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South Carolina 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 Cosmetologist License

Practitioner license under Title 40 Chapter 13. Cosmetology is defined to include hair, skin and nail practices; limited esthetician and nail-technician license identities are retained separately.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Crossover from South Carolina Master Hair Care Specialist licensure

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed Board application, prescribed fee, identification and signed Social Security card, lawful-presence affidavit, notarized signature/photo affidavit, and name-change or immigration documents when applicable. Applications are valid for one year.
Criminal history
Answer personal history questions and explain affirmative answers; felony convictions require a statewide criminal history report no older than 30 days. Section 40-1-140 limits denial based on a conviction to convictions directly related to fitness, and affords an application hearing.
Current board exam instruction
The current Board application overview expressly includes crossover applicants and requires NIC cosmetology theory and practical passage; both are retained under Regulation 35-5(D).
License verification
Arrange direct verification from each jurisdiction of current or previous licensure; another jurisdiction license is an applicant condition, not an examination reference.
Mhcs license
Hold a current South Carolina Master Hair Care Specialist license and the theory score required by Regulation 35-26(A); the examination of that other profession is an applicant condition.
Photograph
Regulation 35-5.1 requires a 2x2 photograph for initial, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applications; Department guidance allows obtaining the DMV photograph with permission.
School final assessment
A school graduate must pass the school final assessment under Regulation 35-10(G); this school-specific graduation assessment is an educational condition, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Training experience
Five years MHCS experience; or four years plus 100 Board-approved cosmetology training hours; or three years plus 200 hours; or less than three years plus 350 hours. Regulation 35-26(B)(5) also requires education equal to or greater than current cosmetology education.
Endorsement after two years of licensure and Board approved continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed Board application, prescribed fee, identification and signed Social Security card, lawful-presence affidavit, notarized signature/photo affidavit, and name-change or immigration documents when applicable. Applications are valid for one year.
Comity scope
Section 40-13-270 permits reciprocity; the current Board FAQ states: "No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license types." Regulation 35-5(G) separately names a South Carolina state law exam for comity as designated by the Board. Current implementation offers endorsement under amended Regulation 35-13, not a comity application. The designation clause is recorded without identifying a currently offered state examination or treating it as an endorsement leaf; March 2013 minutes supply historical context only.
Continuing education
Complete four Board-approved hours in South Carolina law, client safety, and/or infection control and sanitation; these hours also satisfy the following licensing period renewal requirement under Regulation 35-13(b).
Criminal history
Answer personal history questions and explain affirmative answers; felony convictions require a statewide criminal history report no older than 30 days. Section 40-1-140 limits denial based on a conviction to convictions directly related to fitness, and affords an application hearing.
Exam exception
Regulation 35-13(b) and the current Board FAQ make this alternative independent of national examination passage.
License verification
Arrange direct verification from each jurisdiction of current or previous licensure; another jurisdiction license is an applicant condition, not an examination reference.
Other license
Hold an active license in good standing in another state, territorial possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia for at least two years.
Photograph
Regulation 35-5.1 requires a 2x2 photograph for initial, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applications; Department guidance allows obtaining the DMV photograph with permission.
School final assessment
A school graduate must pass the school final assessment under Regulation 35-10(G); this school-specific graduation assessment is an educational condition, not a separately registered licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement based on current licensure and NIC passing scores

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed Board application, prescribed fee, identification and signed Social Security card, lawful-presence affidavit, notarized signature/photo affidavit, and name-change or immigration documents when applicable. Applications are valid for one year.
Comity scope
Section 40-13-270 permits reciprocity; the current Board FAQ states: "No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license types." Regulation 35-5(G) separately names a South Carolina state law exam for comity as designated by the Board. Current implementation offers endorsement under amended Regulation 35-13, not a comity application. The designation clause is recorded without identifying a currently offered state examination or treating it as an endorsement leaf; March 2013 minutes supply historical context only.
Criminal history
Answer personal history questions and explain affirmative answers; felony convictions require a statewide criminal history report no older than 30 days. Section 40-1-140 limits denial based on a conviction to convictions directly related to fitness, and affords an application hearing.
License verification
Arrange direct verification from each jurisdiction of current or previous licensure; another jurisdiction license is an applicant condition, not an examination reference.
Other license
Active license in good standing in another state, U.S. territory or District of Columbia.
Passing scores
Provide verification of previously passed NIC cosmetology theory and practical examinations. These examinations are currently offered and remain leaves even when passed before the application.
Photograph
Regulation 35-5.1 requires a 2x2 photograph for initial, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applications; Department guidance allows obtaining the DMV photograph with permission.
School final assessment
A school graduate must pass the school final assessment under Regulation 35-10(G); this school-specific graduation assessment is an educational condition, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Licensure by examination for another jurisdiction licensee without endorsement eligibility

