Apply, Renew, Transfer or Verify an NJ Cosmetology License
New Jersey’s full beauty credential is the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license, regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Applicants generally need to be at least 17, complete high school or its equivalent, finish 1,200 approved training hours and complete the Board’s examination and licensing process.
Use this guide to choose the correct MyLicense action, check a real-time license, understand the 2026 exam changes, avoid test-day rejection, calculate current fees, renew on time, reinstate a suspended record, transfer an out-of-state license or report unlicensed practice.
Quick Answer: Choose the Correct New Jersey License Track
Apply
Confirm age and education, complete 1,200 hours, submit the application, satisfy background/document requirements and complete the current examination process.
Renew
Check your expiration, sign in to MyLicense, renew before the deadline and verify that the public status updates afterward.
Verify
Use Person Search for a practitioner and Business Search for a cosmetology or hairstyling shop.
Transfer / endorsement
Have New Jersey evaluate your other jurisdiction’s license, training and experience before assuming you need more school or another exam.
NJ Cosmetology License Path Helper
This static helper does not access MyLicense or collect personal information. Choose your situation to see the most useful next step.
New Jersey Board and Official License Name
The regulating agency is the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The full practicing credential covered by this guide is commonly called an NJ cosmetology license, but its official title is Cosmetologist-Hairstylist.
Practitioner license
Belongs to the individual who performs licensed services.
Shop license
Belongs to the salon or shop premises and is separate from every practitioner’s personal license.
Chair / booth rental
New Jersey has a separate chair/booth-rental licensing process for qualifying independent-contractor arrangements.
What an NJ Cosmetologist-Hairstylist License Actually Covers
A full cosmetology-hairstyling license is broader than a hair-only specialty. Knowing the scope helps clients, employers and applicants distinguish this credential from skin care, manicuring, barbering and other licenses.
Services inside the full scope
- Shaving or trimming beard, mustache or other facial hair.
- Shampooing, cutting, arranging and styling hair.
- Relaxing, curling and permanent waving.
- Hair braiding services included in the applicable scope.
- Dyeing, tinting, coloring and bleaching hair.
- Applying qualifying cosmetic preparations to hair, scalp, face or neck.
- Certain massage, cleansing and stimulation of the face, neck, upper chest and upper back.
- Waxing, tweezing and depilatory hair removal.
- Manicuring, nail sculpturing and pedicuring.
- Cutting, fitting, coloring or styling wigs/hairpieces while worn.
Important scope limit
- The cosmetology hair-removal authority does not include electrolysis.
- A personal license does not replace a required shop license.
- A practitioner should not assume every beauty or medical procedure is included merely because it is cosmetic.
- Verify Board rules before adding a service that is outside ordinary salon practice.
NJ Cosmetology License Lookup Online: Real-Time Verification
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs describes its License Verification System as real-time access to current professional license information.
Use Person Search
- Select the profession/license type when possible.
- Search first/middle name and last name.
- Use the license number for the strongest match.
- Add the city when similar names appear.
- Partial text searches require at least two characters.
- Check current status and expiration before relying on it.
Use Business Search
- Search the licensed business name.
- Use the shop license number when available.
- Add city to narrow a common salon name.
- Compare the result with the actual premises.
- Check expiration and status.
- Verify each practitioner separately.
If the license does not appear
| Problem | Check next | Do not do |
|---|---|---|
| No name match | Try the legal name, prior legal name or license number. | Rely only on a nickname or social-media name. |
| Wrong license category | Check cosmetology-hairstylist, skin care, manicuring, barbering or another actual credential. | Assume every beauty license is full cosmetology. |
| Newly issued license | Recheck after processing or contact the Board if status is time-sensitive. | Treat an application receipt as active status. |
| Printed license differs | Use the current state verification result and contact the Board if the conflict matters. | Assume an old wall certificate is current. |
Need many licenses at once?
New Jersey also makes downloadable licensee lists available without a charge. The Board says those lists can include license numbers, names, addresses, counties, certification dates and expiration dates, while excluding phone numbers, email addresses and gender.
