Get answers to frequently asked questions about cosmetology licenses and health and safety requirements.
Exam questions
New exam vendor
When will the new vendor’s site be available?
The vendor's site launches on April 15th, 2026.
How will I access Prov (the new vendor)?
You can access Prov at https://provexam.com/.
Will I need to create a new login?
Yes, you will need to create a new log-in with Prov. You can do this by following the registration process on Prov’s website.
How will eligibility verification work?
We'll continue to partner with the schools and verify student eligibility to sit for exams.
Will DOL customer support change?
We'll continue to assist students and apprentices with licensing questions. We're partnering with schools on this licensing step.
Will translation services still be available?
Translation services remain available to ensure clear communication.
Student/apprentice exams
What if my student/apprentice had an exam scheduled with Prometric (the old vendor) BEFORE April 30th, 2026?
Anyone currently scheduled with Prometric to take an exam between now and April 30, 2026 should take their scheduled exam.
What if my student/apprentice had an exam scheduled with Prometric (the old vendor) AFTER April 30th, 2026?
If your student paid to take an exam with Prometric after April 30, 2026, Prometric will issue a refund. Your student will need to reschedule with Prov when it becomes available on April 15th, 2026.
Who should my student/apprentice contact if they have questions about their refund?
Please contact Prometric about refunds at 888-375-2020 or dlroopesupport@prometric.com.
My student/apprentice is eligible to take an exam but doesn't have one scheduled yet. When should they register?
Your student shouldn't register until April 15th, 2026, when the new vendor's site is ready. Once eligible to take the exams, students and apprentices can register with Prov to schedule exams.
How will they access Prov?
Students and apprentices can access Prov at https://provexam.com/.
How do they check previous test results?
If your student/apprentice took exams with Prometric, they can log into that account. They can view their past exam results there. If they failed and need to retake the exam, they must create a new account with Prov and schedule through them. They won’t use the old Prometric account for retakes.
Will my students/apprentices need to create a new login?
Yes, they'll need to create a new login with Prov. They'll this by following the registration process on Prov’s website. If they already created a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account to access our system, they don’t need to create another login.
Will testing locations change?
Prov will offer expanded testing locations across Washington. This helps to reduce travel barriers for students and make it easier to find a convenient testing site.
What will the exams cost?
Written examinations will cost $169 each. Practical examinations will cost $119 each.
Will the exam content change under Prov?
No, Prov will offer the same National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams that are currently offered.
Licensing questions
See answers to common licensing questions.
When can I start working?
You can start working after you have received the appropriate license(s). The law requires all licenses to be posted. We'll issue a license after we receive all required documents and fees (where applicable).
I'm moving and am currently licensed in Washington State. How do I get a license in another state?
Contact the cosmetology licensing board (nictesting.org) in the state you're moving to. We don't provide license certification letters, but the state where you're moving can get your Washington license status with our license lookup.
How can I update my insurance online?
Learn how to update your insurance online.
Health and safety
See answers to common cosmetology-related health and safety questions. Learn more about state minimum safety and sanitation standards.
Why do I need to use a 10% bleach solution?
A 10% concentration is what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Infection Control currently supports in its recommendations.
Household bleach is made of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite (52,500 ppm); therefore, a 1% bleach solution is 525 ppm. Some experiments have shown that 200 ppm (or even less in some experiments) will inactivate most viruses. Therefore it would seem that a 1% solution of household bleach might be adequate.
However, hypochlorite is substantially and quickly inactivated in the presence of organic matter. So, although 1% may be adequate for surface decontamination, a 10% dilution may be a better choice for inactivation of virus when one is cleaning out areas which have been infested by rodents.
How do I know what a 10% bleach solution is?
Special Pathogens Branch recommends a 10% bleach solution be used to inactivate hantaviruses (A 10% solution corresponds to 1½ cups of household bleach per gallon of water, or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
What equivalent product can I use instead of the 10% bleach solution?
Yes, you can use a product that is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant that contains demonstrated virucidal, fungicidal, and germicidal properties.
How can I tell if a disinfectant is acceptable?
Read the product information on the label or on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for information on disinfection properties of the product.
To be acceptable, the product must be an EPA registered, hospital-grade disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal properties.
Technical assistance
See answers to common technical assistance questions.
Where can I get technical assistance?
The Cosmetology Section provides technical assistance to applicants and licensees if requested. To schedule an appointment, please email us at DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov.
What can I learn about during a technical assistance visit?
During a technical assistance visit you can learn about:
- State licensing procedures
- Compliance with regulation
- Safety and sanitation procedures
- Routine inspections