To receive a cosmetology license in West Virginia 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 West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The examination fee is $99. After you pass the exam you can apply for the license. The fee for the initial license is $35.

 

Minimum required training hours

  • Cosmetologist license: 1800 hours
  • Aesthetician license: 600 hours
  • Barber license: 1200 hours
  • Hair Stylist license: 1000 hours
  • Nail Technician license: 400 hours

Examinations are already stressful but a lack of information or misinformation only adds unnecessary stress. The exams are administered by DL Roope Administrations, Inc.Therefore, we advise every applicant to carefully read the examination information on the DL Roope Administrations website and contact the Board or DL Roope if you have further questions.

 

Contact Information West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
1201 Dunbar Avenue
Dunbar, West Virginia, 25064

Phone: (304) 558-2924
Fax: 304-558-3450

E-MailAmanda Smith

Website,  Forms, Fees, FAQYouTube Channel

 

Cosmetology License Renewal

Cosmetology licenses in West Virginia are renewed every year. In West Virginia, four (4) continuing education (CE) hours are required within each renewal period for individual license renewal. The renewal fees are $35 for all beauty practitioner disciplines.

 

Out-of-state license / Out-of-country license

Out of state

An out-of-state license does not automatically qualify you for a cosmetology license in West Virginia. But you qualify for licensure through reciprocity.

If you are from a NIC (National Interstate Council) state that required examinations for licensure to include the NIC national written and practical exam, then you only be required to complete the West Virginia State Law exam. Given that the Board office has reviewed your application and supporting documentation for reciprocity.

Current NIC states are AL, AZ, AR, DE, GA, ID, ME, MO, NH, NC, NV, OH, PA, SC, SD, UT, AND WY.

If you obtained your license in a non-NIC state you are still eligible for reciprocity. However, the Board members must review your application on a case-by-case scenario.  This process takes longer than for NIC states.  Once the Board reviews your application, you will immediately be scheduled for the State Law Exam.

NOTE 1: West Virginia does not accept reciprocity from the State of California.
NOTE 2
: Manicurists/ Nail Technicians must take and pass a practical examination, West Virginia state law, and the National Written examination.

Please read TRANSFER LICENSE TO WV for further information.

 

Out of country

Please contact the board directly if you obtained your license in another country.

 

 

Disclaimer: We don’t guarantee the accuracy of the above information. Ultimately the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists determines license requirements and will provide you with all needed information. We are not affiliated with the Board in any way. If you have questions or comments please contact us here. The information on this page was last updated on 9/20/2017.