Virginia Cosmetology Board 2026: License, Exam & Renewal

by
Virginia DPOR license guide • reviewed August 4, 2026

Verify, Renew or Apply for a Virginia Cosmetology License

Use this guide to search a Virginia license, renew through DPOR, apply for initial licensure, prepare for the Prov theory and practical examinations, pack a compliant kit or transfer an out-of-state credential.

The official agency is the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. DPOR, Virginia law and Prov control legal status, application approval, fees and exam administration.

Verify a Virginia License Open Official Board Choose Your Task
Important 2026 fee change: DPOR began charging a technology fee of $7.25 per license year on July 1, 2026. A normal two-year transaction may therefore add $14.50 to the regulatory base fee. Always pay the amount shown by the current DPOR form or payment screen.

Choose the Virginia Task You Need to Complete

Consumer or employer

Verify a license

Search the practitioner, salon or school and review status, expiration and disciplinary information.

Open lookup instructions
Current licensee

Renew or reinstate

Choose Quick Pay, Online Services or reinstatement based on the expiration date.

Open renewal help
First-time applicant

Apply and take exams

Confirm the qualifying route, application documents, examination fees and deadlines.

Open application steps
Licensed elsewhere

Transfer to Virginia

Compare endorsement, Universal License Recognition and the future compact route.

Open transfer options

Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Phone and Contact Help

Contact DPOR for licensing eligibility, applications, renewals and status. Contact Prov for examination registration, scheduling, test-day rules and score delivery.

Contact Official detail Use this route for
Official agency Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Cosmetology, barbering, nail, wax, salon, school and instructor regulation.
DPOR Licensing Section 804-367-8509 Applications, renewal, reinstatement, endorsement and license status.
Board Office 804-367-8590 Board administration and regulatory questions.
DPOR Examinations Section 804-367-8544 Virginia examination eligibility or approval issues.
General Board email BarberCosmo@dpor.virginia.gov General written Board questions.
Licensing documents BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov Requested application records and licensing documents.
Prov support 877-228-3926 Testing registration, scheduling and exam administration.
Prov call or text 801-733-4455 Scheduling assistance, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–midnight ET.
Prov email support@provexam.com Written testing and scheduling support.
DPOR office 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233 Forms or documents whose current instructions require delivery to DPOR.
Monday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Normal Licensing Section call hours.
Tuesday and Wednesday Noon–2:00 p.m. Reduced Licensing Section call hours.
Scam-email warning: DPOR has reported messages that imitate the agency and request personal information or direct users to unfamiliar links. Verify the sender’s government domain before opening a link or sending identity documents.

Virginia Cosmetology License Lookup

DPOR’s standard search accepts terms such as a name, license number, address or license type. Advanced Search lets users narrow results by license number, name, location, Board and license type.

Open the official DPOR lookup

Do not rely only on a wall certificate, social-media profile, renewal receipt or private directory.

Use the license number when available

A number is usually more reliable than a common name. Confirm that the resulting name and credential category also match.

Search the legal name

Use the name connected with the DPOR record rather than a nickname, married name not yet updated or salon brand.

Open the full record

Check the license type, number, status, expiration and any linked public information.

Verify the business separately

A cosmetologist’s personal license and a salon, shop or school license are separate records.

Save dated proof

Keep a screenshot or printout when employment, booth rental, insurance or consumer safety depends on status.

What to do when no record appears

  • Remove optional city, ZIP code and license-type filters.
  • Search the last name without the first name.
  • Try a former legal surname when appropriate.
  • Ask for the exact Virginia license number.
  • Search the individual and business separately.
  • Confirm that an application or exam approval has actually become an issued license.
  • Contact DPOR when a recent transaction may still be processing.
Lookup limitation: DPOR states that online data are updated routinely but can temporarily lag because of processing or maintenance. The official public records are maintained by DPOR at its Richmond office.
Open Standard Lookup Open Advanced Search

Search Virginia Cosmetology Disciplinary Actions

DPOR provides a separate search for disciplinary actions. A standard license result should not be treated as a complete disciplinary-history search.

Recent records

April 1, 2002 or later

Use DPOR’s online Disciplinary Action Search for actions entered on or after April 1, 2002.

Older records

Before April 1, 2002

Contact DPOR Records Management because older actions may not appear in the online search.

Record interpretation

Read the complete order

Identify the action date, violation, outcome, suspension, probation or other conditions before summarizing it.