NJ Cosmetology License Requirements: Age, Diploma and 1,200 Hours
| Requirement | Cosmetologist-Hairstylist rule | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Age | At least 17 | Acceptable proof of age. |
| Basic education | High-school completion or equivalent. | Diploma, certified transcript or qualifying equivalency documentation. |
| Cosmetology education | 1,200 hours | Official transcript/certification from the appropriate school. |
| Training source | Approved NJ school or substantially similar accepted training from another state or foreign country. | School records plus evaluation/certification when applicable. |
| Examination | Complete the examination requirements assigned by the Board. | Authorization, admission letter, ID and score records. |
No SSN or ITIN?
Division of Consumer Affairs licensing guidance provides a separate route for applicants who have neither a Social Security number nor an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Complete the Division’s certification form and then contact the Cosmetology Board for the instructions that apply to your application.
Student Permit and Temporary Permit: Do Not Mix Them Up
Student permit
The Board FAQ says a student may practice under a student permit after completing half of the required training.
- Full cosmetology requirement: 1,200 hours.
- Halfway point: 600 hours.
- Permit remains subject to school and Board supervision rules.
- Current fee schedule lists student permit at $5.
Temporary permit
Current Board FAQ says the temporary permit is valid for 120 days and may be issued only once while the applicant waits to be scheduled for licensure examination.
- Current standard permit fee: $20.
- Do not assume it can be extended.
- If it expires before licensure, stop practicing until authority to practice is restored.
How to Apply for a New Jersey Cosmetology License
Confirm the exact license category
Use Cosmetologist-Hairstylist when you need the full cosmetology scope. Skin care, manicuring, barbering and hair braiding have separate requirements.
Complete the eligibility requirements
Be at least 17, complete high school or an accepted equivalent and finish the required 1,200-hour program or Board-accepted equivalent.
Start the current Board application
Use the current application for authorization to sit for the examination and for licensure rather than a private downloadable copy.
Submit school and identity records
Make sure your legal name is consistent across your school, Board application and government ID before exam registration.
Complete criminal-history instructions
After the initial review, the Board sends the Criminal History Record Request instructions and identifies missing application items.
Clear all deficiencies
Common Board-listed deficiencies can involve a photograph, exam scores, educational evaluation, experience documents or verification of another jurisdiction’s license.
Complete the assigned examination process
NJ-trained candidates are generally preregistered for theory testing through their school; out-of-state, foreign and lapsed candidates are preregistered through the Board.
Pay the license invoice after approval
The Board sends a congratulations notice and license-fee invoice after final approval. Your license number is issued after the required license fee is paid.
Verify issuance online
Check the real-time public system for the new license number and status rather than waiting only for the hard-copy license.
How Long Does an NJ Cosmetology Application Take?
The Board publishes planning estimates by phase rather than promising one universal processing date.
| Phase | Current planning estimate | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | About 1 week | Initial completeness review, criminal-history instructions and deficiency notice. |
| Phase II — private school | About 4–6 weeks | Remaining deficiencies and applicant-dependent requirements are resolved. |
| Phase II — vocational | About 2–3 weeks | Remaining requirements are reviewed. |
| Phase III | About 1–2 weeks | Final review, approval and license-fee invoice. |
| Hard-copy license | About 10–15 business days | Paper license arrives after approval/payment while the issued license number can be checked online. |
MyLicense status can look confusing
- Use View Checklist to see licensing requirements.
- Use Continue when an application is still being completed.
- MyLicense warns that requirements can all display as Unchecked before the application has been fully submitted.
- Save your application number and uploaded-document proof.
NJ Cosmetology Theory Exam: Time, Questions and Subject Breakdown
Prometric/IQT currently administers the computer-based theory examination for the Board. The linked Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist CIB provides the detailed theory-test blueprint.
120 minutes
Maximum theory examination time listed in the CIB.
120
Total questions in the published theory blueprint.
110
Weighted items that contribute to the final score.
10
Remaining items do not contribute to the final score.
