Frequently asked questions: Cosmetologists
Select a topic:
Training and exams
- I only completed my training in Washington State and didn’t become licensed. Will you certify my hours?
- No, hours are only certified if you’re licensed.
- Do I need to take a written and performance exam to get my license?
- Yes, with the following exceptions:
- Reciprocity — If you’re currently licensed in another state or country and you have passed the state-approved written and performance examinations, you aren’t 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 aren’t required to take the written or performance exams.
- Where can I take my written and performance exams?
- All written and performance exams are given by National Testing Network (Ergometrics). For more information, please visit their website at www.cosmetologywashington.com.
- What do I need to do if I fail an exam?
- You may only take 1 examination per day. If you fail an exam, you may apply to retake it on another day. To retake a written or performance exam, reschedule and pay the appropriate re-examination fee. For more information, please visit the National Testing Network (Ergometrics) website at www.cosmetologywashington.com.
- Who can I contact to learn more about the apprenticeship program?
- You can contact the Washington State Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program.
Licenses
- How do I apply for a cosmetology, manicure, barber, esthetic or instructor license after graduating from a Washington State-licensed school or state-approved apprenticeship program?
- Please see Graduate of a school or apprenticeship program: Cosmetologists to learn how to apply for your license.
- I’m licensed in another state or country. How can I get 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.
- Can I laminate my license?
- Yes, as long as you make sure both the front and back are visible through the laminate.
- How do I renew my license?
- Please see How to renew your license.
- What happens if my renewal is late?
- You’ll 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 reapply and meet current licensing requirements.
- If your license is expired or cancelled, you’re considered to be unlicensed and may be working illegally. You and the salon shop may be subject to administrative action by us, 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
- Documentation showing your name change
- Current address and phone number
- Type of license
- License number, date of birth, or Social Security number
- If you want a license with your new name, also include a check or money order for the $15 fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
- How do I change my address on my license?
- Mailing address — If you’re changing only your mailing address, contact us by email, mail, or fax. There’s 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’re changing the location address of your salon/shop or school you must complete a new license application and pay an application fee.
- Mailing address — If you’re changing only your mailing address, contact us by email, mail, or fax. There’s no fee to change your mailing address. For all mailing address changes, please send us the following information:
- How do I get an additional copy of my license?
- Mail us a letter requesting a copy of your license. Please include the following:
- A check or money order for the $15 fee (payable to the Department of Licensing)
- 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 get 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 where you currently have a license. To request a verification/certification, mail the following to us, and we’ll mail the verification/certificate directly to that state:
- 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’re transferring to
- A check or money order for the $25 fee (payable to the Department of Licensing)
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- If you’re renewing online we’ll accept a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit or credit card for payment.
- All other payments must be made with a check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing.
- 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. We’ll issue a license after we receive all required documents and fees (where applicable).
Health and safety
- 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. For details see the state minimum safety and sanitation standards.
- 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.) For details see the state minimum safety and sanitation standards.
- Is there an equivalent product that can be used instead of the 10% bleach solution?
- Yes, you can use a product that is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant that contains demonstrated virucidal, fungicidal, and germicidal properties. For details see the state minimum safety and sanitation standards.
- How can I tell if a disinfectant is acceptable?
- Read the product information on the label or on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for information on disinfection properties of the product. To be acceptable, the product must be an EPA registered, hospital-grade disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties. For details see the state minimum safety and sanitation standards.
Technical assistance
- 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
