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North Dakota Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Cosmetologist

Individual license covering hair care, esthetics, eyelash and eyebrow services, hair extensions and manicuring under Chapter 43-11.

Licensing authority: North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Initial licensure after North Dakota apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit two valid unexpired identity documents, including a primary identity/U.S. residency document, under NDAC 32-01-03-09; pay the applicable original license and examination fees and obtain Board approval.
Completion
Provide the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship certificate of completion and Board-required records.
Training
Complete a Board-recognized USDOL-registered cosmetology apprenticeship: 2,500 on-the-job hours plus 300 related technical instruction hours, at least forty technical hours before client services, direct one-to-one supervision, at least eighty combined hours per month and completion within thirty-six months unless approved leave extends the deadline.
Removal of legacy status and return to active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board, pay the applicable renewal fee, and complete required annual continuing education if applicable.
Practice
Resume only within the scope of the active underlying credential and after Board activation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication for initial licensure after five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit two valid unexpired identity documents, including a primary identity/U.S. residency document, under NDAC 32-01-03-09; pay the applicable original license and examination fees and obtain Board approval.
Expiration
A license unrenewed within five years cannot be reinstated; reapply under current initial licensure requirements.
Initial requirements
Provide Board-approved cosmetology training records and satisfy the current initial-issuance application and examinations. The Board Resources page states that over five years expired means retake all required exams.
Reinstatement after one year and before five years
North Dakota Law & Rules Examination (practice unavailable)
Continuing education
The four-hour annual CE requirement in NDAC 32-05-01-01(7) commences with the 2028 renewal cycle; it is not imposed for the 2026 renewal.
Expiration
Expired more than one year but less than five years; pay current renewal and required late fees and furnish satisfactory proof of passing the current North Dakota law examination.
Reinstatement within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The four-hour annual CE requirement in NDAC 32-05-01-01(7) commences with the 2028 renewal cycle; it is not imposed for the 2026 renewal.
Expired license
Expired for no more than one year; pay current renewal and required late fees.
Implementation conflict
NDCC 43-11-29(3) provides reinstatement upon these fees. NDAC 32-05-01-01(4) states: 4. Late renewal fee. If the licensee fails to renew up to five years, a penalty fee as determined in North Dakota Century Code section 43-11-28 is required. The licensee shall make reinstatement application to the board, pay appropriate penalty fee, and retake and pass the most current North Dakota state laws rules and regulations examination. The statute controls this route, and the Board rule demand is retained for the applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The four-hour annual CE requirement in NDAC 32-05-01-01(7) commences with the 2028 renewal cycle; it is not imposed for the 2026 renewal.
Deadline
Apply and pay the renewal fee by December 31; no grounds for denial under NDCC 43-11-31.
Military hardship
NDCC 43-51-11 allows rule-based or case-by-case renewal exceptions for National Guard/military activation exceeding thirty days or service in an armed-conflict theater.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement without examination under NDCC 43 11 25(2)(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Equivalent standards
Licensure must have similar scope and substantially similar/equivalent examination standards, verified education, and at least one year of good standing before application.
Examination conflict
The statute expressly provides without examination. NDAC 32-05-01-01.2 nevertheless states: An individual for licensure by endorsement, who otherwise satisfies all conditions of North Dakota Century Code section 43-11-25, is required to successfully pass required examinations as determined by the board if any of the following conditions exist: 1. An individual has held a license in another jurisdiction for a period of less than one year at the time the application is submitted. 2. An individual's original licensing jurisdiction did not require the NIC practical and NIC theory examination or equivalent examination for licensure, and the applicant has held that license for a period of less than three years at the time the application is submitted. The statutory exemption controls; confirm the Board documentation demands for your circumstances.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement based on training/work experience with Board determined examinations

All of the following:

Board determination
Board endorsement page: Once all documentation is complete, the Board will notify the applicant of approval, required examinations and additional training if needed.
Examination trigger
Applicant has held an out-of-state license less than one year, or less than three years where the original jurisdiction did not require NIC practical and theory or equivalent examinations. The Board determines which current required licensure exams the applicant must complete; alternatives to prior licensure standards are applicant conditions.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.
Endorsement based on training/work experience without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination exemption
Applicant has held the current license for at least one year and the original licensing jurisdiction required NIC practical and NIC theory or equivalent exams, or has held the license for at least three years; neither condition triggering NDAC 32-05-01-01.2 exists.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure after an out of state registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit two valid unexpired identity documents, including a primary identity/U.S. residency document, under NDAC 32-01-03-09; pay the applicable original license and examination fees and obtain Board approval.
Completion
Provide the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship certificate of completion and Board-required records.
Equivalence
Provide an out-of-state USDOL certificate and documentation that on-the-job and technical hours are substantially similar to North Dakota requirements; obtain Board application approval.
Training
Complete a Board-recognized USDOL-registered cosmetology apprenticeship: 2,500 on-the-job hours plus 300 related technical instruction hours, at least forty technical hours before client services, direct one-to-one supervision, at least eighty combined hours per month and completion within thirty-six months unless approved leave extends the deadline.
Foreign practitioner licensure under NDCC 43 51 06
North Dakota Law & Rules Examination (practice unavailable)
Eligibility
Board may issue to an out-of-state practitioner who practiced at least two years, or a shorter period established by applicable law/rule, and satisfies other licensing requirements. Reciprocity from the originating jurisdiction is unnecessary.
State law discretion
The provision permits the Board to require an examination regarding North Dakota law and Board rules; the state law examination is retained subject to the Board determination.
International endorsement without examination under ndcc 43 11 25(2)(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Equivalent standards
Licensure must have similar scope and substantially similar/equivalent examination standards, verified education, and at least one year of good standing before application.
Examination conflict
The statute expressly provides without examination. NDAC 32-05-01-01.2 nevertheless states: An individual for licensure by endorsement, who otherwise satisfies all conditions of North Dakota Century Code section 43-11-25, is required to successfully pass required examinations as determined by the board if any of the following conditions exist: 1. An individual has held a license in another jurisdiction for a period of less than one year at the time the application is submitted. 2. An individual's original licensing jurisdiction did not require the NIC practical and NIC theory examination or equivalent examination for licensure, and the applicant has held that license for a period of less than three years at the time the application is submitted. The statutory exemption controls; confirm the Board documentation demands for your circumstances.
International review
At applicant expense, submit qualifications, credentials and work experience to a Board-approved credentialing agency; the Board may accept or refuse recommendations under NDCC 43-11-25.1.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