Current published theory blueprint
| Exam domain | Published items | Study emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Concepts | 30 | Infection control, safety, anatomy/physiology and basic product chemistry. |
| Hair Care and Services | 40 | Consultation, hair/scalp, tools, cutting, styling, natural hair styling, extensions and chemical services. |
| Skin Care and Services | 15 | Skin analysis, contraindications, tools, facial services and hair-removal principles. |
| Nail Care and Services | 15 | Nail analysis, sanitation, manicure/pedicure and enhancements. |
| Barbering | 5 | Barber-related concepts included in the NJ cosmetologist exam. |
| New Jersey State Law | 5 | State-specific laws and rules. |
Current Prometric theory fee
NJ Cosmetology Test-Day Checklist: Avoid Losing the Exam Fee
The Prometric candidate manual contains several identity and document rules that are easy to miss but can prevent admission to the test.
Before scheduling
- Wait for the Authorization to Test email after your school or the Board preregisters you.
- Check spam/junk if the authorization email does not arrive.
- You cannot schedule without the assigned UserID/password.
- Use a unique email address that you can continue accessing.
- Make sure your first and last name exactly match the government ID you will bring.
If your legal name changed
NJ school candidate
Submit legal name-change documentation to the school at least 10 calendar days before the scheduled examination so the testing record can be corrected.
Lapsed or out-of-state candidate
Contact the New Jersey Board to update the record and obtain an updated admission letter before the exam.
Bring all three test-entry items
| Required item | What must match | Common failure |
|---|---|---|
| Printed admission letter | Current exam appointment and candidate information. | A phone/tablet copy is not accepted. |
| Primary ID | Original, unexpired government photo ID with required name. | Copies/electronic IDs or name mismatch can cause denial. |
| Secondary ID | Address on the admission letter. | Bringing an accepted document with a different address. |
Examples of secondary address evidence
- State driver’s license or nondriver ID.
- Utility or credit-card bill from the past 90 days showing your name and current non-PO-box address.
- Bank or credit-union statement issued within the past 60 days.
- Original lease or rental agreement.
- Property-tax bill, statement or receipt from the past year.
- Qualifying IRS or state-tax correspondence.
- Original first-class government mail from the past six months.
Rescheduling and no-show cost traps
| Situation | Current manual consequence |
|---|---|
| More than 5 but fewer than 29 calendar days before exam | $15 cancellation/reschedule fee without an approved excuse. |
| 5 or fewer calendar days before exam | Full test-administration fee may be required. |
| No show | Full exam fee forfeited. |
| Wrong / missing identification | Entry denied and exam fee forfeited. |
| Missing printed admission letter | Entry can be denied and fee forfeited. |
After the theory exam
- Official result letter is normally emailed within 1–2 business days.
- A first-time test taker who fails cannot reschedule until 15 days after the failed examination.
- Later theory retakes have no waiting period in the current manual.
- A lapsed-license candidate who fails the second attempt faces additional refresher-course/full-examination requirements.
ADA accommodations
The Board must qualify the accommodation. NJ-school candidates process the required documentation through their school; out-of-state, out-of-country and other Board-routed candidates should follow the Board’s current accommodation process before scheduling.
2026 Textured-Hair Law and Practical Exam: What Changed?
This is the biggest 2026 update for new New Jersey cosmetology applicants and one of the easiest details to get wrong from older practice-test pages.
January 12, 2026
P.L. 2025, c.207 added textured-hair examination and curriculum requirements.
August 1, 2026
Textured hair is required subject matter in the written and practical portions of the licensing examination.
February 1, 2028
The separate curriculum section has the later 25th-month effective date.
What “textured hair” covers
- Coiled hair.
- Curly hair.
- Wavy hair.
- Different coil, curl and wave patterns.
- Hair-strand thickness.
- Different hair volumes/densities.
The current CIB creates an important 2026 caution
The Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist theory CIB currently linked by Prometric still displays an effective date of August 1, 2020. It remains useful for the 120-minute format and published domain breakdown, but an August 2026 candidate should not use that old publication date to ignore the newer state-law textured-hair requirement.
