arizona licensing requirements
Licenses Available: Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology
Required Hours:
Esthetician: 600 hours
Cosmetologist:1600 hours
Nail Technician: 600 hours
Minimum Requirements: All applicants must have at least a tenth grade education or its equivalent.
Reciprocity: There are two ways to qualify for a license by reciprocity in Arizona: (A) license for license or (B) examination. For either type
you need:
1. A complete application (see below) including your valid Social Security Number and proof of citizenship or alien status;
2. The fee of $110 by cashier’s check or money order only;
3. A copy of your current license in another state or country (if applicable);
4. Verification of status as set forth in (A) or (B) below; and
5. An independent evaluation as explained below, if applicable.
(A) License for license: If you qualify, this may be the easier way to obtain a reciprocity license. Provide a certification of a current license from another state or country including the beginning and ending dates of licensure; i.e., a “license” is renewed at set times. A “permit to work” or “health certificate” (which may or may not be good for a lifetime) is not acceptable. Contact your governing board to obtain a certification of licensure and include it with your application. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE.
(If they will not mail directly to you, have them send it here.)
(B) Examination: If your government does not “license” or if you attended school and did not license in a state or country that does not verify hours, you may still qualify for reciprocity by education and examination. Obtain verification of hours, curriculum studied, and graduation from a school with substantially similar requirements corresponding with Arizona law. The evaluation service will assess education received. (If your state does verify hours and graduation, obtain a certification, have it mailed to you, and include it with your application. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE.)
• If you qualify for examination, you will be contacted with further information and fees.
• If your license in another state is not current but a certification will be provided by the governing board, include it with your application. If a separate evaluation is necessary, you will be contacted.
Further Info:
Arizona Board of Cosmetology
1721 East Broadway
Tempe, AZ 85282-1611
Phone: (480) 784-4539
Fax: (480) 784-4962
Print Application for Licensure (.pdf)
Written Provider: NIC
Practical Provider: NIC
Total Exam Cost: $145
Required Passing Score on Written Exam: 75%
Required Passing Score on Practical Exam: 75%
Practical Exam Required: Yes
Mannequin Required: Yes
Live Model Required: No
Renewal: $30, expires annually based on birth month
