To receive a cosmetology license in Wisconsin or a license in one of the other beauty practitioner disciplines in this state you have to attend a licensed school and complete the minimum required training hours before you can take the state’s board exams. These required training hours are specified by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. After you pass the exam you can apply for the license. The fee is 80$ for combined practical and theory exam or $50 if taken individually.
Minimum required training hours
- Cosmetologist license: 1800 hours (3,712 hours practical and 288 theoretical training for apprenticeship)
- Aesthetician license: 600 hours (12 months with 20 hours/week Apprenticeship)
- Barber license: 600 hours (12 months with 20 hours/week Apprenticeship)
- Manicurist license: 250 hours (8 months with 20 hours/week Apprenticeship)
Examinations are already stressful but a lack of information or misinformation only adds unnecessary stress. The exams in Wisconsin are administered through DL Roope. Therefore, we advise every applicant to check the examination information or contact either the Board or DL Roope’s if you have questions.
Contact Information Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Post Office Mailing Address:
State of Wisconsin
Department of Safety and Professional Services
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Street Address:
Department of Safety and Professional Services
1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 112
Madison, WI 53703
Phone:
(608) 266-2112
(877) 617-1565
Email: DSPS@wisconsin.gov
Individual information: Cosmetology Practitioner, Cosmetology Apprentice, Aesthetician, Barber, Barbering Apprentice, Electrologist, Manicurist.
Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology licenses in Wisconsin are renewed every two years. Pursuant to 2017 Wisconsin Act 81, there are no longer continuing education requirements for the renewal of cosmetology licenses. The renewal fees are $82 for all beauty practitioner disciplines and a $25 late fee if the renewal date is missed.
Out-of-state license / Out-of-country license
An out-of-state license does not automatically qualify you for a cosmetology license in Wisconsin. You can apply for a license through endorsement if you are recently licensed in another state and have completed at least 4,000 hours of licensed cosmetology practice, you may apply for licensure by endorsement (Form #1683).
The application fee for reciprocity through endorsement is $82 for all beauty practitioner disciplines.
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Disclaimer: We don’t guarantee the accuracy of the above information. Ultimately the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services determines license requirements and will provide you with all needed information. We are not affiliated with the Board in any way. The information on this page was last updated on 2/22/2018.