Need Contact or action Information to prepare
Recent disciplinary action Use the online disciplinary search. Legal name, license number, Board and approximate action date.
Action dated before April 1, 2002 Call Records Management at 804-367-8583. License holder, credential type, number and requested date range.
Written records help RecordsMgt@dpor.virginia.gov A focused description of the records being requested.
Search Disciplinary Actions

Virginia Cosmetology Training Hours and 2026 School Deadlines

The current Virginia cosmetology-school minimum is 1,000 hours. The December 2025 curriculum update changed required topics and performance standards but did not reduce an existing 1,000-hour minimum.

Cosmetology

1,000 hours

Current minimum for an approved Virginia cosmetology-school program.

Nail technician

150 hours

Separate nail-technology training and examination path.

Wax technician

115 hours

Separate waxing training and examination path.

Esthetician

600 hours

Regulated by the same Board under a separate esthetics regulation chapter.

Transition deadlines for existing cosmetology students

Program Enrollment timing Completion deadline Action now
Older 1,500-hour cosmetology program Enrolled before September 1, 2024. August 31, 2026 Confirm remaining hours and graduation documents immediately.
Transition 1,000-hour program Enrolled on or after September 1, 2024 under the prior approved curriculum. July 31, 2026 That deadline has passed. Contact the school and Board before assuming incomplete training remains acceptable.
Current approved curriculum New enrollment under a Board-approved updated program. Program’s approved completion schedule. Confirm the school and exact curriculum are approved before enrolling.
Do not rely only on the school’s advertising. A school cannot enroll students in a program that has not been approved by the Board. Confirm the school and curriculum status before paying tuition or transferring hours.
Check Curriculum Requirements Check Education Resources

How to Get a Virginia Cosmetology License

The correct evidence depends on how training was completed. Select only the qualifying route that accurately matches your history.

Qualification route Required evidence Important user check
Virginia licensed school Completed Training Verification Form. Confirm completion of the approved 1,000-hour curriculum.
Virginia public-school program Training verification from the approved program. Public-school candidates must follow Prov’s language and scheduling instructions.
Registered apprenticeship Completion record from Virginia Works or the authorized apprenticeship representative. Informal salon employment is not automatically a registered apprenticeship.
Substantially equivalent U.S. training Official school transcript or verification from the state licensing authority. The exam form defines substantial equivalence as at least 80% of Virginia’s required hours—800 cosmetology hours.
Training below substantial equivalence Course records plus an Experience Verification Form. The current exam application requires at least three years of cosmetology work experience.
Foreign education Translated, authenticated and evaluated education records. Use a qualified education-evaluation service and retain complete copies.
Military experience Documentation of two years of cosmetology experience in the U.S. Armed Forces. Contact the Board for instructions before filing.
Virginia master barber Experience Verification Form. A Virginia master barber needs two years of work experience for this cosmetology-exam route.
Former Virginia license Prior-license and experience records based on the length of prior licensure. A license expired more than two years cannot use ordinary reinstatement.

Application-to-license sequence

Choose the qualifying route

Do not mix examination, endorsement, ULR or reinstatement forms.

Collect official evidence

Request transcripts, training verification, apprenticeship completion or work-experience records before filing.

Submit the Prov application

Online filing is encouraged. Ensure the legal name and identification number match all previous records.

Wait for eligibility approval

Do not schedule until Prov or the Board confirms eligibility.

Pass theory and practical

Both required sections must be completed within Virginia’s one-year exam window.

Complete the license transaction

Pay the current DPOR licensing amount and verify the issued license before working.

Virginia Cosmetology Exam Application PDF Checklist

The current four-page examination and license application includes several fields that commonly delay approval when names, addresses or supporting records do not match.

Prepare these application details

  • Full legal name exactly as shown on government identification.
  • Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number.
  • The same identification number used on previous applications, examinations or licenses.
  • Date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • Maiden and former names.
  • Mailing address; a P.O. box is accepted.
  • Physical street address; a P.O. box is not accepted.
  • Telephone number and monitored email address.
  • One selected qualification route.
  • All required training, transcript or experience documentation.
  • Every current or previous out-of-state occupational license.
  • Disciplinary, denial or felony disclosures when applicable.
  • Signature and application certification.

Passport-style photo requirements

  • Professional 2-by-2-inch color photograph.
  • Taken within the previous six months.
  • Plain white background.
  • Full-face frontal view.
  • Neutral facial expression.
  • No photocopy in place of the required photograph.

Email privacy notice

The application states that the submitted email address is a public record and may be disclosed following a lawful request.

