• PSI Exams — schedule your theory exam
• DC CE Requirements (PDF)

Last verified May 2026 against the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DLCP). Fees and requirements change — always confirm with the Board before applying. NICPrep is not affiliated with the DC Board, PSI, or the District of Columbia government.