NJ Cosmetology License Fees for 2026
Separate the Board’s licensing fees from Prometric’s testing charge. Paying one does not automatically cover the other.
| Transaction | Listed fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Student permit | $5 | Student permit fee in the Board schedule. |
| Temporary permit | $20 | Current standard permit fee; old COVID fee waivers expired. |
| Board examination/application | $50 | Board fee schedule says examination fee includes application fee. |
| Prometric written exam | $53 | Separate testing-vendor payment. |
| Prometric written retake | $53 | Current Prometric listing. |
| Initial individual license — first year of cycle | $90 | Paid after approval when applicable. |
| Initial individual license — second year of cycle | $45 | Reduced because less of the biennial period remains. |
| Biennial individual renewal | $90 | Ordinary two-year renewal fee. |
| Late renewal | $30 | Added when renewal is filed in the 30-day post-expiration window. |
| Reinstatement | $50 | Past delinquent renewal fees may also be due. |
| Endorsement | $100 + license fee | Do not pay until the Board confirms your transfer route. |
| Duplicate license | $50 | Separate from simple online account access. |
| Name change | $50 | Current fee schedule for name/corporate-status change. |
| Formal license verification | $25 | Different from the free public lookup. |
How to Renew an NJ Cosmetology License Online
Individual licenses are renewed for two years from the previous expiration date. Use the date on your own license and real-time record rather than copying another license category’s 2026 renewal date.
Verify your current license
Record the license number, exact credential, status and expiration date.
Watch for the renewal notice
The renewal rule calls for the Board to send notice at least 60 days before expiration.
Register or sign in to MyLicense
Use your existing record. Do not create an unrelated second professional profile to solve a login problem.
Select Renew License
Eligible licenses appear through the renewal action in the portal.
Review license and contact information
Correct an address or name through the appropriate process when necessary rather than overlooking an incorrect record.
Complete the renewal questions
Answer every required attestation for your actual professional license.
Pay the current amount
The ordinary biennial individual renewal fee is $90. A timely late renewal can add the $30 late fee.
Save proof and verify status
Save the confirmation, then use real-time public verification to confirm that the new status/expiration has posted.
Does NJ cosmetology renewal require continuing education?
Late, Suspended or Inactive NJ Cosmetology License
| Status | Rule | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Before expiration | Ordinary renewal. | Renew before expiration and save confirmation. |
| 1–30 days late | Renewal fee plus $30 late fee. | File the late renewal promptly. |
| More than 30 days late | License is suspended without a hearing. | Follow the reinstatement process rather than ordinary renewal. |
| Reinstatement | Renewal application + delinquent renewal fees + $50 reinstatement fee + employment affidavit. | List each job held during suspension, including employer names, addresses and phone numbers. |
| Suspended over 5 years | Retake and pass the licensing examination. | Contact the Board before paying random old fees or scheduling independently. |
| Voluntary inactive | No licensed cosmetology services during the inactive biennial period. | Reactivate and satisfy the current fee/process before working. |
Extra exam rule for lapsed-license candidates
The current Prometric manual says a lapsed-license candidate who fails the exam on the second attempt must complete a mandatory refresher course before being rescheduled for the full Board examination consisting of theory and practical portions.
NJ MyLicense Login: Registration and Error Prevention
| Your situation | Correct portal path | Key information |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal letter received | Renewal Letter Registration | License Number + Registration Code printed on the notice. |
| Existing record, no renewal letter | Other Registration | Last Name + SSN/ITIN/DIIN + Date of Birth. |
| New professional applicant | Register a Person | Search for an existing record before creating a new profile. |
| Salon or business | Register a Business | Do not use this merely because an individual works in a salon. |
| Password lost | Person / Facility password reset | Recover the existing account instead of duplicating records. |
| Cannot register online | DCA registration support | Call 973-273-8001. |
NJ Cosmetology Address Change, Name Change and Duplicate License
Update within 30 days
The cosmetology-specific rule requires written Board notification no later than 30 days after an address change.
Use the legal change process
Use the Board’s current name-change procedure and supporting legal documentation. The fee schedule lists $50.
Replacement license
The current fee schedule lists $50 for a duplicate license.
Moving to New Jersey With an Out-of-State or Foreign Cosmetology License
Do not assume that “reciprocity” means automatic transfer, and do not assume that every applicant must automatically repeat New Jersey school or examination. The Board evaluates the particular license, training and experience.