Conviction-document timing

Prov’s current bulletin instructs affected applicants to obtain complete state-police records from each state of conviction, generally issued within the preceding three months.

Open Exam Application PDF Apply Through Prov

Virginia Cosmetology Fees for 2026

Prov collects examination fees. DPOR collects application, endorsement, renewal and reinstatement fees. DPOR’s separate technology fee can change the final amount shown at checkout.

Transaction Regulatory or listed amount Possible 2026 total Payment recipient
Theory examination $99 $99 per attempt. Prov
Practical examination $95 $95 per attempt. Prov
Theory and practical together $194 $194. Prov
Individual application $120 base May include the applicable technology fee. DPOR
Cosmetology endorsement $120 base Current July 2026 form lists $134.50. DPOR
Cosmetologist renewal $120 base A normal two-year transaction may total $134.50 when the $14.50 technology fee applies. DPOR
Individual reinstatement $240 base The current DPOR payment or form controls any additional technology fee. DPOR
Temporary license No Board fee Exam and other qualifying costs remain separate. DPOR
Verify the final screen: fees are nonrefundable and may include a technology charge or another account-specific amount. Do not send an amount copied from an older article or form without checking the current transaction.
Read Official Fee Regulation Check Current Board Fees

Virginia Cosmetology Theory Exam

Virginia uses the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination through Prov and adds Virginia law and regulation questions.

Time limit

90 minutes

The current NIC theory bulletin allows 90 minutes.

NIC exam

110 items

The national bulletin lists 110 items, with 100 weighted toward the final score.

Virginia content

10 state questions

Prov states that Virginia law and regulation questions are included and provided only in English.

Testing option

Remote or center

Remote theory testing became available January 17, 2026.

Question-count clarification: the NIC bulletin lists the national examination as 110 items, while the Virginia bulletin separately states that 10 Virginia-law questions are included. The cited bulletin does not clearly explain whether the state questions increase the number displayed to every candidate, so use the official appointment and exam screen rather than an unofficial claimed total.

NIC theory content weights

Content domain Weight Main topics
Scientific concepts 35% Infection control, safety, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pH, disease and blood exposure.
Hair care and services 45% Consultation, cutting, styling, hair texture, color, waving and relaxing.
Skin care and services 10% Skin analysis, contraindications, facials, hair removal, makeup and electrical equipment.
Nail care and services 10% Nail analysis, manicure, pedicure, implements, safety and enhancements.

Remote theory checklist

  • Recent Mac, PC or compatible Chromebook.
  • Chrome or Firefox browser; Prov recommends Chrome.
  • Working webcam and microphone.
  • Stable internet connection and successful system check.
  • Private, quiet room with covered windows.
  • Clear desk, floor and area under the chair.
  • No notes, books, food or unapproved electronics.
  • Second monitor and television unplugged.
  • No other person in the room.
  • Face, hands and arms visible as required by the proctor.
Facial scan: Prov uses facial recognition during registration or remote scheduling. In-person centers may continue using fingerprint scans until their facial-scan systems are configured.

Identification and appointment rules

  • First name, middle name or initial and last name must match the admission record.
  • Identification must be current, photo-bearing and signed.
  • Temporary and expired identification are not accepted.
  • Cancel or reschedule at least three days before the theory appointment.
  • A missed deadline or appointment forfeits the exam fee.
  • Being unprepared for remote testing can require rescheduling and repaying.

Results, retakes and the one-year rule

Issue Current rule User action
Score delivery Prov says official results are emailed approximately 24 hours after testing. Check the registered email and retain the score report.
Failed section No waiting period; retake at the next available appointment. Pay the same section fee and schedule again.
Passed section A passed exam cannot normally be retaken unless Virginia requires it. Concentrate on the remaining failed section.
One-year exam window Both required sections must be passed within one year of the initial exam date. Track the first test date and do not delay retakes.
License not obtained after passing Waiting five years after passing both exams can require retaking both. Complete licensing promptly after passing.
Passing-score warning: the current cited Virginia and NIC bulletins do not publish a guaranteed passing percentage. Do not rely on a commercial page claiming that a particular percentage is Virginia’s official passing mark.
Open NIC Theory Bulletin Open Virginia Prov Bulletin Study Virginia Regulations

Virginia Cosmetology Practical Exam

Virginia uses the 10 NIC core cosmetology services plus eyebrow hair removal by tweezing and simulated soft wax.

