Louisiana Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice
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Registered Cosmetologist
Licensing authority: Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
Renewal after maintaining active licensure outside Louisiana
- Board page statement
- The lower-ranked LSBC Restoration Exam Information page states: "any cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician or instructor whose license has expired for a minimum of 3 years (36 months) is required to take an examination." The statutory active-practice provision governs the route.
- Outside license
- R.S. 37:590.C considers persons holding an outside license to have maintained active practice during the period covered by that certificate.
- Renewal
- Renew the Louisiana certificate and pay applicable fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:590
R.S. 37:590
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:599
R.S. 37:599
- LSBC Restoration Exam Information
Restoration examination, candidates, 25 questions and complete content boundary
Initial licensure by examination
All of the following:
- National Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
- Cosmetology Practical Exam (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Student registration certificate, cumulative-hours report and a color photograph accompany the examination application (LAC 46:XXXI.309.B).
- Clearance
- School and Board clearance are required under LAC 46:XXXI.309.A.
- Early testing
- The practical exam may be taken after 1400 course hours and the written examination after 1000 hours; completion of the full 1500-hour course remains a licensing condition.
- Fees
- Pay current statutory licensing and examination fees under R.S. 37:599.
- General education
- At completion of schooling, tenth-grade equivalent training from an approved high school or the equivalent of a high-school diploma from a nonpublic school not seeking state approval (R.S. 37:582.A.2).
- Minimum age
- At least sixteen years of age (R.S. 37:582.A.1).
- Professional education
- 1500 hours and successful completion of the appropriate Board-approved school curriculum.
- School contract
- Pay all contractually owed school fees; LAC 46:XXXI.309.C addresses certification when a school closes or loses records.
Restoration of an expired certificate within three years
- Expiration
- The certificate has been expired for less than three years.
- Fees
- R.S. 37:599.A.3 requires twice the applicable fee for each expired year, capped at $300.
- Practice inactivity
- The applicant has not retired from practice for more than three years; R.S. 37:590.B otherwise requires the separately retained restoration examination.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:590
R.S. 37:590
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:599
R.S. 37:599
Military recognition — Work experience in an unlicensed occupation
- Discipline
- Meet the applicable criminal-history, license-revocation, surrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
- Exclusions
- R.S. 37:3651.P–Q supplies discharge and statutory exclusions. Examinations passed in another jurisdiction are conditions.
- Fees
- Pay applicable fees.
- Jurisprudence discretion
- The Board may require the state-law examination under R.S. 37:3651.E.
- Military connection
- The military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent must satisfy R.S. 37:3651 and its assignment or residence conditions.
- Permanent application
- Simultaneously apply for the permanent license; a permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
- Qualifying evidence
- At least three years of work in a comparable occupation in a jurisdiction that does not license that occupation.
Military recognition — Existing occupational license
- Discipline
- Meet the applicable criminal-history, license-revocation, surrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
- Exclusions
- R.S. 37:3651.P–Q supplies discharge and statutory exclusions. Examinations passed in another jurisdiction are conditions.
- Fees
- Pay applicable fees.
- Jurisprudence discretion
- The Board may require the state-law examination under R.S. 37:3651.E.
- Military connection
- The military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent must satisfy R.S. 37:3651 and its assignment or residence conditions.
- Permanent application
- Simultaneously apply for the permanent license; a permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
- Qualifying evidence
- Current comparable outside license held for at least one year, good standing and examination or education, training or experience standards of that jurisdiction.
Military recognition — Private certification and work experience
- Discipline
- Meet the applicable criminal-history, license-revocation, surrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
- Exclusions
- R.S. 37:3651.P–Q supplies discharge and statutory exclusions. Examinations passed in another jurisdiction are conditions.
- Fees
- Pay applicable fees.
- Jurisprudence discretion
- The Board may require the state-law examination under R.S. 37:3651.E.
- Military connection
- The military member, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent must satisfy R.S. 37:3651 and its assignment or residence conditions.
- Permanent application
- Simultaneously apply for the permanent license; a permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the permanent application does not qualify.
- Qualifying evidence
- At least two years of work in a comparable unlicensed occupation and a current private certification in good standing.
Licensure by reciprocity — foreign country
All of the following:
- National Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
- Cosmetology Practical Exam (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the completed reciprocity application, supporting documents, applicable fees and evidence of successful examination passage (LAC 46:XXXI.509).
- Education
- Complete the appropriate course at a school licensed by the originating jurisdiction (R.S. 37:582.C.1).
- Existing license
- Hold an active appropriate license in another country or territory outside the United States, with Board approval.
- Foreign or other jurisdiction assessments
- An examination of another country or another jurisdiction is qualification evidence recorded as a condition, not a Louisiana exam leaf.
- Previous examination credit
- Under LAC 46:XXXI.509.C, applicants lacking a passing national examination or a practical examination administered by the transferring jurisdiction must pass the corresponding examination administered by this Board; previous examination credit is an applicant condition, not removal of currently offered leaves.
Licensure by reciprocity — united states
All of the following:
- National Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
- Cosmetology Practical Exam (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the completed reciprocity application, supporting documents, applicable fees and evidence of successful examination passage (LAC 46:XXXI.509).
- Education
- Complete the appropriate course at a school licensed by the originating jurisdiction (R.S. 37:582.C.1).
- Existing license
- Hold an active appropriate license in another United States state or territory.
- Foreign or other jurisdiction assessments
- An examination of another country or another jurisdiction is qualification evidence recorded as a condition, not a Louisiana exam leaf.
- Previous examination credit
- Under LAC 46:XXXI.509.C, applicants lacking a passing national examination or a practical examination administered by the transferring jurisdiction must pass the corresponding examination administered by this Board; previous examination credit is an applicant condition, not removal of currently offered leaves.
Annual renewal
- Deadline
- Renew on or before the licensee's birthday; the certificate expires thirty days after that date if not renewed.
- Fees
- Pay the statutory renewal fee.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:590
R.S. 37:590
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:599
R.S. 37:599
Return to practice after retirement exceeding three years
- Board expiration threshold
- The Board page also states: "any cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician or instructor whose license has expired for a minimum of 3 years (36 months) is required to take an examination."
- Brush up course
- A six-week, 200-hour brush-up course may facilitate renewal; it does not replace the examination (R.S. 37:590.B and 595.B.6).
- Curriculum
- The general-knowledge questions concern the curriculum for the credential restored.
- Fees
- Pay applicable statutory fees.
- Retirement
- Retired from authorized practice for more than three years under R.S. 37:590.B.
Licensure by endorsement under the Welcome Home Act
- Criminal record
- No disqualifying criminal record.
- Discipline
- Resolve any pending disciplinary action or investigation before a licensing decision.
- Fees
- Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
- Jurisprudence discretion
- R.S. 37:54.A permits the Board to require the Louisiana law examination; whether the applicant must sit it is an applicant-specific condition. Other initial examinations are not required by the exhaustive recognition terms of R.S. 37:52.
- Prior license
- Hold a current, valid license in another state with a similar scope of practice for at least one year.
- Qualifications
- The originating state required examination or education, training or experience standards; the applicant is in good standing.
- Residency
- Live in Louisiana and establish residency under R.S. 37:53.
Cosmetology Practical Exam
This assessment does not have a question bank.
Examination sources
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology — practical.pdf
Board practical guide, first substantive performance page
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:586
R.S. 37:586
- LSBC Student Information
Practical phase retake and scoring
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology — practical.pdf
Board practical guide, cover identification
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.309
Restoration Exam
Examination outline
- General knowledge based on the curriculum of licensure
- Subjects contained in the Administrative Rules Book (Gold Book)
Examination sources
- LSBC Restoration Exam Information
Restoration examination, candidates, 25 questions and complete content boundary
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.301
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.303
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.305
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.307
- LSBC Cosmetology Laws and Rules
Cosmetology Laws and Rules download
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:590
R.S. 37:590
Louisiana State Theory Examination
Practice scope
Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.
- Louisiana Cosmetology Act — R.S. 37:561–607
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 1. General Provisions
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 3. Schools and Students
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 5. Licensees
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 7. Safety and Sanitation Requirements
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 9. Inspections
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 11. Special and Temporary Permits
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 12. Mobile Salons
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 13. Disciplinary Proceedings
- LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 17. Miscellaneous Provisions
Examination sources
- LSBC Testing Information
Testing, COSMETOLOGY EXAM INFORMATION
- LSBC Cosmetology Laws and Rules
Cosmetology Laws and Rules download
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:561
R.S. 37:561
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
Part XXXI, official chapter enumeration
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.301
- Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXI — Cosmetologists
LAC 46:XXXI.1501
- Act 599 (2026), Senate Bill 54
Act 599, page 2, lines 4–8; struck-through twelve-month requirement is deleted
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:586
R.S. 37:586
- LSBC Student Information
Written State Theory examination and fee
- LSBC Student Information
Test-score processing
- LSBC Testing Information
Testing, named state examination entries
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
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
CIB title page, effective date
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (NIC CIB repository linked from nictesting.org)
CIB Selection app, Overview paragraph
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Cosmetology Theory Examination Content Outline, Domain Details paragraph
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Content Outline, domain 1 heading
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Content Outline, domain 2 heading
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Content Outline, domain 3 heading
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Content Outline, domain 4 heading
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Cosmetology Theory Examination Content Outline, Domain Details paragraph
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
CIB title page, time allowed
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Sample Questions, introductory paragraph
- NIC website — NIC Exam Types
NIC Exam Types page, administration sentence
- NIC website — NIC Exam Types
NIC Exam Types page, state-specific CIB sentence
- NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
CIB title page, provider notice