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Nevada beauty licenses
2026 requirements.

All Nevada beauty licenses in one place. Nevada requires three separate exams: theory (written), practical, and a Nevada State Law exam — 75% on each. The practical exam is administered at the Board office, not at external testing centers. 4 hours CE required per biennial cycle. Birthday-based renewal. Advanced Esthetician license also available.

4
License types
NVCOSMO
Exam vendor
Board-verified
Data source
May '26
Verified

Nevada · Cosmetology

Cosmetology license — 2026.

1,600 hours at a Board-approved school (or 3,600-hour apprenticeship, or 4 years practice outside Nevada). Three exams required: theory (75%), practical at Board office (75%), and Nevada State Law exam (75%). $110 combined exam fee · $70 license fee. 4 hours CE per biennial cycle. Birthday-based renewal.

At a glance
Training hours
1,600
Or 3,600-hr apprenticeship
Initial fees
~$195
$110 exams + $70 license + $15 app request
Passing score
75% all 3
Theory · Practical · NV Law exam
Renewal
2 yrs · Birthday
$70 fee · 4 hrs CE required
Nevada uses NIC-based exam content — NICPrep covers the core material

Nevada's cosmetology theory exam draws from NIC content domains — sanitation/safety, anatomy, hair care, chemical services, skin and nail care, Nevada laws. NICPrep's cosmetology question bank covers these domains directly. Passing: 75% on each of three separate exams (theory, practical, Nevada Law). The Nevada Law exam (25 questions, 75%) covers state-specific statutes — NICPrep does not cover Nevada-specific law but covers all other domains.

THREE exams required — practical at Board office only (Mon–Thu)

Nevada is one of very few states requiring three separate licensing exams. The practical exam is administered at the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology office (Mon–Thu 8am–4pm) — not at PSI or other external testing centers. Plan your schedule accordingly. The Nevada State Law exam is a separate 25-question test on Nevada cosmetology statutes. All three exams must be passed at 75% to receive licensure.

The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO · nvcosmo.com) governs all cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, hair design, and related licenses. To request an application packet, submit the Application Request Form with a $15 cashier's check to NVCOSMO. The Board mails the full application packet.

Who qualifies

Ready to start studying? See pricing below ↓

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 1,600 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school

    Verify school approval at nvcosmo.com. Programs typically 12–15 months full-time.

  2. Request application packet from NVCOSMO ($15 cashier's check)

    Submit Application Request Form to Nevada State Board. Board mails full application packet with instructions and fees.

  3. Submit completed application with $110 exam fee and $70 license fee

    Total initial fees approximately $195 (plus $15 application request). After processing, Board schedules your exams.

  4. Pass all three exams at 75%: theory, practical (at Board office), and Nevada Law

    Theory: computer-based, multiple choice. Practical: at Board office Mon–Thu 8am–4pm, bring full supply kit + mannequin. Nevada Law: 25 questions on Nevada cosmetology statutes. All three at 75%.

  5. Receive your Nevada cosmetology license

    Biennial renewal on your birthday. $70 renewal fee. 4 hours CE (infection control) required per cycle.

CE requirement: 4 hours infection control

Nevada cosmetologists must complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE focused on infection control per biennial renewal cycle. CE may be completed through approved providers. Instructors: 30 hours CE per 2-year cycle (new 2025 rule).

🇪🇸 NICPrep's cosmetology prep is also available in Spanish.

Practice tests

Practice Test

$39 one-time · lifetime access

Full 10-test NIC Cosmetology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.

  • 10 tests × 110 questions = 1,100 total
  • Every domain weighted to NIC percentages
  • Study mode + timed exam mode
  • Free 10-question preview · no signup
Flashcards

Flashcards

$19 one-time · lifetime access

1,099 cards: Sci · Hair · Skin · Nail. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.

  • 1,099 cards: Sci · Hair · Skin · Nail
  • Front: question · Back: answer + rationale
  • Shuffle mode within each domain
  • Per-deck progress tracking
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Nevada · Esthetics

Esthetics license — 2026.

600 hours at a Board-approved school (or 1,200-hour apprenticeship). Three exams: theory (75%), practical at Board office (75%), Nevada State Law (75%). $110 combined exam fee · $70 license. 4 hours CE per biennial cycle. Advanced Esthetician license available with expanded supervisory scope. Dermaplaning defined in statute.

At a glance
Training hours
600
Or 1,200-hr apprenticeship
Initial fees
~$195
$110 exams + $70 license + $15 app request
Passing score
75% all 3
Theory · Practical · NV Law exam
Renewal
2 yrs · Birthday
$70 fee · 4 hrs CE required
Nevada's esthetics theory exam uses NIC-based content — NICPrep covers the core material

Nevada's esthetics theory exam draws from NIC Esthetics content domains — skin analysis, facial services, hair removal, infection control, anatomy. NICPrep's esthetics question bank covers these domains directly. Separate Nevada State Law exam also required (25 questions, 75%). Practical exam at Board office Mon–Thu.

