Cosmetology Navigator
The purpose of the Cosmetology Guide is to provide transparency, inform applicants of expected timelines for receiving your license, and outline steps you can take to reduce mistakes and mitigate delays. To provide the greatest clarity on the licensing process from start to finish, we will break it down into three phases, providing estimated times for each stage of the process, and recommendations for how to reduce processing times.
Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist (CO) needs a license when performing the following services for pay:
- Cleaning and/or beautifying human hair by cutting, coloring and/or styling human hair with or without chemicals
- Removing unwanted hair
- Using mechanical or electrical appliances on the upper body for massage, stimulation and/or manipulation
- Applying makeup, preparations and creams
- Manicures and/or pedicures
Two of the primary ways to receive a cosmetologist (CO) license in PA are by examination or by reciprocity.
Cosmetologist License by Examination
Obtaining a cosmetologist license by examination means that you have completed a minimum of 1,250 hours in the cosmetology curriculum at a licensed school of cosmetology and passed the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Licensure Examination.
Accordion [1]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionAn official state criminal history record check (CHRC) is required from your current state of residence. For applicants living, working, or completing training in Pennsylvania, your CHRC will be generated automatically as part of your application and the required fee will be included at checkout.
- In addition to the background check from your current state of residence, you will need to submit official state CHRCs from every state where you have lived, worked, or completed training during the last five years. An FBI background check can be submitted in lieu of state checks where you previously lived, worked or trained. No record checks can be dated more than 90 days prior to the date you submit your application.
You will need to provide your “School Code,” which is the school’s license number issued by the State Board of Cosmetology. Find this code by contacting your school OR you may look it up using the
PALS Verify A License search.
-
If you attended a school outside of Pennsylvania to obtain your cosmetology hours, please use school code:
CS00000.
For early testers ONLY: After you complete your exam, you must submit the Final Affidavit, completed by your school, and the Final Transcript. These must be uploaded to the PALS application. You will not receive your license until these documents are received.
Cosmetologist License by Reciprocity
Obtaining a cosmetologist license by reciprocity means you have already obtained a license in another state. A person is eligible for licensure by reciprocity if they are currently licensed in one of the states with which Pennsylvania has an understanding of reciprocity with and has at least two or more years of licensed work experience.
Currently, the State Board of Cosmetology has a reciprocal agreement with
every state
except: Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah.
Accordion [2]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionTo help reduce your processing time, please note the following suggestions and information:
An official state criminal history record check (CHRC) is required from your current state of residence. For applicants living, working, or completing training in Pennsylvania, your CHRC will be generated automatically as part of your application and the required fee will be included at checkout.
- In addition to the background check from your current state of residence, you will need to submit official state CHRCs from every state where you have lived, worked, or completed training during the last 5 years. An FBI background check can be submitted in lieu of state checks where you previously lived, worked or trained. No record checks can be dated more than 90 days prior to the date you submit your application.
Download the Employers’ Certification for each employer you indicated on your online application and have the employer complete and sign the Certification. Be sure that the employer provides the dates of employment (start and end dates).
Process Overview
How to Apply for a Professional License.
What Happens to My Application?
Sign in or create account at
www.pals.pa.gov
Select the Cosmetology Board to apply and plain-language questions will appear to help you get started
Application appears – review checklist, upload required documents, follow prompts
Review all information and edit as needed
Pay the required fee and your application is submitted
Keep an eye on your email or get real-time updates at
www.pals.pa.gov
Helpful links and next steps: