North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners: License, Renewal, Exams & Contact Help
The official regulator commonly searched as the “North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology” is the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Use the Board for individual and facility licensing, examinations, renewals, inspections, continuing education, reciprocity, complaints and disciplinary matters.
Fast Answer: Which Agency Handles Cosmetology in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners regulates cosmetic-art licensing in North Carolina. Its work includes cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, natural hair care specialists, teachers, apprentices, salons, shops and cosmetic-art schools.
The Board reviews license applications, oversees examinations, issues and renews credentials, inspects regulated facilities, enforces sanitation rules, handles complaints and disciplinary matters, manages continuing-education requirements and provides public license information.
North Carolina Board Service Finder
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North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners Contact Information
Board office address
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
121 Edinburgh South Drive
Suite 209
Cary, NC 27511
Use the specific application or form instructions before mailing original documents or payments, because some services have online submission routes or department-specific instructions.
Published office and phone hours
In-office customers:
Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Phone lines:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
The office is closed to in-office customers on Fridays and on state holidays.
What the North Carolina Cosmetic Art Board Handles
Individual licensing
Processes qualifying cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, natural hair care, teacher, apprentice and related individual credentials.
License verification
Provides public tools for checking individual professional records and separate salon or school records.
Renewals and reactivation
Handles renewal, inactive status, reactivation, expired credentials, duplicate licenses and related account actions.
Examinations
Sets licensing qualifications while current qualified candidates register for examinations through the Board’s authorized testing route.
Salon and school licensing
Licenses regulated cosmetic-art shops and schools and conducts inspections connected with sanitation and operational requirements.
Continuing education
Administers renewal CE requirements, exemptions and audits for covered licenses.
Reciprocity
Reviews qualifying current out-of-state licenses and determines whether the applicant meets North Carolina’s reciprocity route.
Consumer protection
Investigates complaints, enforces sanitation and licensing rules, addresses unlicensed activity and publishes disciplinary information.
Current North Carolina Cosmetic-Art License Requirements
The Board’s current NC-graduate guidance still lists the following school-hour and examination requirements. These are current requirements as of September 28, 2026; proposed legislation discussed later on this page has not replaced them.
| Credential | Current training route | Current exam benchmark | NC graduate license fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetology curriculum plus required performances | 75% or higher | $49 |
| Apprentice Cosmetologist | 1,200 hours in the approved apprentice cosmetology curriculum | 70% or higher | $20 |
| Esthetician | 600 approved school hours | 75% or higher | $20 |
| Manicurist | 300 approved school hours | 75% or higher | $20 |
| Natural Hair Care Specialist | 300 approved school hours | 75% or higher | $20 |
| Teacher | Training hours vary by teaching discipline, or qualifying work-experience route where allowed | 85% or higher | $20 |
For the complete application path, exam process, fees, temporary permits, renewal and expired-license rules, use the site’s North Carolina cosmetology license guide.
North Carolina Cosmetology License Lookup and Verification
The Board separates individual professional records from salon and school records. When both the worker and the business matter, verify both records instead of assuming one license covers the other.
Individual professional
Use the Board’s individual verification system to check the exact credential, license number, status and expiration information for a cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, natural hair care specialist, teacher or other covered licensee.
Salon or school
Use the separate facility search when verifying a salon or school. A valid professional license does not prove the location itself holds the required facility license.
For detailed search instructions and troubleshooting, use the North Carolina cosmetology license verification guide.
North Carolina Cosmetic-Art License Renewal: Current 2026 Window
Not every cosmetologist necessarily expires in 2026. North Carolina law places cosmetologists on a three-year renewal cycle and allows staggered renewal. Check the expiration date on your own Board record before paying.
| Credential | Statutory renewal cycle | General deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Every 3 years, subject to Board staggering | October 1 of the required renewal year |
| Esthetician | Annual | October 1 |
| Manicurist | Annual | October 1 |
| Natural Hair Care Specialist | Annual under current law | October 1 |
| Apprentice | Annual under current law | October 1 |
| Teacher | Every 2 years | October 1 of the required renewal year |
North Carolina Continuing Education Requirements
North Carolina law requires a teacher, cosmetologist, esthetician, natural hair care specialist or manicurist to complete eight hours of qualifying continuing education for each year of the licensing cycle, unless a current exemption applies.