Esthetics scope — dermaplaning defined in NRS 644A.047

Nevada defines dermaplaning in statute (NRS 644A.047) as "the use of a blade with a handle to remove dead skin cells and vellus hairs from the face." This is within the scope of a standard Nevada esthetics license. Advanced services may require the Advanced Esthetician credential.

Advanced Esthetician license

Nevada offers an Advanced Esthetician license for expanded scope including advanced nonablative treatments. Under 2025 rules, licensed Advanced Estheticians may now immediately supervise esthetics-only establishments and makeup-only establishments — previously restricted to cosmetologists or standard estheticians. Contact NVCOSMO for current Advanced Esthetician training hour requirements and exam information.

Ready to start studying? See pricing below ↓

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 600 hours at a Board-approved esthetics school (or 1,200-hr apprenticeship)

    Verify school approval at nvcosmo.com. Programs typically 4–6 months full-time.

  2. Request application packet from NVCOSMO ($15 cashier's check)

    Board mails full application with instructions and fee schedule.

  3. Submit application with $110 exam fee and $70 license fee

    Board processes and schedules exams. Total initial: ~$195.

  4. Pass all three exams at 75% — theory, practical (Board office), Nevada Law

    Practical: Mon–Thu 8am–4pm at Board office; bring full esthetics kit. Nevada Law: 25 questions.

  5. Receive your Nevada esthetics license

    Biennial birthday renewal. $70 fee. 4 hrs CE (infection control) required.

Official esthetics resources

🇰🇷 NICPrep's esthetics prep is also available in Korean — coming soon.

Practice tests

Practice Test

$39 one-time · lifetime access

Full 10-test NIC Esthetics exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.

  • 10 tests × 110 questions = 1,100 total
  • Every domain weighted to NIC percentages
  • Study mode + timed exam mode
  • Free 10-question preview · no signup
Flashcards

Flashcards

$19 one-time · lifetime access

1,100 cards: Sci · Skin. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.

  • 1,100 cards: Sci · Skin
  • Front: question · Back: answer + rationale
  • Shuffle mode within each domain
  • Per-deck progress tracking
↑ Back to top

Nevada · Hair Designer & Barber

Hair Designer & Barber licenses — 2026.

Nevada is structured differently from most states. It offers a separate Hair Designer license (distinct from the full cosmetology license) for professionals focusing on hair cutting, styling, and related services without the full cosmetology scope. Barbers can cross into cosmetology with 600 additional training hours.

Nevada's Hair Designer license is separate from Cosmetology — different scope and hours

Nevada issues a Hair Designer license as a distinct credential under NRS 644A.315. Hair Designers can cut, trim, style, dress, shampoo, color, and chemically treat hair — but the scope differs from a full cosmetologist, who can additionally perform esthetics and nail services. If you want to offer both hair and skin or nail services, a full cosmetology license is required. Contact NVCOSMO at nvcosmo.com for current Hair Designer hour requirements and exam specifics.

Barber crossover to cosmetology

Licensed Nevada barbers may qualify for a cosmetology license by completing 600 additional hours of cosmetology-specific training in hair design and esthetics at a Board-approved school (NRS 644A.300). After completing those hours, all three cosmetology licensing exams (theory, practical, Nevada Law) must be passed at 75%.

Hair Designer licensing — contact NVCOSMO for current requirements

Nevada's Hair Designer program hour requirements and exam specifics are confirmed by the Board. Visit nvcosmo.com or call NVCOSMO directly for the most current Hair Designer application and training hour requirements, as these may have been updated in the 2025 regulatory revision.

Official hair designer / barber resources

Ready to start studying? See pricing below ↓

🇪🇸 NICPrep's barber styling prep is also available in Spanish — coming soon.

Practice tests

Practice Test

$39 one-time · lifetime access

Full 10-test NIC Barber Styling exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.

  • 10 tests × 110 questions = 1,100 total
  • Every domain weighted to NIC percentages
  • Study mode + timed exam mode
  • Free 10-question preview · no signup
Flashcards

Flashcards

$19 one-time · lifetime access

1,100 cards: Sci · Hair · Implements · Facial. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.

  • 1,100 cards: Sci · Hair · Implements · Facial
  • Front: question · Back: answer + rationale
  • Shuffle mode within each domain
  • Per-deck progress tracking
↑ Back to top

Nevada · Nail Technology

Nail Technologist license — 2026.

