Cosmetologist / New Jersey
2026 data New Jersey board official source

New Jersey 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 New Jersey data shows for Cosmetologists

To practice as a cosmetologist in New Jersey, the state licensing board requires 1,389 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under New Jersey's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $60, with renewal running $25 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in New Jersey, 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

C+
Licensing Ease Score
63/100
Cosmetologist · New Jersey

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 F
1,389 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$132
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$34/yr
$67 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 New Jersey

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,389 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$132
Renewal Fee
$67
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 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 New Jersey licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Jersey licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in New Jersey? ▼
New Jersey requires 1389 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $132. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in New Jersey? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in New Jersey, you must meet the state's requirements including 1389 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New Jersey licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does New Jersey require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the cosmetologist licensing process in New Jersey. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in New Jersey? ▼
The initial licensing fee in New Jersey is $60. The renewal fee is $25 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in New Jersey? ▼
In New Jersey, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 3 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 New Jersey, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how New Jersey'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 New Jersey's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. New Jersey overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the New Jersey 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.