All of the following:

Age education
At least 16 and tenth-grade education or equivalent; the Board application must establish educational eligibility.
Application
Submit the completed Board application, prescribed fee, identification and signed Social Security card, lawful-presence affidavit, notarized signature/photo affidavit, and name-change or immigration documents when applicable. Applications are valid for one year.
Criminal history
Answer personal history questions and explain affirmative answers; felony convictions require a statewide criminal history report no older than 30 days. Section 40-1-140 limits denial based on a conviction to convictions directly related to fitness, and affords an application hearing.
License verification
Arrange direct verification from each jurisdiction of current or previous licensure; another jurisdiction license is an applicant condition, not an examination reference.
Military training
Section 40-1-640 requires the Board to credit satisfactory military education, training and experience in the manner most favorable toward licensure/examination qualifications; this does not automatically waive required testing.
Other license
Actively licensed in another jurisdiction but lacking two-year/CE exemption or both accepted NIC passing scores; Board approval is required for eligibility.
Passing score
Pass NIC cosmetology theory and practical with 75% on each.
Photograph
Regulation 35-5.1 requires a 2x2 photograph for initial, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applications; Department guidance allows obtaining the DMV photograph with permission.
School final assessment
A school graduate must pass the school final assessment under Regulation 35-10(G); this school-specific graduation assessment is an educational condition, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Licensure by examination after approved cosmetology school

All of the following:

Application
Submit the completed Board application, prescribed fee, identification and signed Social Security card, lawful-presence affidavit, notarized signature/photo affidavit, and name-change or immigration documents when applicable. Applications are valid for one year.
Criminal history
Answer personal history questions and explain affirmative answers; felony convictions require a statewide criminal history report no older than 30 days. Section 40-1-140 limits denial based on a conviction to convictions directly related to fitness, and affords an application hearing.
General education
At least tenth-grade education or equivalent approved testing; non-US education requires credential evaluation.
License verification
Arrange direct verification from each jurisdiction of current or previous licensure; another jurisdiction license is an applicant condition, not an examination reference.
Military training
Section 40-1-640 requires the Board to credit satisfactory military education, training and experience in the manner most favorable toward licensure/examination qualifications; this does not automatically waive required testing.
Minimum age
At least 16 years old.
Passing score
75% on each required national theory and practical examination; the practical examination remains a required non-question-bearing assessment.
Photograph
Regulation 35-5.1 requires a 2x2 photograph for initial, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applications; Department guidance allows obtaining the DMV photograph with permission.
Professional education
Complete 1500 hours at a Board-approved school.
School final assessment
A school graduate must pass the school final assessment under Regulation 35-10(G); this school-specific graduation assessment is an educational condition, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Training window
Regulation 35-10(E)(7) requires taking the licensing exam within 24 months after completing hours. The current Board examination page states that a student who attempted theory or practical within those 24 months may continue testing afterwards.
Practitioner license issuance/reactivation by current instructor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current instructor
Hold a current cosmetology, esthetics or nail-technology instructor license for the corresponding practice; either request the additional practitioner license or cease renewing the instructor license and reactivate the practitioner license.
Fee
Pay the prescribed practitioner renewal fee; the practitioner license is treated as current with the instructor license under Regulation 35-9.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement and biennial maintenance of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Status
Submit Board-approved inactive-status form and pay biennial renewal fees; no practice authorization during inactivity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from maintained inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
License was placed inactive and renewed biennially; no practice or other practice authorization is allowed during inactivity.
Reactivation
Submit application, reactivation fee and CE certificates for each inactive renewal period, with required identity/photo/lawful-presence documents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reexamination after license expiration exceeding three years

All of the following:

