Kentucky Cosmetology License: Requirements, Exams, Fees & Renewal
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Kentucky, the standard route requires 1,500 hours of approved cosmetology education, a high-school diploma or certified proof of 12th-grade equivalency, age 18 or older, and successful completion of both theory and practical examinations before licensure.
Quick Answer: How Do You Get a Kentucky Cosmetology License?
The normal Kentucky cosmetologist path is to complete 1,500 hours through a qualifying cosmetology program, meet the education and age requirements, become eligible for testing, pass the theory examination, pass the practical examination, apply for the license and wait until the Board issues or verifies the credential before providing regulated services.
Kentucky Cosmetologist License Requirements
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology currently lists five core requirements for an applicant seeking a cosmetologist license. Completing school is only one part of the licensing process.
| Requirement | Kentucky rule | What it means for the applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology education | 1,500 hours | Complete the required cosmetology curriculum through a qualifying program. |
| General education | Diploma or certified testing documents showing grade-12 equivalency | Have acceptable proof ready for the licensing process. |
| Age | At least 18 | The standard cosmetologist applicant must meet the age requirement. |
| Testing | Written/theory and practical examinations | Both examination components must be successfully completed. |
| License issuance | Apply and receive license verification or the license | Do not provide regulated services before the credential is issued or verified. |
What Is Included in the 1,500 Kentucky Cosmetology Hours?
Kentucky’s current cosmetology education regulation requires at least 1,500 hours of clinical class work and scientific lectures. The curriculum is divided into theory, practical work and state-law instruction rather than being treated as one undifferentiated hour total.
375 theory hours
The current regulation assigns at least 375 hours to science and theory instruction.
1,085 clinic and practice hours
The largest portion of the program is practical and clinical work within the approved curriculum.
40 Kentucky law hours
The curriculum includes 40 hours covering applicable Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations.
Subjects include infection control, anatomy and physiology, hair and scalp science, haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair coloring, skin care, makeup, artificial eyelashes, nail services, professional skills and salon-business topics.
How to Apply for a Kentucky Cosmetology License
Complete the required education
Finish the Kentucky cosmetology curriculum or establish qualifying education through the appropriate out-of-state process.
Make sure your education record is complete
Your graduation or qualifying training information must be properly recorded before the Board can release you into the examination process.
Register for the theory examination
Kentucky uses PSI for current cosmetology testing. Applicants must receive eligibility before scheduling through the testing vendor.
Pass the theory examination
The theory examination comes before the practical exam. A passing theory score is currently valid for six months.
Apply for and pass the practical examination
After passing theory, complete the practical-exam application and scheduling process and bring the required identification, supplies and equipment.
Complete the license application
Submit the required application information and applicable licensing fee through Kentucky’s online licensing system.
Wait for licensure before working
Confirm that Kentucky has issued or verified your credential before providing services that require the cosmetologist license.
Kentucky Cosmetology Theory and Practical Examinations
Kentucky currently uses PSI for cosmetology testing. The theory examination must be passed before the applicant submits the practical-examination application and fee.
Theory examination
The current PSI cosmetology test uses the National Master Cosmetology examination. The 2026 candidate bulletin lists 100 scored questions plus 10 non-scored experimental questions, with 120 minutes to complete the test.
A passing theory score is valid for six months.
Practical examination
Effective June 1, 2026, Kentucky practical examinations are held at PSI’s testing center at 333 Waller Ave., Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40504.
