Cosmetologist / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Cosmetologists

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Pennsylvania means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,341 training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 16. Pennsylvania regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $35, with renewal running $20 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 2 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Pennsylvania, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B-
Licensing Ease Score
65/100
Cosmetologist · Pennsylvania

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
1,341 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$120
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$31/yr
$62 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,341 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$120
Renewal Fee
$62
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, the license path calls for 1341 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $120 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania licenses cosmetologists who complete its requirements (1341 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Cosmetologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Pennsylvania? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Pennsylvania is $35. The renewal fee is $20 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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