Possible no-exam route
New Jersey statute provides a possible license-without-examination path when the licensing jurisdiction’s eligibility criteria are substantially similar and required certification/fees are supplied.
Experience may matter
The statute can permit consideration of at least three years of qualifying practical experience in a licensed shop when the other jurisdiction’s training is less stringent.
Do not self-decide
Current Board FAQ language still tells some out-of-state/foreign applicants to expect an examination. The Board must determine which route applies to your record.
Records worth gathering before contacting New Jersey
- Current license from every other jurisdiction.
- Official certification of licensure.
- School transcript and training-hour records.
- Course/evaluation documents for foreign education when required.
- Work-experience evidence if seeking consideration based on practical experience.
- Prior legal names if records differ.
- Any disciplinary or licensing-history documents requested.
Salon Owners: New Jersey Has a Practitioner Verification Rule
Public lookup is not only useful to clients. New Jersey regulations place verification duties on licensed shops and their designated experienced practicing licensee.
Verify the practitioner’s license or permit
Confirm that each person performing regulated services holds a valid New Jersey credential.
Review two additional forms of identification
At least one of the additional IDs must contain a photograph.
Record the verification
Keep the verification date, practitioner identification, license/permit number and required identification copies.
Keep records available for inspection
Verification documentation must be available at the licensed premises when requested by the Board or its representative.
Retain the documentation
The rule requires the shop holder to maintain the verification records for at least two years and protect the practitioner’s personal information.
Chair or booth renters
- The renter is treated as an independent contractor.
- Personal professional license must remain in good standing.
- Chair/booth rental license must be renewed biannually.
- Moving to another salon requires a new chair/booth rental application, inspection and license number.
- The renter cannot offer services beyond the licensed scope permitted for the shop arrangement.
Check Disciplinary Actions or File a Cosmetology Complaint
License verification, disciplinary history and complaint filing are three different actions. Use the correct one for the problem you are trying to solve.
| Your question | Use | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Is the practitioner/shop currently licensed? | MyLicense real-time verification. | Name, license number, business name or city. |
| Has the Board published disciplinary action? | Board Disciplinary Actions page. | Person/business name and license number when available. |
| I need to report a licensed professional | DCA licensed-professional complaint route. | Facts, dates and relevant supporting documents. |
| I need to report unlicensed practice | DCA complaint/unlicensed-activity process. | Names, location, dates, advertisements/receipts and other useful evidence. |
NJ Cosmetology Board Phone, Email and Support Routing
Use the contact that matches your problem so an application question does not get routed through the public verification line.
| Issue | Contact | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Board / licensing question |
973-504-6400 cosmoboard@dca.njoag.gov |
Legal name, license/application number and precise question. |
| Initial application | InitialApplications@dca.njoag.gov | Application number and exact missing requirement. |
| Renewal application | RenewalApplications@dca.njoag.gov | License number, expiration and transaction details. |
| Out-of-state certification | COSCertVerification@dca.lps.state.nj.us | License number, jurisdiction and destination/request purpose. |
| MyLicense registration | 973-273-8001 | Existing license/application details and portal error. |
| Individual verification line | 973-273-8090 | Practitioner name/license number. Not for facility searches. |
| General Consumer Affairs |
973-504-6200 NJ only: 800-242-5846 |
Board name and reason you need routing assistance. |
| Prometric theory exam | 866-773-1114 | Authorization/UserID, scheduled test information and exact testing problem. |
Board mailing and visit addresses
P.O. Box 45003
Newark, NJ 07101
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Use the Board’s appointment process before relying on an in-person visit.
Official New Jersey Cosmetology Action Links
Use this article to understand the process. Use these official state and approved testing resources for applications, payments, current legal status and final Board decisions.
Official Board
Contacts, alerts, applications, laws, actions and current Board resources.
Open NJ BoardMyLicense
Apply, renew, continue an application, update records and check requirements.
Open MyLicenseLicensing requirements
Confirm the official age, high-school, training and exam requirements.
Check RequirementsApplications and forms
Initial license, reinstatement, name change, student permit, shop and certification resources.
