Get the latest news about cosmetologists.
Updated national exams and bulletins
November 29, 2023
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) have updated their exams and Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs). The updated exams and bulletins will be effective on March 1, 2024:
- NIC Cosmetology Practical Exam
- NIC Instructor Theory Exam
- NIC Instructor Practical Exam
You can find the updated CIBs on the DL Roope website. You'll need to be familiar with them if you're taking your exams on or after March 1, 2024. Previous versions of the exams will no longer be available.
Questions? Please email us at csap@dol.wa.gov.
Expedited licensing
July 23, 2023
A new law, HB 1017, allows us to expedite licensing for all cosmetology professional licenses. Applicants for the following licenses are eligible to take their exams within 100 hours of the required hours of instruction:
- Cosmetologist
- Hair designer
- Barber
- Manicurist
- Esthetician
- Master esthetician
- Instructor
If you have any questions, please email us at DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov.
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