Cosmetology requirements

You must take at least one test before getting your license

There's a good chance you need to take National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)tests, but other states offer unique exams

Even if your state requires NIC tests, they may require additional local law or sanitation tests

Cosmetology students enroll in state licensing beauty schools, job skills beauty schools or degree granting beauty schools

Tuition and fees for cosmetology schools range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the courses offered, the school's location, hours of education required and the facilities and equipment available

The primary requirements focus on age and education

You’ll have to be at least 16 years old, 18 in some places

Some states require a high school diploma or a GED, but others do not

In some cases, however, you might have to take supplementary courses or exams if you’re not a high school graduate