All Kentucky beauty licenses in one place. Kentucky uses NIC exams via PSI — 70% passing. A standout quirk: cosmetologists must complete a 6-month apprenticeship after passing exams before the full license is issued. Annual renewal July 1–31. No CE required. Barbers use a separate board.
Kentucky · Cosmetology
1,500 hours at a KBC-approved school. NIC exam via PSI — 70% passing. Theory and practical applications are submitted separately and theory must be passed first. After passing both exams, a 6-month apprenticeship (20 hrs/week minimum) is required before the full license is issued. Annual July 1–31 renewal. No CE.
Kentucky uses NIC National Theory and Practical Examinations administered by PSI Services (kbc.ky.gov exam portal). NICPrep's cosmetology question bank is built from the NIC CIB — a direct-fit study resource. Written exam: 100 scored questions, 90 minutes, 70% passing. Practical: 70% passing. Theory scores valid for 6 months. Must pass theory before scheduling practical.
After passing both the theory and practical exams, Kentucky cosmetology graduates must complete a 6-month apprenticeship working at least 20 hours per week under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist before the full cosmetology license is issued. This real-world experience requirement is unusual nationally — most states issue the license as soon as both exams are passed. Plan your timeline to include this apprenticeship phase. Esthetics and nail technician candidates do not have this same apprenticeship requirement.
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC · kbc.ky.gov) governs cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech licenses. Barbers are licensed by the separate Kentucky Board of Barbering. Payment: online credit/debit card only since July 2023 — physical checks and cash not accepted. All earned hours expire after 5 years from enrollment.
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School reports your verified graduation to KBC. Board approves and notifies PSI. PSI emails your eligibility notification.
Must pass theory (70%) before scheduling practical. Theory score valid 6 months. Schedule at psiexams.com or call (855) 340-3713. Retest every 30+ days. Create/use same PSI account with student permit number as Candidate ID.
Submit practical application separately after passing theory. 70% passing. Bring solid-color medical scrubs (no white), kit ≤24"×24"×24", manikin head, full manikin hand, EPA-approved disinfectant wipes. Two forms of valid ID. Arrive 30 minutes early — late arrival forfeits fee.
Work under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist for 6 consecutive months at minimum 20 hours per week. This is a unique Kentucky requirement — full license is not issued until apprenticeship is complete.
Annual renewal July 1–31. Online payment only. No CE required. Expired <5 years: restoration fee + back fees. Expired 5+ years: retake both exams.
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Full 10-test NIC Cosmetology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,099 cards: Sci · Hair · Skin · Nail. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Kentucky · Esthetics
750 hours at a KBC-approved school. NIC exam via PSI — 70% passing. Theory and practical applications submitted separately; theory must be passed first (scores valid 6 months). No post-exam apprenticeship required for esthetics. Annual July 1–31 renewal. No CE. Online payment only.
Kentucky uses the NIC National Esthetics Theory and Practical Examinations via PSI. NICPrep's esthetics question bank is built from the NIC Esthetics CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 70% passing on both. Theory before practical. No post-exam apprenticeship for esthetics (unlike cosmetology).
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School reports graduation to KBC. Board approves. PSI emails eligibility notification.
70% passing. Score valid 6 months. Must pass theory before scheduling practical. Retest every 30+ days.
Submit practical application separately. 70% passing. Bring required supplies per KBC/PSI CIB.
Annual renewal July 1–31. No CE required. Online payment only.
🇰🇷 NICPrep's esthetics prep is also available in Korean — coming soon.
Full 10-test NIC Esthetics exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,100 cards: Sci · Skin. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Kentucky · Barber
Kentucky barbers are regulated by the Kentucky Board of Barbering — completely separate from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. Barber licensing requirements, exam procedures, and renewal are handled independently. Contact the Kentucky Board of Barbering directly for current hour requirements, exam vendor, and renewal schedule.
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) does not regulate barbers. If you want to obtain a barber license in Kentucky, you must apply through the Kentucky Board of Barbering. Licensed cosmetologists seeking a barber license, or licensed barbers seeking a cosmetology license, must meet the additional requirements of the respective board. Contact the Kentucky Board of Barbering for current requirements, as barber regulations are maintained separately from KBC. Barbers in Kentucky are not subject to KBC's annual July renewal cycle.
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1,100 cards: Sci · Hair · Implements · Facial. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Kentucky · Nail Technology
450 hours at a KBC-approved school. NIC exam via PSI — 70% passing. Theory and practical submitted separately; theory first. No post-exam apprenticeship for nail tech. Annual July 1–31 renewal. No CE. Online payment only. Hours expire 5 years from enrollment.
Kentucky uses the NIC National Nail Technology Theory and Practical Examinations via PSI. NICPrep's nail technology question bank is built from the NIC Nail Technology CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 70% passing on both. No post-exam apprenticeship for nail tech.
Ready to start studying? See pricing below ↓
School reports graduation to KBC. Board approves. PSI emails eligibility. Programs typically 8–12 weeks full-time.
70% passing. Score valid 6 months. Must pass theory before applying for practical.
Separate application. 70% passing. Bring required kit per CIB. Retest every 30+ days if needed.
Annual renewal July 1–31. No CE. Online payment only. Expired <5 years: restoration + back fees. Expired 5+ years: retake both exams.
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Full 10-test NIC Nail Technology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,100 cards across 9 NIC domains. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Kentucky uses NIC exams via PSI — 70% passing. Theory before practical. Separate applications. No CE required. NICPrep is built from the same NIC CIBs.