Order Practical service Maximum time Main preparation point
1 Work area, client preparation and supply setup 15 minutes Disinfect, sanitize hands, protect the client and organize universal supplies.
2 Thermal curling 10 minutes Use a cold thermal curling iron and demonstrate safe handling.
3 Haircutting 35 minutes Complete the required layered haircut with razor and shears.
4 New-client work area and supply setup 15 minutes Reset client protection and infection-control procedures.
5 Chemical waving 20 minutes Practice rod placement, end papers and simulated product handling.
6 Predisposition and strand tests 10 minutes Use correctly labeled simulated product and safe procedure.
7 Virgin foil highlighting 15 minutes Practice clean sectioning, foil placement and colored simulated product.
8 Hair-color retouch 10 minutes Demonstrate controlled retouch placement.
9 Virgin no-base hair relaxer 15 minutes Use protective cream and colored simulated relaxer.
10 Blood-exposure procedure 10 minutes Stop the service, protect both parties and dispose of contaminated supplies correctly.
Additional Eyebrow removal by tweezing and simulated soft wax Untimed Practice client protection, temperature testing, tweezing, waxing and disposal.

Current practical and written test locations

The current bulletin lists five sites offering both practical and written testing. Locations can change, so confirm availability in the Prov scheduler before arranging travel.

Mechanicsville

Prov Testing Center at Hannover Commons.

Centreville

Prov Testing Center at Centreville Plaza.

Roanoke

Prov Testing Center at North Market Village.

Forest

Prov Testing Center at Graves Mill Shopping Center.

Virginia Beach

Prov Test Site at Kemps River Crossing.

Practical appointment rules

  • Practical examinations are administered only in English.
  • Bring all supplies; borrowing is prohibited.
  • Arrive before the session begins or risk being turned away and losing the fee.
  • Cancel or reschedule at least seven days before the practical appointment.
  • Use a full-size mannequin head rather than a minikin or junior head.
  • Do not use a premarked or presectioned mannequin.
  • Use a cold thermal curling iron.
  • Keep the kit within the current 30-by-30-inch size limit.
  • Keep the kit fully beneath the assigned work area.
Open NIC Practical Bulletin Open Eyebrow Service Bulletin

Virginia Cosmetology Practical Exam Kit Checklist

This organizer highlights high-risk kit rules. It does not replace the complete suggested-supply lists in the current NIC and Virginia bulletins.

Universal safety

Infection-control supplies

  • Actual hand sanitizer in the original manufacturer container.
  • EPA-registered disinfectant wipes.
  • Manufacturer label showing bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties.
  • Disposable gloves.
  • Blood-exposure and first-aid supplies.
  • Paper towels.
  • Container labeled “To Be Disinfected.”
  • Container labeled “Soiled Linens.”
  • Container labeled “Trash.”
Workstation

Mannequin and setup

  • Full-size, unmarked mannequin head.
  • Compliant clamp or tripod.
  • Neck strips, capes and towels.
  • Combs, brushes, clips and clamps.
  • Water spray bottle.
  • Clean implements in working condition.
  • Enough supplies for every section.
  • Kit no larger than 30 by 30 inches.
Hair services

Core service supplies

  • Cold thermal curling iron.
  • Material for testing iron temperature.
  • Shears and razor.
  • Permanent-wave rods and end papers.
  • Simulated waving lotion.
  • Foils, bowls and application brushes.
  • Colored simulated hair-color product.
  • Colored simulated relaxer.
  • Protective cream and applicators.
Eyebrow service

Tweezing and simulated wax

  • Tweezers.
  • Simulated soft wax.
  • Wax applicators.
  • Removal strips.
  • Skin cleanser.
  • Temperature-testing supplies.
  • Correct disposal supplies.
Label audit

Check every container

  • All labels are in English.
  • Required manufacturer labels remain intact.
  • Candidate-created labels do not show the service order.
  • Simulated products are clearly identified where required.
  • Disinfectant and sanitizer are not simulated.
Do not bring

Common prohibited items

  • Disinfectant or aerosol sprays.
  • Simulated hand sanitizer.
  • Simulated disinfectant.
  • Junior or minikin mannequin head.
  • Premarked or presectioned mannequin.
  • Labels revealing the examination order.
  • Unapproved notes or study materials.
Premade-kit warning: a commercial kit advertised as “Virginia State Board ready” is not automatically compliant. Compare every item, label, quantity and mannequin with the latest official CIB before test day.

Virginia Cosmetology License Renewal and Reinstatement

A Virginia cosmetology license expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Failure to receive a notice does not extend the license.

