Frequently asked questions: Cosmetologists

Exams

Do I need to take a written and performance exam?
Yes, with the following exceptions:
  • Reciprocity — If you are currently licensed in another state or country and you have passed the state-approved national written and performance examinations, you are not required to re-take the exams to get a license in Washington State.
  • Instructors with an education degree — Instructor applicants who hold a degree in education from an accredited postsecondary institution and who are otherwise qualified are not required to take the written or performance exams.
What are the state-approved National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) national written and performance exams?
The following NIC written and performance exams are approved in Washington:
  • Cosmetologist:
    • Written exam: Hair design
    • Performance exam: Cosmetology
  • Barber:
    • Written exam: Barber 1
    • Performance exam: Barber 1
  • Manicurist:
    • Written exam: Nail Technology (manicuring)
    • Performance exam: Nail Technology (manicuring)
  • Esthetician:
    • Written exam: Esthetics
    • Performance exam: Esthetics
  • Instructor:
    • Written exam: Instructor
    • Performance exam: Instructor
What do the exams cover?
  • Written exam — Written exams cover safe and sanitary practices, including but not limited to the use of tools, machines, materials, and processes used to provide safe and sanitary working conditions. Instruct exams include lesson planning and teaching techniques.
  • Performance exam — Performance exams are administered by D.L. Roope Administrations, Inc. Please visit their website to find out more about the performance exams.
Where can I take my written and practical exams?
What will I need to do if I fail an exam?
You may only take one examination per day. If you fail an exam, you may apply to retake it on another day.

Licenses

I’ve just graduated from a Washington State licensed school. How do I apply for the cosmetology, manicure, barber, esthetic or instructor license?
Please see School graduate: Cosmetologists for information about how to apply for your license.
I’m licensed in another state or country. How can I obtain a cosmetology, manicure, barber, esthetic or instructor license in Washington State?
Please see Out-of-state license: Cosmetologists for information about how to apply for your license.
How do I renew my license?
Please see How to renew your license.
What happens if my renewal is late?
You will be charged a late penalty fee. Renewals are sent to each licensee as a courtesy reminder. As a professional license holder it is your responsibility to keep your license current at all times.
  • If your license is expired for more than 1 year, your license will be cancelled and you must re-apply and meet current licensing requirements.
  • If your license is expired or canceled, you are considered to be unlicensed and may be working illegally. You and the salon shop may be subject to administrative action by the Department of Licensing, and you may be fined up to $1,000 for engaging in unlicensed activity.
How do I change my name on my license?
Mail us a letter requesting a name change and include the following:
  • previous name
  • current name
  • current address and phone number
  • type of license
  • license number, date of birth, or social security number
  • $15 fee (if you want a license with your new name)
How do I change my address on my license?
  • Mailing address — If you are changing your mailing address only, you may mail, phone, email, or fax the Cosmetology Program with your address change. There is no fee to change your mailing address. For all mailing address changes, please send us the following information:
    • name
    • current address and phone number
    • type of license
    • license number, date of birth, or social security number
    • For salon/shops, include your business name and Unified Business Identification (UBI) number or tax registration number
  • Business location address — If you are changing the location address of your salon/shop or school you must complete a new license application and pay an application fee.
How do I get an additional copy of my license?
Mail us a letter requesting a copy of your license. Please include the following:
  • $15 fee
  • full name
  • current address
  • phone number
  • type of license
  • license number, date of birth, or social security number
  • For salon/shops, include your business name and Unified Business Identification (UBI) number or tax registration number
I’m moving and am currently licensed in Washington State. How do I obtain a license in another state?

Contact the Cosmetology Board in that state. For a listing of state boards and email addresses, go to the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) website at nictesting.org and click on “Links to state board sites and email.”

Most states require verification or certification of licensure from the state in which you currently hold a license. To request a verification/certification, mail the following to us, and we will mail the verification/certificate directly to that state:

  • The $25 fee
  • Your name
  • Your license number, date of birth, or social security number
  • The type of license
  • Your current address
  • Your phone number
  • The name of the state you are transferring to
What forms of payment do you accept?
  • If you are renewing online we will accept a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card for payment.
  • All other payments must be made with a check or money order made payable to “State Treasurer.”
When can I start working?
You can start working after you have received the appropriate license(s). The law requires all licenses to be posted. A license will be issued after we have received all required documents and fees (where applicable).

Technical information

Why do I need to use a 10% bleach solution?
Household bleach is made of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite (52,500 ppm); therefore, a 1% bleach solution is 525 ppm. Some experiments have shown that 200 ppm (or even less in some experiments) will inactivate most viruses. Therefore it would seem that a 1% solution of household bleach might be adequate. However, hypochlorite is substantially and quickly inactivated in the presence of organic matter. So, although 1% may be adequate for surface decontamination, a 10% dilution may be a better choice for inactivation of virus when one is cleaning out areas which have been infested by rodents. This 10% concentration is currently supported in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Infection Control recommendations.
How do I know what a 10% bleach solution is?
Special Pathogens Branch recommends a 10% bleach solution be used to inactivate hantaviruses. A 10% solution corresponds to 1½ cups of household bleach per gallon of water, or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
Where can I get technical assistance?
The Cosmetology Section provides technical assistance to applicants and licensees if requested. To schedule an appointment, please email us at plssunit@dol.wa.gov. During a technical assistance visit you can learn about:
  • state licensing procedures
  • compliance with regulation
  • safety and sanitation procedures
  • routine inspections