600 hours at a Board-approved school (or 1,200-hour apprenticeship). Three exams: theory (75%), practical at Board office (75%), Nevada State Law (75%). $110 combined exam fee · $70 license. Nevada uses "Nail Technologist" as the official title. 4 hours CE per biennial cycle. Birthday renewal.

At a glance
Training hours
600
Or 1,200-hr apprenticeship
Initial fees
~$195
$110 exams + $70 license + $15 app request
Passing score
75% all 3
Theory · Practical · NV Law exam
Renewal
2 yrs · Birthday
$70 fee · 4 hrs CE required
Nevada's nail technology theory exam uses NIC-based content — NICPrep covers the core material

Nevada's nail technologist theory exam draws from NIC Nail Technology content domains — nail anatomy, infection control, manicure/pedicure, enhancements. NICPrep's nail technology question bank covers these domains directly. Separate Nevada State Law exam (25 questions, 75%) also required. Practical at Board office Mon–Thu.

Ready to start studying? See pricing below ↓

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 600 hours at a Board-approved nail technology school (or 1,200-hr apprenticeship)

    Verify school at nvcosmo.com. Programs typically 3–5 months full-time.

  2. Request application packet from NVCOSMO ($15 cashier's check)

    Board mails full application packet.

  3. Submit application with $110 exam fee and $70 license fee

    Total initial: ~$195. Board schedules exams after processing.

  4. Pass all three exams at 75% — theory, practical (Board office), Nevada Law

    Practical: at Board office Mon–Thu 8am–4pm, bring full nail kit + mannequin hand. Nevada Law: 25 questions.

  5. Receive your Nevada Nail Technologist license

    Biennial birthday renewal. $70 fee. 4 hrs CE (infection control) required per cycle.

Official nail technology resources

🇻🇳 NICPrep's nail technology prep is also available in Vietnamese.

Practice tests

Practice Test

$39 one-time · lifetime access

Full 10-test NIC Nail Technology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.

  • 10 tests × 110 questions = 1,100 total
  • Every domain weighted to NIC percentages
  • Study mode + timed exam mode
  • Free 10-question preview · no signup
Flashcards

Flashcards

$19 one-time · lifetime access

1,100 cards across 9 NIC domains. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.

  • 1,100 cards across 9 NIC domains
  • Front: question · Back: answer + rationale
  • Shuffle mode within each domain
  • Per-deck progress tracking
↑ Back to top

Nevada · All license types

Rules that apply to every NV beauty license.

THREE exams required — practical at Board office only

Nevada is one of a small number of states requiring three separate licensing exams. Every cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technologist applicant must pass: (1) a theory/written exam, (2) a practical/hands-on exam administered at the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology office (Mon–Thu 8am–4pm), and (3) a Nevada State Law exam covering Nevada statutes and regulations. All three must be passed at 75%. The exam fee is $110 for all three combined. The practical is NOT available at PSI or external testing centers — it is conducted exclusively at the Board office.

4 hours CE required — biennial birthday renewal

Nevada requires 4 hours of Board-approved CE focused on infection control per biennial renewal cycle for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technologists. Renewal is biennial, due on your birthday. Renewal fee: $70. Instructors: 30 hours CE per 2-year cycle (new rule, 2025). CE providers have been expanded under 2025 regulatory updates to include university and community college courses.

License types under Nevada's cosmetology umbrella

Nevada issues separate licenses for: cosmetologist, hair designer, esthetician, advanced esthetician, nail technologist, hair braider, shampoo technologist, makeup artist, and electrologist. Each has its own hour and exam requirements. A full cosmetology license covers the broadest scope; specialty licenses are narrower. The 2025 regulatory update expanded Advanced Esthetician supervisory authority — they may now immediately supervise esthetics-only and makeup-only establishments.

Dermaplaning defined in statute

Nevada defines dermaplaning in NRS 644A.047 as "the use of a blade with a handle to remove dead skin cells and vellus hairs from the face." This is within esthetics scope in Nevada.

How to request an application

Unlike most states, Nevada requires submitting a $15 cashier's check with an Application Request Form to receive the full application packet. Contact NVCOSMO at nvcosmo.com or check the applications page for the current process.

Official Nevada licensing portal

Last verified May 2026 against the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (nvcosmo.com) and official sources including NRS Chapter 644A and ASCP regulatory update reporting (May 2026). The 2025 CE and Advanced Esthetician rule changes are confirmed from ASCP/NVCOSMO sources. NICPrep is an independent prep resource and is not affiliated with NVCOSMO or the State of Nevada.

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Preparing for Nevada's theory exam?

NICPrep covers the core domains Nevada tests.

Nevada's theory exam draws from NIC content — sanitation, anatomy, hair, skin, and nail care. 75% passing. Separate Nevada Law exam also required. NICPrep covers all the NIC domains.