Current practical-exam rules require approved identification, appropriate supplies and a full set of solid-color medical scrubs. White clothing is prohibited.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Fees in 2026
The Kentucky Board’s current fee page reflects the new biennial licensing structure. The ordinary cosmetologist initial license fee remains separate from examination, renewal, restoration and out-of-state endorsement charges.
| Transaction | Current fee | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cosmetologist license | $50 | Initial individual cosmetologist license. |
| Cosmetology examination | $85 | Current examination charge; retake fee is also listed as $85. |
| Biennial cosmetologist renewal | $100 | Current two-year renewal charge beginning with the 2026 biennial cycle. |
| Restoration | $50 | Applies to qualifying inactive cosmetologist licenses in addition to past-due renewal obligations. |
| Out-of-state endorsement | $100 | Application for qualifying license transfer from another state. |
| Certification | $25 | Typically used when Kentucky must send official certification to another licensing state. |
| Duplicate / lost / name-change license request | $25 | Separate replacement or duplicate-license transaction. |
Application and licensing transactions can involve more than one charge. Review the live transaction before paying and do not assume the initial $50 license fee includes examination or endorsement costs.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Renewal Changed in 2026
Kentucky moved cosmetology licenses to a biennial renewal schedule beginning in July 2026. Renewals now occur during the renewal cycle in even-numbered years.
Renewal opens
July 1 of the applicable even-numbered renewal year.
Deadline
July 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST through the online portal.
2026 renewed expiration
The Board states that approved 2026 renewals receive an expiration date of July 31, 2028.
The current biennial individual renewal fee for cosmetologists is $100. Kentucky also requires a valid email address for personal license renewal and a current photograph uploaded through the licensing system.
Inactive or Expired Kentucky Cosmetology License
Kentucky distinguishes an inactive license from one that has been expired long enough that ordinary restoration is no longer available.
| License situation | General Kentucky route | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Missed July 31 renewal deadline | License becomes inactive | Use the online restoration/renewal route and pay applicable renewal obligations plus the restoration fee. |
| Expired less than 5 years | May generally be renewed/restored through the online portal | Check the account and current amount before paying. |
| Expired more than 5 years | Ordinary restoration no longer applies | Apply for and successfully complete the required theory and practical examinations, then apply for a new license. |
Transfer an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Kentucky
An applicant already licensed elsewhere uses Kentucky’s out-of-state endorsement process rather than pretending to be a first-time Kentucky school graduate. Kentucky compares the applicant’s education, licensing history and examination background with its requirements.
Minimum Kentucky comparison
For cosmetology, Kentucky currently uses 1,500 hours and 12th-grade-equivalency education as the minimum education benchmark for an out-of-state application.
Active certification is important
Kentucky requires certification from every relevant state where education or licensure was obtained. The certification must be active and sent directly from the issuing state agency to Kentucky.
Prepare these items when applicable
- Official state certification showing active licensing status.
- Certification of education hours when hours are being transferred.
- A current photograph taken within the previous six months.
- Current government-issued photo identification.
- A photo of the current active professional license.
- Work-history documentation when Kentucky requests experience evidence.
- Felony-supporting documentation if applicable to the applicant.
Kentucky warns that an endorsement application will not be processed until all required certifications have been received directly from the relevant state agency. Additional education or examination can be required after review of the complete application.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Lookup
Use the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology public verification service when you need to check your own credential, verify a professional before hiring or booking services, or confirm that a salon or facility record is current.
Individual license
Verify the cosmetologist’s name, credential, license number and current status rather than relying on an old wall license, social-media image or payment receipt.
Facility license
Search the salon or facility separately when a facility license applies. A valid personal cosmetologist license does not automatically prove that the location is licensed.
Personal Cosmetologist License vs. Kentucky Salon License
A cosmetologist license authorizes the individual professional within its legal scope. A salon or facility license applies to the place where regulated services are offered. Kentucky handles these as separate licenses.
New salon
The owner must complete the applicable online salon application and required documentation. A regional inspector contacts the applicant to arrange the opening inspection after the application, documents and fees are submitted.
Do not open before approval
Kentucky says a salon may not advertise itself as licensed or open to the public until the final inspection is completed and the appropriate facility license is issued.
Salon and limited-facility licenses now expire on July 31 of each even-numbered year regardless of the original issuance date.
