Cosmetologist / North Dakota
2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the North Dakota data shows for Cosmetologists

North Dakota sets the entry bar for cosmetologists at 1,065 training hours and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 16 or older. The credential is administered under North Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

The initial price tag is $60, and renewal costs $25 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 2 weeks to process once complete. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in North Dakota, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, cosmetologists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
78/100
Cosmetologist · North Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,065 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A
$51
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$16/yr
$32 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,065 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$51
Renewal Fee
$32
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All North Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota requires 1065 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $51. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in North Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in North Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 1065 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to North Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for cosmetologists: Varies by state — check with state board. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the North Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Yes, North Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the cosmetologist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in North Dakota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in North Dakota is $60. The renewal fee is $25 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in North Dakota? ▼
In North Dakota, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in North Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how North Dakota's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how North Dakota's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. North Dakota overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the North Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.