License term

Two years

Use DPOR License Lookup for the exact expiration date.

Renewal base

$120

The technology fee may increase the final transaction total.

Penalty-free period

30 days

Renewal may be completed without the reinstatement penalty during this period.

Reinstatement limit

Two years

After two years, ordinary reinstatement is unavailable.

The 30-day period is not permission to work. A cosmetologist may not continue practicing after the actual expiration date while waiting to renew.

Quick Pay vs. DPOR Online Services

Option Best for Account required? Available actions
Quick Pay A straightforward renewal payment. No. Renew one eligible license without signing in.
Online Services Managing the license and additional transactions. Yes. Renew, change address, reinstate, apply and manage multiple licenses.

Choose the route based on expiration

License condition Required action Expected base fee Can the person work?
Before expiration Complete ordinary renewal. $120 plus applicable technology fee. Yes, while the license remains active and otherwise unrestricted.
1–30 days expired Complete renewal immediately. $120 plus applicable technology fee. No, until renewal becomes effective.
More than 30 days expired Use reinstatement. $240 plus any applicable technology fee. No, until reinstated.
More than two years expired Apply as a new applicant and meet current entry requirements. Current application and exam charges. No, until a new active license is issued.

Renewal micro-checklist

  • Copy the exact license number and expiration date from DPOR License Lookup.
  • Update the address before relying on mailed documents.
  • Use Quick Pay or Online Services according to the task.
  • Review the regulatory base fee and technology fee separately.
  • Save the payment receipt and confirmation number.
  • Search the public record after processing.
  • Do not resume work after expiration until the license is active.
Continuing education: Virginia’s current cosmetologist renewal regulation does not list continuing education as a routine renewal requirement. CE requirements applicable to other professions, such as certain tattooing or body-piercing licenses, should not be copied onto cosmetology renewal.

When no renewal notice arrives

DPOR’s Board FAQ explains that nonreceipt does not excuse renewal. For a mailed transaction, the date DPOR receives the material—not the postmark—controls. Because the 2026 technology fee affects the amount, confirm the current total with DPOR before mailing a check or money order.

Open DPOR Renewal Options Open Reinstatement PDF Read Failure-to-Renew Rule

Virginia Cosmetology Reciprocity, Endorsement and ULR

Virginia commonly uses the term license by endorsement. Universal License Recognition is a separate route. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not yet an active shortcut for applicants.

Transfer route Who it may fit Core conditions Status in 2026
Endorsement A person currently licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction. Qualifying training or experience, written and practical examination history, certification and disclosures. Available now.
Universal License Recognition A person with a valid similar license held for at least three years. Examination and training standards, clean disciplinary history, no pending investigation, acceptable criminal record and fees. Available to applicants meeting every requirement.
Cosmetology Licensure Compact Future eligible licensees in participating states. Compact activation and multistate privilege rules. Not yet operational; the Board currently anticipates launch no earlier than early 2027.

2026 endorsement application checklist

  • Hold a current license or certificate in another state or U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Select the precise Virginia license being requested.
  • Pay the current practitioner fee shown on the form—$134.50 as of July 1, 2026.
  • Provide a Certification of Licensure dated within the previous 60 days.
  • List every current and expired occupational license requested by the form.
  • Show the initial license date, expiration and method of qualification.
  • Document written and practical examination history.
  • Provide training-hour verification or a transcript when needed.
  • Disclose closed disciplinary actions, denials and qualifying felony convictions.
  • Use the Training Substitution Form when required.

Training and examination comparison

Applicant history Virginia treatment Next action
At least 800 cosmetology training hours May satisfy the 80% training-equivalency point when all other endorsement conditions are met. Request current certification and training-hour proof.
Less than 800 cosmetology hours The current application provides a three-year licensed-experience substitution route. Complete the Training Substitution Form and experience proof.
Only one licensing examination required by the other state Virginia may require the missing written or practical exam. Wait for the Board’s determination before scheduling.
No qualifying licensing examination The endorsement application states that the applicant does not qualify by endorsement. Use the examination and license application.
License obtained by endorsement in the current state Virginia may need evidence from the original jurisdiction where training or examination occurred. Request certification from each relevant authority.
An out-of-state license does not authorize Virginia practice. Wait until Virginia issues the required license or temporary authorization before performing paid services in the Commonwealth.
Open Endorsement Application Check ULR Requirements Read Endorsement Regulation

Virginia Temporary Cosmetology License

A temporary license is a limited one-time option for an eligible initial applicant who completed the required training and will work under a qualifying Virginia supervisor.