Board discretion
Section 40-13-250(C) permits Board selection of necessary practical demonstrations and written tests; Regulation 35-23(C) exercises that authority by requiring both parts.
Documents
Submit initial licensure/reinstatement application and Board-required fees and documents; current Board instructions identify licenses expired March 10, 2023 or earlier as requiring reexamination.
Lapse
License expired more than three years; the regulation requires retaking and passing both theory and practical examinations; the applicant then has newly licensed status.
Restoration of license expired three years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Identification, Social Security card, lawful-presence form, photograph, and name-change evidence when applicable; the Board form requests USC CE certificates for each lapsed renewal cycle.
Form threshold conflict
The Board July 2017 Reactivation/Reinstatement Application states: CEU REQUIREMENTS: Continuing Education (CE) hours taken to reactivate or reinstate your license must comply with the guidelines outlines in the SC Code of Laws Section 40-13-250 (D) and the SC Code of Regulations Section 35-23 Reinstatement: Please provide copies of your CE certificates from USC for each renewal cycle that your license has been lapsed. If your license has been expired for three years or longer, the full examination (practical and theory) must be repeated. Reactivation: Please provide copies of your CE certificates from USC for each renewal cycle that your license has been inactive. The controlling Section 40-13-250(B)-(C) and Regulation 35-23(C) use more than three years for reexamination; their threshold is applied.
Lapse
License expired no more than three years; submit reinstatement application, fee, proof of qualification and required CE certificates.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active military
Section 40-1-610 exempts active-duty service from continuing education; Section 40-1-620 exempts license fees for a calendar year with any active-duty service.
Age experience exemption
Section 40-13-250(A) exempts holders of 15 consecutive license years aged at least 60, or 30 continuous years aged at least 50 without Board discipline. Submit the Board exemption form and obtain approval.
Continuing education
Four contact hours of Board-approved law, client safety, or infection-control/sanitation training per licensing period, in person or online; first licensing period is exempt.
Renewal
Submit renewal and pay the fee on the Board renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
A majority Board vote is required to reinstate a voluntarily surrendered license; satisfy individualized Board-imposed conditions and do not practice until restored. The defining provision names no examination; any unidentified examination a particular order requires remains an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary emergency substitute teaching
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
The regulation limits this temporary teaching to 30 calendar days without Board approval; the school must report instructor changes and schedules.
Existing license
A currently licensed cosmetologist may teach temporarily only when a licensed instructor is unavailable and the Board approves the school request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emergency Temporary Work Permit — Cosmetologist

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Emergency supervised work pending licensing examinations

All of the following:

Duration
Up to 90 days; display permit with 2x2 photograph by work chair.
Exam timing
Applicant has applied or is eligible for the remaining theory/practical examinations and has not previously failed an uncompleted part. Examination passage is not a prerequisite to permit issuance; failing a remaining exam or failing to apply/take it timely without good cause voids the permit.
Public emergency
Permit may be issued only during a public emergency that prevents access to one or both exam parts, after educational completion and other qualifications; the rule authorizes availability but does not establish an active emergency on the evaluation date.
Supervision
Supervisor must be an appropriately credentialed good-standing South Carolina licensee who signs the application and remains on salon premises; permittee may not manage a salon.

Temporary Professional License — Registered Cosmetologist License (Military Spouse)

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Military spouse temporary license using two year/CE endorsement qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires one year after issue and may not be renewed.
Endorsement qualification
At least two years of good-standing licensure and four Board-approved CE hours under Regulation 35-13(b).
Military spouse
Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned by official orders to a South Carolina duty station.
Ordinary qualifications
Section 40-1-630(A) preserves all ordinary state licensure requirements. A fingerprint-based SLED and FBI check applies only if an equivalent check is required for ordinary licensure.
Other license
Hold a valid good-standing license for the same profession in another state, U.S. territory/possession, District of Columbia or foreign jurisdiction; provide license verification, marriage record and military orders.
Processing
LLR prioritizes military-spouse applications; expedited processing does not create an exam waiver.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse temporary license using national exam qualifications

All of the following:

Duration
Expires one year after issue and may not be renewed.
Military spouse
Married to an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned by official orders to a South Carolina duty station.
National examination
Currently offered NIC cosmetology theory and practical passing scores are retained, including accepted passing scores earned before application.
Ordinary qualifications
Section 40-1-630(A) preserves all ordinary state licensure requirements. A fingerprint-based SLED and FBI check applies only if an equivalent check is required for ordinary licensure.
Other license
Hold a valid good-standing license for the same profession in another state, U.S. territory/possession, District of Columbia or foreign jurisdiction; provide license verification, marriage record and military orders.
Processing
LLR prioritizes military-spouse applications; expedited processing does not create an exam waiver.

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