A cosmetologist may complete up to 24 hours at any point during the three-year cosmetologist cycle. The Board’s current renewal guidance says acceptable education can include learning a new skill from another professional, educational videos or tutorials, correspondence or online courses and hands-on classes.
Paid classes are not automatically required
The Board offers free CE and specifically cautions licensees against course providers that advertise paid classes as universally “mandatory.”
At least half must relate to cosmetic art
Current Board renewal guidance says at least half of the education completed must be in the cosmetic-art licensure field.
Keep your own records
The Board says providers do not automatically report CE hours. Licensees keep their own records and submit documentation if selected for an audit.
North Carolina Cosmetology Examinations
Qualified candidates currently register for North Carolina cosmetic-art examinations through Prov. The Board’s examination page directs candidates to Prov and its current Candidate Information Bulletin for registration and scheduling instructions.
Cosmetologist applicant
The Board’s current NC-graduate requirements list a passing score of 75% or higher for cosmetologist licensure.
Apprentice route
The current apprentice cosmetologist route lists a passing score of 70% or higher.
The Board FAQ states that North Carolina has used the NIC National Examination from October 1, 2007 to the present. Candidates should still use the current North Carolina/Prov instructions rather than an old generic NIC preparation guide.
North Carolina Temporary Employment Permit
A qualifying North Carolina cosmetic-art graduate can request a temporary employment permit when the Board’s conditions are met.
Graduation reported
The school must submit the graduate’s required completion information to the Board.
Exam application submitted
The graduate must apply for the examination after graduation and within three months of completing the required training.
Permit application + $5
The graduate submits the temporary-permit application and current $5 fee.
Moving an Out-of-State Cosmetic-Art License to North Carolina
North Carolina’s reciprocity route starts with two basic conditions: the applicant must hold a current license in good standing and must be licensed by a jurisdiction that offers reciprocity to North Carolina. A registration or certificate is not automatically treated as a license.
The documentation route differs by issuing state. For some jurisdictions the Board requires a certification sent by the originating licensing agency; for others, the current license and required application documents can be submitted without a separate certification.
North Carolina Salon, Shop and School Oversight
The Board separately licenses and inspects cosmetic-art businesses and schools. A personal professional license does not replace the facility credential required for a regulated shop or school.
New salon or ownership/location change
The current salon application is used when opening a new salon, moving the salon to a new location or taking over ownership of an existing salon.
The official application currently lists a $25 registration fee + $10 processing fee + $3 per operating chair.
Inspection timing
The current salon application says a physical inspection occurs during the listed business hours approximately 30–45 days after the opening or ownership-change date, without advance notice.
The salon license is expected approximately two to three weeks after inspection under the current published instructions.
North Carolina shops renew annually on or before February 1. A shop not renewed by March 1 expires under G.S. 88B-21.
Complaints, Inspections and Disciplinary Actions
The Board accepts complaint categories that include infection-control or sanitation issues, unlicensed practice, competency concerns and school-related complaints. Its complaint system states that the Board cannot resolve ordinary payment disputes.
File a complaint
Use the Board’s complaint process when the issue involves licensing, sanitation, competency or another matter within the Board’s authority.
Review disciplinary information
The Board publishes disciplinary actions connected with violations and civil penalties. Use this separately from the ordinary public license-status search when enforcement history matters.
Current North Carolina Board Members
The Board’s current members page lists the following appointments.
Next Published North Carolina Cosmetic Art Board Meeting
October 19, 2026
The Board’s current meeting schedule lists its next 2026 meeting for October 19, 2026.
Published meeting location:
102 Edinburgh Dr
Cary, NC 27511
The published meeting location is different from the Board’s regular office address at 121 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 209. Check the official meetings page before traveling in case details change.
