How to Become a Cosmetologist in Washington
In Washington, a Cosmetology license typically requires 1600 hours of pre-license education, a state exam.
Provides hair, skin and nail services. State board practical + written exam. Requirements change — always confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology before paying.
Licensing steps in Washington
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18; a criminal background check is required.
- 2Complete pre-license education
1600 hours of approved training is the documented requirement in Washington.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by State board.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
Renewal cycle and CE requirements vary — check the board.
Cosmetology requirements — Washington at a glance
| Education hours | 1600 hrs |
| Exam vendor | State board |
| Questions (national/state) | — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | — |
| Reciprocity | — |
Official source: Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology ↗
Transferring a Cosmetology license between states
No cosmetology compact — endorsement state by state. There is no national cosmetology compact. Transfer is decided board-by-board through endorsement, and a board may check that your training hours match its own requirement before it will accept your licence.
Confirm your destination board's hour requirement and whether it accepts your current licence by endorsement. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Cosmetology license in Washington?
After completing 1600 hours of education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Cosmetology exam in Washington?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Washington; check the state board.
What does the Cosmetology license cost in Washington?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my Cosmetology license to Washington?
No cosmetology compact — endorsement state by state: There is no national cosmetology compact. Transfer is decided board-by-board through endorsement, and a board may check that your training hours match its own requirement before it will accept your licence. A per-state note for Washington is not published in our dataset — verify with both boards.
Plan your Cosmetology licensing in Washington
Work the road in order — check what Washington requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Cosmetology exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Washington reciprocity.
Cosmetology tools for Washington
Every step of the Washington Cosmetology road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology (retrieved 2026-08-20).