Everything You Need to Know About the Pennsylvania Cosmetology License!

To acquire a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania, professionals must meet certain standards before considering applying. Below, you will find an overview of the requirements you need to meet for your application, as well as some valuable tips that could help you get your application approved.

What Are the Education Requirements for a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License?

Applicants who want to acquire their Pennsylvania Cosmetology License need at least 1250 hours of schooling under their belt. Alternatively, applicants can also acquire their license with 2000 hours of apprenticeship, providing they can show they have sufficient experience and knowledge.

While you study to be a cosmetologist, there are certain topics that should be included in the course; this includes bacteriology, disinfection, sanitation, cosmetology law, and more. To make sure your education meets the standards of the Pennsylvania Board for Cosmetology, always check the accreditation of the school you will be attending.

Do I Have to Renew My License After Acquiring It in Pennsylvania?

As you might know already, different states have different rules where the cosmetology license is concerned. For the state of Pennsylvania, cosmetologists must renew their license after a certain period. However, if you move to another state, you will need a cosmetology license for that state; this applies for each individual state. Depending on the state you move to, you might need to renew it depending on the law of that state.

The renewal of a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania currently costs $105. However, renewal does not require any additional education hours. Of course, it is still required to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

What Are the License Types That Could Be Acquired from the Pennsylvania State Board?

There are several license types available for people who want to work in the beauty industry. These licenses include the cosmetologist license, esthetician license, nail technician license, permanent makeup license, cosmetology teacher license, and massage therapist.

Naturally, the different types of licenses that could be acquired from the Pennsylvania State Board have variable requirements. For the Esthetician License, applicants need 300 hours of education, while the nail technician license requires 200 hours of education.

The license for cosmetology instructors requires the most education; this includes getting 1250 hours to acquire the cosmetology license and an extra 500 hours of education to become a cosmetology instructor.

Can I Get a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License If I Own an Out-of-State License?

Applicants who possess an out-of-state license are not automatically eligible for a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License. However, it is possible for an out-of-state applicant to acquire their license through a process called reciprocity.

Reciprocity is a term that is used to describe an exchange without a mutual benefit. Therefore, out-of-state cosmetologists could in theory exchange their out-of-state license for a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License.

Even though most cosmetologists can exchange their license for a Pennsylvania license, there are some states that are excluded; this includes Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Utah. For nail technicians specifically, there is also no reciprocity available for states such as South Carolina, Alabama and West Virginia.

Naturally, the Pennsylvania State Board will ask for a fee to transfer your license. At the time of this article, the fee for this transfer is $20.

Can I Get a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License If I Own an Out-Of-Country License?

In theory, applicants from outside the United States could exchange their cosmetology license for a Pennsylvania cosmetology license. However, the process to do this is a little more complicated, so it is recommended to contact the State Board directly to find out which steps to take next.

Is There an Exam I Must Attend to Acquire the Pennsylvania Cosmetology License?

To acquire a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License, applicants need to sit through a written and a practical exam to prove their skill. Before the applicant can sit the exam, the applicant must supply the necessary documentation, which is described below.

Before elaborating on the cosmetology license, we do need to mention that applicants subject to reciprocity do not have to sit through the exam. However, applicants who are not in the possession of a cosmetology license – or not subject to reciprocity – must sit the exam.

Applicants who want to sit the exam need to provide proof of their education; this includes a certificate from the school they attended or proof of internship hours. Aside from the cosmetology license, applicants looking to acquire a license for natural hair braiding or nail art, could be required to supply additional documentation before the exam. Required information you need to submit before the exam will be made known by the Pennsylvania State Board.

What Is the Deadline for an Examination Application?

If you intend to take the cosmetology exam to acquire your Pennsylvania Cosmetology License, you will need to submit your application at least 30 days before the examination date; this for the specific location where you want to take the exam. The date of this exam will be given by an examination administrator.

What Do I Need for the Examination Application for a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License

To submit your examination application, you will need proof that you meet the requirements recorded in Pennsylvania law. You will also need a certificate from a physician, which states that you are free from contagious, communicable and infectious diseases.

The applicant will be required to pay an examination fee, which is determined by the organization which provides the examination services. The same applies to an applicant who is taken the exam again after failing it.

Additional Tips to Acquire a Pennsylvania Cosmetology License

To ensure your application is approved, we urge applicants to ensure they have submitted all the required information to the Pennsylvania State Board. Since there are a lot of things to submit to the state board, we recommend creating a checklist to ensure everything has been submitted properly.

We also urge applicants to prepare adequately for the State Board exam, even if that applicant has passed the exam of a beauty school recently. By doing so, you reduce the chances of failing your additional examination.