Kentucky Cosmetology Application and License Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible reason | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| No examination confirmation | Eligibility or application may still be processing. | If 30 days have passed since submission without confirmation, email KBC about status. |
| Theory passed but practical cannot be scheduled | The practical application, fee or Board release may not yet be complete. | Confirm the theory result and follow the current KBC/PSI practical-exam process. |
| Name does not match | Licensing record may still contain an old legal name. | Submit the required legal name-change documentation and current government-issued ID. |
| Photo rejected | Wrong format, old photo, filter or unsuitable background. | Use a recent shoulders-up photo against a solid white or light-blue background with no AI generation or filters. |
| Out-of-state application is not moving | A state certification may be missing. | Confirm that every required issuing agency sent certification directly to KBC. |
| 2026 license was not renewed | The July 31 deadline passed. | Check the portal for inactive/restoration status rather than submitting another ordinary renewal. |
| License expired more than five years ago | Ordinary restoration is no longer available. | Follow the current examination and new-license route. |
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Current office:
1025 Capital Center Dr.
Suite 200
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4262
Email: kbc@ky.gov
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST, excluding recognized government holiday closures.
Before contacting the Board
- Have your legal name ready.
- Know the exact license type.
- Have your license number when already licensed.
- For technical problems, save a screenshot.
- Check the online account or public record first when asking about status.
KBC says email is generally the preferred contact method for licensing and technical questions, particularly during the heavy July–August renewal period.
Official Kentucky Cosmetology Services
Related Cosmetology Licensing Guides
If you are comparing Kentucky with another state, see our U.S. cosmetology license requirements guide. For help identifying the correct licensing authority when a state uses a different board name, see the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology guide.
Kentucky Cosmetology License FAQs
How many hours are required for a Kentucky cosmetology license?
Kentucky currently requires 1,500 hours for the standard cosmetologist education route. The curriculum includes at least 375 theory hours, 1,085 clinic and practice hours and 40 hours covering applicable Kentucky laws and regulations.
How old do you have to be to become a cosmetologist in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology lists age 18 as the minimum age for the standard cosmetologist license.
Do I need a high-school diploma for a Kentucky cosmetology license?
Kentucky requires a diploma or certified testing documents proving grade-12-equivalency education for a cosmetologist applicant.
How much is the Kentucky cosmetologist license fee?
The current initial cosmetologist license fee is $50. Examination and other transaction fees are separate.
How much is the Kentucky cosmetology exam?
The Kentucky Board’s current fee schedule lists an $85 examination fee for cosmetologists and an $85 retake fee.
When do Kentucky cosmetology licenses renew?
Beginning in July 2026, Kentucky moved license renewals to a biennial schedule in even-numbered years. The renewal period runs July 1 through July 31, with the online renewal due by July 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
How much is Kentucky cosmetology license renewal?
The current biennial renewal fee for an individual cosmetologist license is $100.
Does Kentucky require continuing education for a normal cosmetologist renewal?
The current Kentucky administrative-regulation index lists the former cosmetology continuing-education renewal regulations as repealed. Check the Board for any credential-specific or disciplinary requirement that may apply to your individual license.
Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky has an out-of-state endorsement process. For cosmetology, the state currently compares applicants against a 1,500-hour and grade-12-equivalency benchmark and requires applicable state certifications and licensing records.
What happens if my Kentucky cosmetology license expired more than five years ago?
Kentucky says a license expired for more than five years requires the individual to apply for and successfully complete the applicable theory and practical examinations before becoming eligible to apply for a new license.
What is the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology currently lists 502-564-4262 as its main phone number.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Checklist
- Confirm that cosmetologist is the correct Kentucky credential for the services you plan to provide.
- Complete the required 1,500-hour cosmetology program.
- Have acceptable grade-12-equivalency documentation.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 18.
- Complete the PSI theory examination first.
- Complete the practical examination within the applicable score-validity period.
- Submit the Kentucky license application and correct fee.
- Wait for license issuance or verification before providing regulated services.
- Verify the public state record after licensing.
- Renew during July 1–31 of the applicable even-numbered renewal year.
Independent guide: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. Kentucky statutes, administrative regulations, official Board records and licensing decisions control an applicant’s eligibility, examination requirements, fees and authority to practice.