/* ── STATES PAGE ─────────────────────────── */ .states-hero { background: var(--ink); color: #fbf7f4; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 88px 48px 72px; } .states-hero::before { content: ''; position: absolute; top: -200px; right: -200px; width: 600px; height: 600px; border-radius: 50%; background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(184,38,74,0.28), transparent 70%); pointer-events: none; } .states-hero-inner { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; position: relative; z-index: 1; } .states-hero h1 { font-family: var(--display); font-size: clamp(44px, 7vw, 72px); line-height: 0.98; letter-spacing: -0.026em; font-weight: 500; color: #fbf7f4; margin-top: 16px; } .states-hero .lede { font-size: 17px; color: #c9b9b1; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 20px; max-width: 640px; } .states-hero .lede strong { color: #fbf7f4; font-weight: 500; } /* Search + filter */ .filter-bar { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 24px 48px; display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); } .filter-bar input { flex: 1; min-width: 200px; padding: 12px 16px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; font-family: var(--body); font-size: 15px; color: var(--ink); background: var(--card); outline: none; } .filter-bar input:focus { border-color: var(--rose); } .filter-bar input::placeholder { color: var(--ink-3); } .filter-chip { padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 999px; border: 1px solid var(--line); background: var(--card); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--ink-2); cursor: pointer; font-family: var(--body); transition: all .14s; } .filter-chip:hover { border-color: var(--ink-3); color: var(--ink); } .filter-chip.active { background: var(--ink); color: #fff; border-color: var(--ink); } /* Jump nav */ .jump-nav { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 16px 48px; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 4px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); } .jump-nav a { width: 36px; height: 32px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; border-radius: 6px; font-family: var(--mono); font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--ink-2); transition: all .14s; } .jump-nav a:hover { background: var(--rose-tint); color: var(--rose-ink); } /* State cards */ .states-list { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 48px 80px; } .state-card { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); padding: 36px 0; } .state-card.hidden { display: none; } .state-card-head { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; margin-bottom: 20px; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; } .state-card-head h2 { font-family: var(--display); font-size: 28px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.018em; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0; } .exam-tag { font-family: var(--mono); font-size: 10.5px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 5px 12px; border-radius: 999px; } .exam-tag.nic { background: var(--rose-soft); color: var(--rose-ink); } .exam-tag.state-specific { background: var(--cream); color: var(--gold); } .state-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 14px; margin-bottom: 18px; } .state-stat { background: var(--card); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px 20px; } .state-stat-num { font-family: var(--display); font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.02em; color: var(--ink); line-height: 1; } .state-stat-num.practical-no { color: var(--sage); } .state-stat-label { font-family: var(--mono); font-size: 10.5px; color: var(--ink-3); letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 6px; } .state-board { font-size: 14px; color: var(--ink-2); margin-bottom: 12px; } .state-board-label { font-family: var(--mono); font-size: 10.5px; color: var(--ink-3); letter-spacing: 0.06em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-right: 8px; } .state-board a { color: var(--rose); font-weight: 500; } .state-board a:hover { color: var(--rose-ink); text-decoration: underline; } .state-notes { font-size: 14px; color: var(--ink-2); line-height: 1.6; padding: 14px 18px; background: var(--cream); border-radius: 10px; margin-bottom: 14px; } .state-cta { display: flex; gap: 10px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 6px; } .state-cta-note { font-size: 13px; color: var(--ink-3); font-style: italic; } .state-count { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 12px 48px; font-family: var(--mono); font-size: 11px; color: var(--ink-3); letter-spacing: 0.06em; } @media (max-width: 720px) { .states-hero { padding: 56px 22px 48px; } .filter-bar { padding: 16px 22px; } .jump-nav { padding: 12px 22px; } .states-list { padding: 0 22px 60px; } .state-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .state-card-head h2 { font-size: 22px; } .state-count { padding: 12px 22px; } }
Home NIC Cosmetology NIC Nail Technology NIC Esthetics NIC Barber Styling NIC Hair Design NIC Electrology NIC Permanent Cosmetics NIC Hair Design · Soon Resources States Influencers Rewards My Access Support & Contact
Updated May 2026

State board exam
requirements.
Every state.

38 states use the NIC exam for cosmetology licensing. Find your state below for training hours, exam type, passing score, practical exam status, and a direct link to your state board. NICPrep covers every NIC modality — if your state uses NIC, our prep applies.

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Showing 51 of 51 states

Alabama

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Alaska

NIC
1650
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Arizona

NIC
1600
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: Arizona Board of Cosmetology →
Practical exam eliminated 2022.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Arkansas

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Arkansas Department of Health — Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

California

NIC
1600
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology →
Practical exam eliminated. Exam offered in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Colorado

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Connecticut

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Connecticut Department of Public Health →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Delaware

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

District of Columbia

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Florida

STATE-SPECIFIC
1200
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: Florida Board of Cosmetology →
Florida uses its own two-part written exam (theory + clinical), not NIC. HIV/AIDS course required. Practical eliminated.
Florida uses a state-specific exam. NICPrep covers the NIC exam used by 38+ states.

Georgia

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Hawaii

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Idaho

NIC
2000
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses →
One of the highest hour requirements in the country.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Illinois

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation →
Practical exam eliminated Oct 2023. Written NIC theory exam only.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Indiana

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Iowa

NIC
2100
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences →
Highest cosmetology hour requirement in the U.S.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Kansas

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Kansas Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Kentucky

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Louisiana

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Louisiana Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Maine

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Maryland

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Massachusetts

NIC
1000
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering →
One of the lowest hour requirements.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Michigan

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Michigan Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Minnesota

NIC
1550
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Mississippi

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Missouri

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Montana

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Nebraska

NIC
2100
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners / Cosmetology →
Tied with Iowa for highest hours.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Nevada

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Nevada State Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

New Hampshire

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

New Jersey

NIC
1200
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

New Mexico

NIC
1600
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

New York

STATE-SPECIFIC
1000
Training hours
70%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: New York Division of Licensing Services →
New York uses its own state-specific exam, not NIC. Focus on NY laws and infection control. Practical eliminated. NICPrep content may not align with NY's exam.
New York uses a state-specific exam. NICPrep covers the NIC exam used by 38+ states.

North Carolina

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

North Dakota

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: North Dakota Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Ohio

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Oklahoma

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology and Barbering →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Oregon

NIC
1700
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Not required
Practical exam
State board: Oregon Health Licensing Office →
Practical exam eliminated Feb 2026. Theory only.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Pennsylvania

NIC
1250
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Rhode Island

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Rhode Island Department of Health →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

South Carolina

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

South Dakota

NIC
2100
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission →
Tied for highest hours with Iowa and Nebraska.
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Tennessee

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Texas

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Utah

NIC
1600
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Utah Division of Professional Licensing →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Vermont

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Virginia

NIC
1500
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Washington

NIC
1600
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Washington Department of Licensing →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

West Virginia

NIC
1800
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Wisconsin

NIC
1550
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →

Wyoming

NIC
2000
Training hours
75%
Passing score
Required
Practical exam
State board: Wyoming Board of Cosmetology →
Try Free NIC Preview → See All NIC Prep →
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