Verify cosmetology licenses and exams

Look up the current status of a cosmetology license and view the minimum exam score requirements to get licensed.

License certification

If you want to get licensed in another state or to get a license by reciprocity, a representative from that state may use our professional license lookup to find:

  • Current license status
  • The date we first issued the license
  • Types of licenses held in Washington

Upon request, we can email verification to confirm license status, education hours completed, or examination results. We don't mail verification letters.

Minimum exams and scores

Learn more about the cosmetology exams Washington requires.

Applicants must meet these minimum exam and score requirements to get their first license in Washington:

October 1, 2013 to Present

  • Exams: NIC Practical and NIC Written
  • Score: 75%

October 1, 2010 to September 20, 2013

  • Exams: State Practical and State Written
  • Score: 75%

February 1, 2006 to September 30, 2010

  • Exams: NIC Practical and NIC Written
  • Score: 75%

July 1, 2002 to January 31, 2006

  • Exams: NIC Practical and State Written
  • Score: 76%

July 1, 1984 to June 30, 2002:

  • Exams: State Written
  • Score: 76%

Before July 1, 1984

  • Exams: State Practical and State Written
  • Score: 76%

Disciplinary actions

Use our professional license lookup tool to see a list of cosmetologists, salon shops, or postsecondary schools that have been disciplined in Washington.

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-6626
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: dolcosmo@dol.wa.gov
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