Validity

90 days

The license expires 90 days after Board approval.

Board fee

No fee

The temporary-license form states that no separate Board fee is required.

Availability

One time only

A subsequent temporary license is not issued after the original period ends.

Temporary-license qualification checklist

  • Applying for initial licensure.
  • Required training has been completed.
  • Applicant qualifies for the required examinations.
  • Supporting training or apprenticeship records are attached.
  • A current Virginia licensee agrees to supervise.
  • The supervisor’s license covers the relevant activity.
  • Supervisor name, license number, expiration and signature are complete.
Disclosure review: an applicant reporting previous discipline, a license denial or a qualifying felony conviction may not be eligible for a temporary license without an administrative hearing.
Stop when it expires: passing one exam, scheduling another exam or submitting another application does not automatically extend the 90-day temporary license.
Open Temporary License PDF Read Temporary-License Rule

Virginia Is Not the West Virginia Cosmetology Board

Virginia and West Virginia have separate agencies, applications, lookups, examinations and renewal rules. Similar state names do not make their licenses interchangeable.

Virginia • VA

Virginia DPOR

Use the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, DPOR License Lookup and Virginia Prov examination materials.

Open Virginia Board
West Virginia • WV

West Virginia Board

Use the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists for a West Virginia credential.

Open West Virginia Board

Virginia State Board of Cosmetology FAQs

What is the official Virginia State Board of Cosmetology called?

The official agency is the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, commonly called DPOR.

How do I look up a Virginia cosmetology license?

Use DPOR License Lookup and search by legal name, license number, address or license type. Open the full record and verify the salon or business separately when relevant.

What is the Virginia cosmetology board phone number?

The DPOR Licensing Section number is 804-367-8509. The Board Office number is 804-367-8590. Prov handles exam scheduling at 877-228-3926.

How many hours are required for a Virginia cosmetology license?

The current approved Virginia cosmetology-school minimum is 1,000 hours. Apprenticeship, public-school, equivalent out-of-state, foreign-education and other qualifying routes use different supporting documents.

How much are the Virginia cosmetology exams?

Prov currently charges $99 for theory and $95 for practical. Registering for both costs $194. Retakes use the same individual section fees.

Can the Virginia cosmetology theory exam be taken online?

Yes. Remote theory testing became available January 17, 2026. Candidates need compatible equipment, a private testing area, stable internet and a successful system check. The practical exam remains in person.

What is in the Virginia cosmetology practical exam kit?

The kit includes infection-control supplies, a full-size unmarked mannequin, cold thermal iron, haircutting tools, chemical-service supplies, simulated products, eyebrow-removal supplies and correctly labeled disposal containers. The official CIB controls the complete list.

How do I renew a Virginia cosmetology license?

Use DPOR Quick Pay or Online Services, pay the $120 regulatory base plus the applicable technology fee and verify the updated status. A licensee may not work after the expiration date while renewal is pending.

Does Virginia have cosmetology reciprocity?

Virginia generally calls the route license by endorsement. Universal License Recognition is a separate option for applicants who meet every requirement, including at least three years of qualifying out-of-state licensure.

What is the Virginia cosmetology exam passing score?

The current cited Virginia and NIC candidate bulletins do not publish a guaranteed passing percentage. Use the official Prov score report rather than an unofficial commercial claim.

Final Virginia Cosmetology License Checklist

  • Use the official name: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
  • Verify both the practitioner and salon in DPOR License Lookup.
  • Use the separate disciplinary search when enforcement history matters.
  • Confirm that the school and 1,000-hour curriculum are approved.
  • Select one accurate application route.
  • Make the application name match government identification exactly.
  • Budget $99 for theory and $95 for practical.
  • Prepare for 90 minutes of NIC theory plus Virginia-law content.
  • Complete both required exams within one year of the initial exam date.
  • Cancel theory at least three days early or practical seven days early.
  • Use a full-size unmarked mannequin and an exam kit no larger than 30 by 30 inches.
  • Pack actual labeled sanitizer and qualifying disinfectant wipes.
  • Track the two-year license expiration even when no notice arrives.
  • Do not work after the license or temporary license expires.
  • Use endorsement, ULR and the future compact as separate routes.
  • Do not confuse Virginia with the separate West Virginia Board.

Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not affiliated with Virginia DPOR, the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, Prov or NIC. Official records, current forms, regulations and agency decisions control.