Thinking about turning your passion for hair, skin, and beauty into a real career? Before you can work behind the chair in Washington, you’ll need a cosmetology license — and timeline comes down to two things: how many training hours you complete, and how quickly you move through your state exams. Here’s what the process looks like in 2026, including a few updates worth knowing about before you get started.
Washington Cosmetology License: Quick Facts
| Requirement | School Path | Apprenticeship Path |
| Training hours | 1,600 hours | 3,000 hours |
| Typical timeline | 13 months at EBC | Varies by sponsor |
| Exams required | Written and practical | Written and practical |
| Passing score | 75 on each exam | 75 on each exam |
| Exam fees | $169 written, $119 practical | $169 written, $119 practical |
| License application fee | $35 | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years, $66 fee | Every 2 years, $66 fee |
| Minimum age | 17 | 17 |
What Are Washington’s Cosmetology License Requirements?
To get licensed as a cosmetologist in Washington, you’ll need to:
- Complete one of two approved training paths: a licensed school or an apprenticeship
- Pass a written exam and a practical exam through the state’s testing vendor
- Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
- Be at least 17 years old to apply
How Many Hours Does Cosmetology School Require in Washington?
Most future cosmetologists get there through a DOL-licensed cosmetology school. Washington requires 1,600 hours of training through this path. At Evergreen Beauty College, the Cosmetology program is built around that requirement: a student is scheduled for 13 months to complete a 1600 program on our EverFlex schedule, which means four hours on campus each day plus 10 hours of coursework online each week. You don’t have to wait until every single hour is complete to start testing, either. Washington allows you to sit for your licensing exams once you’re within 100 hours of finishing your training.
Can You Get a Cosmetology License Through an Apprenticeship?
If school isn’t the right fit, Washington also allows you to work toward your license through an apprenticeship, training on the job under a licensed professional. This path requires 3,000 hours, nearly double what’s required through a school program.
What Exams Do You Need to Pass to Get Licensed?
However you get your hours, you’ll take the same two exams: written and practical. Here’s what to know:
- As of May 1, 2026, Washington’s new testing vendor is Prov
- You’ll need an overall passing score of 75 on each exam
- If you don’t pass on your first try, there’s no waiting period. You can retake a failed exam as often as you need to.
What’s Changing for Washington Cosmetology Licensing in 2026?
A couple of updates are shaping the path to licensure this year:
- Starting March 1, 2026, House Bill 1874 requires every Washington cosmetology school to build training in the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair into its curriculum
- As of May 1, 2026, Prov officially became the state’s exam administrator for cosmetology licensing
How Do You Apply for and Renew Your License?
Once you’ve passed both exams, here’s what applying and renewing looks like:
- Submit your license application to the DOL with a $35 fee
- Renew every two years for a $66 fee
- Renew up to 120 days before your license expires
- No continuing education hours required to renew
- Let your license lapse for more than a year, and you’ll need to reapply instead of simply renewing
Why Train at Evergreen Beauty College?
Evergreen is accredited by NACCAS and is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and the Washington Federation of Private and Vocational Schools. Financial Aid Available to Those Who Qualify. You’ll find our Cosmetology program at seven campuses across Washington, so wherever you’re starting from, there’s likely an Evergreen campus close to home:
Whatever brought you here, a passion you’ve had for years or a fresh start you’re finally ready for, you can come as you are and build the skills to make it real. Believe. Belong. Become.
Learn Beauty. Inside & Out.
Ready to see what your path could look like?
Tour an Evergreen Beauty College campus near you, or reach out to our admissions team — we’d love to help you find the program that fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours do I need for a Washington cosmetology license?
Washington requires 1,600 hours through a licensed cosmetology school, or 3,000 hours through an apprenticeship.
What exams do I need to pass to get licensed?
You’ll need to pass a written exam and a practical exam, each with an overall passing score of 75. As of May 1, 2026, both exams are administered by Washington’s new testing vendor, Prov.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Washington?
Exam fees are $169 for the written exam and $119 for the practical exam, paid directly to Prov. On top of that, the DOL license application fee is $35.
How often do I need to renew my cosmetology license?
Every two years, for a $66 renewal fee. Washington doesn’t require continuing education hours to renew.