International endorsement based on training/work experience with board determined examinations

All of the following:

Board determination
Board endorsement page: Once all documentation is complete, the Board will notify the applicant of approval, required examinations and additional training if needed.
Examination trigger
Applicant has held an out-of-state license less than one year, or less than three years where the original jurisdiction did not require NIC practical and theory or equivalent examinations. The Board determines which current required licensure exams the applicant must complete; alternatives to prior licensure standards are applicant conditions.
International review
At applicant expense, submit qualifications, credentials and work experience to a Board-approved credentialing agency; the Board may accept or refuse recommendations under NDCC 43-11-25.1.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.
International endorsement based on training/work experience without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination exemption
Applicant has held the current license for at least one year and the original licensing jurisdiction required NIC practical and NIC theory or equivalent exams, or has held the license for at least three years; neither condition triggering NDAC 32-05-01-01.2 exists.
International review
At applicant expense, submit qualifications, credentials and work experience to a Board-approved credentialing agency; the Board may accept or refuse recommendations under NDCC 43-11-25.1.
Licensure
Provide verification directly from every issuing jurisdiction; hold current licensure in good standing, without revoked or investigation-surrendered licenses, and resolve prior discipline to the Board satisfaction. Pay applicable fees and satisfy identity verification.
Training equivalence
Provide required curriculum hours, or work experience at 1,000 work hours per 100 curriculum hours, capped at 500 credited curriculum hours earned in the preceding three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by school education and examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit two valid unexpired identity documents, including a primary identity/U.S. residency document, under NDAC 32-01-03-09; pay the applicable original license and examination fees and obtain Board approval.
Education
Complete a Board-approved 1,500-hour cosmetology program and graduate before Board examinations; the Board receives a signed curriculum card or official transcript. School coursework and final examinations must satisfy NDAC 32-04-01-25(1).
Prior training
Out-of-state/foreign school transfers require certified records and written Board approval; incomplete in-state hours are credited for five years, out-of-state for two, and completed unlicensed-program hours for ten, then 50% additional current curriculum hours under NDAC 32-04-01-07.
Score
Pass all three required licensure examinations; at least 75% is required under NDAC 32-04-01-25(2).
Student eligibility
Student enrollment requires age at least sixteen and tenth-grade education or equivalent under NDCC 43-11-19.
Universal out of state licensure under NDCC 43 51.1
North Dakota Law & Rules Examination (practice unavailable)
Eligibility
Applies unless an effective compact, executed license transfer, existing interstate mobility or reciprocity agreement applies. Hold comparable out-of-state licensure used for two of the preceding three years; demonstrate Board-determined education and competency; no disqualifying act unless the Board permits it, no discipline in ten years, and no active investigation. Submit any authorized Board-required background check and pay fees.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under NDCC 43-51.1-03(4), the Board may require its North Dakota law examination; applicant-specific exercise of this discretion is a condition.

North Dakota Law & Rules Examination

Provider
Prov, Inc., for the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology
Format
Computer-based written examination, at a test center or remotely
Passing score
At least seventy-five percent under NDAC 32-04-01-25(2)
Exam fee
$60 for the state law examination alone; $90 when taken with theory in one scheduled session
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • NDCC Chapter 43-11 — Cosmetologists
  • NDAC Chapter 32-01-02 — Definitions
  • NDAC Chapter 32-01-03 — General Rules
  • NDAC Chapter 32-02-01 — Rules of Cleaning and Disinfecting
  • NDAC Chapter 32-03-01 — Establishments
  • NDAC Chapter 32-04-01 — Schools
  • NDAC Chapter 32-05-01 — Licensees, Instructors, and Student Instructors
  • NDAC Chapter 32-06-01 — Apprenticeships
Examination sources

National Cosmetology Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in timed sections performed on a model or mannequin according to state guidelines, with more than one client represented; candidates bring their own supply kit and are evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; NIC also offers additional practical sections that states may require
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