Open Board FormsRelated guides on this website
For broader school, application, exam, renewal and transfer concepts, use the U.S. cosmetology license guide . To identify the correct board or licensing agency in another state, read the state cosmetology and barbering board guide .
New Jersey Cosmetology License FAQs
Where do I look up a New Jersey cosmetology license?
Use the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs real-time License Verification System. Choose Person Search for an individual cosmetologist-hairstylist and Business Search for a cosmetology or hairstyling shop.
How many hours are required for an NJ cosmetology license?
A Cosmetologist-Hairstylist applicant generally needs 1,200 hours of approved cosmetology and hairstyling instruction, along with the age, high-school and examination requirements.
How much is NJ cosmetology license renewal?
The current fee schedule lists $90 for a biennial individual renewal. A renewal filed within 30 days after expiration also requires the $30 late fee.
Does New Jersey require continuing education for cosmetology renewal?
The current Chapter 13:28 ordinary individual renewal rule does not impose a general continuing-education-hour requirement for a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist renewal.
How many questions are on the NJ cosmetology theory exam?
The currently linked Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist CIB lists 120 minutes and 120 examination items, of which 110 are weighted and contribute to the final score.
What changed on the NJ cosmetology exam in August 2026?
New Jersey law requires textured hair to be included as examination subject matter in the written and practical portions beginning August 1, 2026. The separate school-curriculum provision has a later February 1, 2028 effective date and is intended to fit within existing training hours.
Do NJ cosmetology applicants still need a practical exam in 2026?
Current regulation describes the examination as theory and practical components, and the COVID-era waiver that allowed certain candidates to qualify without passing the practical exam expired February 16, 2026. Follow the Board’s current instructions for the practical step assigned to your application.
Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to New Jersey?
New Jersey evaluates the other jurisdiction’s licensing standards, training, certification and sometimes practical experience. State law provides possible no-exam eligibility in qualifying cases, but Board instructions for some applicants still require examination, so obtain the Board’s determination for your specific record.
What happens if my NJ cosmetology license is more than 30 days late?
The renewal rule provides that a license not renewed within 30 days after expiration is suspended without a hearing. Reinstatement requires the applicable delinquent renewal fees, the $50 reinstatement fee and an employment affidavit; a suspension longer than five years also requires retaking and passing the licensing examination.
What is the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling lists 973-504-6400. MyLicense registration assistance is separately listed at 973-273-8001.
Final NJ Cosmetology License Checklist
- Use the official credential name Cosmetologist-Hairstylist when searching or applying.
- Confirm age 17+ and high-school completion/equivalency.
- Complete the required 1,200 training hours.
- Use the no-SSN/ITIN certification route when applicable.
- Do not let an unfinished application remain open past six months.
- Read every Board deficiency email and respond to the exact item.
- Wait for Authorization to Test before trying to schedule theory.
- Match your registered legal name exactly to government ID.
- Bring the printed admission letter—phone copies are not enough.
- Bring two valid IDs and match the secondary ID address.
- Know the 120-minute / 120-item theory blueprint.
- Budget $53 for the current Prometric written examination.
- Remember that Board examination/application fees are separate.
- Prepare for textured-hair content under the August 2026 law.
- Do not rely on expired COVID practical-exam waivers.
- Use the Board’s current practical-exam instructions.
- Save score emails and observe the first-failure 15-day wait.
- Verify the license online after final approval/payment.
- Use Person Search for practitioners and Business Search for shops.
- Renew an individual license every two years.
- Budget $90 for ordinary biennial renewal.
- Do not copy the Barber 2026 expiration date to cosmetology.
- Act within 30 days if an individual renewal deadline is missed.
- Use reinstatement after suspension rather than ordinary renewal.
- Update an address no later than 30 days after moving.
- Ask the Board to evaluate an out-of-state license before repeating school or exams.
- Salon owners should verify practitioner licenses and required IDs.
- Search disciplinary actions separately from ordinary license status.
- Avoid unnecessary sensitive information when filing a complaint.
- Save every application, exam, renewal and payment confirmation.
Independent-site notice: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not affiliated with the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, MyLicense or Prometric. Official statutes, regulations, Board instructions, portal records and agency decisions control.