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Connecticut Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician

The Connecticut license for hairdressing and cosmetology as defined in § 20-250(4); esthetics, eyelash and nail technician licenses are separate professions under Chapter 387. Foreign-trained applicants qualify through the same examination or endorsement pathways.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians · Application information

Licensure by examination — approved apprenticeship
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application, photograph and $100 fee; supporting records and examination scores must be submitted directly from their source.
Board instruction
The DPH examination page states "Have successfully completed at least the 9th grade or its equivalent;" for applicants generally; the controlling statute specifies eighth grade for the apprenticeship pathway.
Discipline
DPH may review eligibility under § 19a-14; no license may issue while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint with another licensing authority is pending.
Education
Under § 20-252(a)(2), successfully complete eighth grade and a Connecticut Labor Department-approved apprenticeship conducted under §§ 31-22m–31-22u.
Foreign training
The official foreign-trained applicant page directs applicants to the same examination or out-of-state endorsement requirements.
Verification
Arrange license verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed, current or expired.
Reinstatement following suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective measures
The authority may impose disciplinary or corrective measures authorized by § 19a-17.
Hearing
After a hearing, the authority must be satisfied the applicant can practice with reasonable skill and safety to customers or the public. This legal hearing is not a separately scored professional examination.
Prior action
License was suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure without examination — out of state license based on training and examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application, photograph and $100 fee; supporting records and examination scores must be submitted directly from their source.
Current license
Hold a current equivalent license in another U.S. jurisdiction issued after education, training and an examination.
Discipline
DPH may review eligibility under § 19a-14; no license may issue while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint with another licensing authority is pending.
Foreign training
The official foreign-trained applicant page directs applicants to the same examination or out-of-state endorsement requirements.
Prior examination
The source does not identify the prior examination. That unspecified qualification is an applicant condition; § 20-254(a) expressly grants a Connecticut license without examination.
Verification
Arrange license verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed, current or expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure without examination — five years practice where original license required no examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application, photograph and $100 fee; supporting records and examination scores must be submitted directly from their source.
Discipline
DPH may review eligibility under § 19a-14; no license may issue while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint with another licensing authority is pending.
Experience
Provide at least five years of lawful cosmetology practice, original licensing-agency certification of five years licensure, employer/coworker/client correspondence and tax returns identifying cosmetology; education and experience must satisfy the commissioner.
Foreign training
The official foreign-trained applicant page directs applicants to the same examination or out-of-state endorsement requirements.
Prior license
The other U.S. jurisdiction issued the license without an examination.
Verification
Arrange license verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed, current or expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — four years of licensed practice
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Department discretion
Under § 19a-14d(b), DPH may require all or a portion of the examination required of other applicants; this discretion is a condition of the national theory examination reference. DPH determines practice level and may deny in the best interest of the state under § 19a-14d(d).
Fees and fitness
Pay applicable fees and satisfy checks required of other applicants, subject to the hairdresser-specific criminal-check prohibition in § 20-252(b).
Prior license
Hold a valid license for the profession in at least one other U.S. jurisdiction and have practiced under it for at least four years.
Standing
Good standing everywhere licensed; no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct complaint/allegation/investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation.
Late renewal within ninety days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay the $100 renewal fee.
Practice
Do not practice after expiration until applying for renewal.
Time limit
DPH may renew when the written, signed renewal application is received within 90 days after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resumption following military service under § 20 256
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee waiver
Section 20-256 waives its stated first-renewal fee after discharge.
Notice and affidavit
Notify DPH in writing of the intention to resume practice and provide the affidavit information DPH requires; the same type of license is reissued.
Prior license
Previously held a Connecticut hairdressing and cosmetology license and failed to renew because of armed-forces service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of license voided during active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Use the DPH-prescribed application, provide required documentation and complete any continuing education or refresher training applicable to a license that has not become void.
Military status
License became void while on active U.S. armed-forces duty or Governor-ordered National Guard service; routine annual training does not qualify.
Standing
No pending professional discipline or unresolved complaint.
Time limit
Apply no later than one year after discharge from the qualifying service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement — eight years away from practice
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online reinstatement application and the $100 reinstatement fee stated by the licensing overview.
Practice
No active hairdressing practice in Connecticut or another jurisdiction within the preceding eight years.
Prior license
A Connecticut hairdresser license lapsed due to non-renewal.
Professional history
Submit the professional activities statement describing work, continuing education and time away from active practice.
Refresher
In addition to passing the Prometric licensing examination, complete 245 approved-school refresher hours: 85 theory and 160 clinical.
Verification
Obtain direct license verification from all jurisdictions in which previously licensed.
Reinstatement — active practice within preceding two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online reinstatement application and the $100 reinstatement fee stated by the licensing overview.
Practice
The additional examination/refresher requirements on the reinstatement page apply to applicants without practice during the stated two-to-eight-year or eight-year periods; applicants with practice in the preceding two years follow its base requirements.
Prior license
A Connecticut hairdresser license lapsed due to non-renewal.
Professional history
Submit the professional activities statement describing work, continuing education and time away from active practice.
Verification
Obtain direct license verification from all jurisdictions in which previously licensed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement — two to eight years away from practice
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online reinstatement application and the $100 reinstatement fee stated by the licensing overview.
Practice
No active hairdressing practice in Connecticut or another jurisdiction during the stated two-to-eight-year period preceding application.
Prior license
A Connecticut hairdresser license lapsed due to non-renewal.
Professional history
Submit the professional activities statement describing work, continuing education and time away from active practice.
Refresher alternative
DPH accepts either the Prometric licensing examination or 135 hours of approved-school refresher instruction: 50 theory and 85 clinical hours. Completing the refresher may excuse the applicant from the examination; the registered examination remains a leaf.
Verification
Obtain direct license verification from all jurisdictions in which previously licensed.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit renewal application and $100 renewal fee; do not practice after expiration until applying for renewal.
Existing license
Hold a Connecticut hairdresser and cosmetician license; renew every two years during the birth month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — approved school
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application, photograph and $100 fee; supporting records and examination scores must be submitted directly from their source.
Discipline
DPH may review eligibility under § 19a-14; no license may issue while professional disciplinary action or an unresolved complaint with another licensing authority is pending.
Education
Successfully complete ninth grade and at least 1,500 hours at an approved Connecticut school or an equivalent school outside Connecticut; DPH requires regulatory approval of the out-of-state school.
Foreign training
The official foreign-trained applicant page directs applicants to the same examination or out-of-state endorsement requirements.
Hours document
The school must submit the Affidavit of Hours directly to DPH.
Verification
Arrange license verification from every jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has been licensed, current or expired.

National Cosmetology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question has four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources