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Louisiana Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Registered Cosmetologist

Licensing authority: Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology

Renewal after maintaining active licensure outside Louisiana
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
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.

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

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
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
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.

Military recognition — Work experience in an unlicensed occupation
Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
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
Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
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
Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
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:

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:

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
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
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.

Return to practice after retirement exceeding three years
Restoration Exam (practice unavailable)
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
Louisiana State Theory Examination (practice unavailable)
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

Restoration Exam

Examination outline
  • General knowledge based on the curriculum of licensure
  • Subjects contained in the Administrative Rules Book (Gold Book)
Examination sources

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

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