September 2026 Law-Change Watch: Senate Bill 808 Is Still Proposed
Senate Bill 808 has proposed multiple changes to North Carolina cosmetic-art licensing, including revisions involving natural hair care, hair braiding, mobile cosmetic-art shops and other licensing provisions.
However, as of September 28, 2026, the General Assembly’s bill record still shows the latest action as a referral to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee on June 30, 2026. It is not listed as an enacted session law.
Check Senate Bill 808 status at the North Carolina General Assembly
Official North Carolina Cosmetic-Art Resources
Board homepage
Current alerts, renewals, contact information, licensing notices and consumer warnings.
Licensee services
Renewal, inactive/reactivation, certification, duplicate licenses, name/address changes and CE exemptions.
Initial NC licensing
Current training hours, exam benchmarks, fees and NC-graduate requirements.
Examinations
Board-linked Prov registration and current exam guidance.
Complaints
Use for sanitation, unlicensed practice, competency, school and other Board-jurisdiction complaints.
North Carolina General Statutes
Read enacted Chapter 88B requirements covering cosmetic-art licensing, fees, renewals and Board authority.
North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology FAQs
What is the official name of the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology?
The official regulator is the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. People often search for it using phrases such as North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology or NC Cosmetology Board.
What is the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners phone number?
The Board’s published phone number is 919-736-6123. Current phone hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where is the North Carolina cosmetology Board office?
The Board office is at 121 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 209, Cary, NC 27511. Current in-office customer hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except state holidays.
What email does the North Carolina Cosmetic Art Board use?
The Board’s published general email address is nccosmo@nccosmeticarts.com.
How many hours are currently required for a North Carolina cosmetologist license?
The Board’s current NC-graduate requirements list 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetology curriculum plus required performances and a passing state-board exam score of 75% or higher.
When is the 2026 North Carolina cosmetic-art license renewal deadline?
For individual licenses that are due in 2026, the Board’s current notice says on-time renewals can be submitted through October 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Check your own license record because not every cosmetologist is due in the same year.
How much continuing education does a North Carolina cosmetologist need?
Current North Carolina law requires eight hours for each applicable year of the licensing cycle unless an exemption applies. A cosmetologist can complete up to 24 hours at any point during the three-year cosmetologist cycle.
Who gives the North Carolina cosmetology exams?
The Board’s current exam page directs qualified candidates to Prov for examination registration and scheduling. The Board FAQ says North Carolina has used the NIC National Examination since October 1, 2007.
Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to North Carolina?
North Carolina has a reciprocity route for qualifying applicants with a current license in good standing from a jurisdiction that offers reciprocity to North Carolina. Documentation requirements differ by issuing state.
Is Senate Bill 808 already changing North Carolina cosmetology requirements?
Not as of September 28, 2026. The North Carolina General Assembly currently shows Senate Bill 808 in the House with its last action on June 30, 2026. Continue following enacted law and current Board instructions unless the bill becomes law and implementation guidance is published.
Is Board-of-Cosmetology.org the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners?
No. Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent informational website. The North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, enacted statutes, administrative rules and official state records control licensing decisions.
North Carolina Board Quick Checklist
- Use the official name North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners when contacting the regulator.
- Call 919-736-6123 during the Board’s published phone hours when online instructions do not resolve your issue.
- Verify individual professionals and facilities as separate records.
- Check your own expiration date before renewing because cosmetologist licenses can be staggered.
- If your individual license is due in 2026, note the current October 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. on-time renewal cutoff.
- Keep your own CE records because providers do not automatically report every hour to the Board.
- Use Prov only after confirming the current Board examination route and eligibility.
- Use the reciprocity instructions that match the state that issued your current license.
- Verify salon licensing separately from individual practitioner licensing.
- Do not pay an unexpected text message claiming to be a Board inspector.
- Do not treat proposed Senate Bill 808 provisions as enacted requirements unless official law and Board guidance change.
Independent-site notice: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, the State of North Carolina, Prov or a cosmetic-art school. Current Board records, enacted statutes, administrative rules and official written instructions control.