South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
Licensure Requirements
Cosmetologist Section 40-13-230 (A)
- Take and pass a written and practical exam
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have at least a 10th grade education or equivalency by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the Board
- Successfully complete 1,500 hours in a cosmetology school approved by the Board or be licensed as a registered master hair care specialist for a period of five years
- Submit an application
- Pay the prescribed fee
Nail Technician
- Take and pass a written and practical exam
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have at least a 10th grade education or equivalency by tests used in the public schools or tests approved by the Board
- Successfully complete 300 hours of class work in a nail technician school approved by the Board or comparable training approved by the board
- Submit an application
- Pay the prescribed fee
Esthetician
- Take and pass a written and practical exam
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have at least a 10th grade education or equivalency
- Successfully complete 450 hours in classes in skin care at a school approved by the Board or comparable training approved by the board
- Submit an application
- Pay the prescribed fee
Instructor
General
- Take and pass a written and practical exam
- Have at least a high school diploma or GED
- Be a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician or nail technician and have practiced for at least two years after receiving the respective license or, after receiving a cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician license, has completed a seven hundred fifty (750) hour instructor training program meeting the standards of Regulation 35-4(B)
- Successfully complete a 45-hour method of teaching program approved by the Board
- Submit an application
- Pay the prescribed fee
Or
For specialized theory hours
- Minimum of 5 years experience or Bachelor’s degree in related area
Salons
- Submit an application at least 10 working days prior to opening
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Have a satisfactory salon inspection
- Designate a manager who will be responsible for compliance with this chapter and responsible for all personnel physically located in the salon.
Schools
- Complete an application at least 60 days prior to opening
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Have a satisfactory school inspection
- Provide all required documentation as set forth in Section 40-13-30, Section 40-13-340, and Regulation 35-1
Booth Renters
- "Beauty salon" or "salon" means a building or any place, or part of a place or building including, but not limited to, a rental booth, in which cosmetology is performed on the general public for compensation.
- Must be a South Carolina licensed cosmetologist, nail technician or esthetician
- Complete an application
- Top portion is completed by the licensee
- Bottom portion is completed by salon owner/manager
- Pay the prescribed fee
How Do I Get An Application?
You can call the Board office at (803) 896-4800 and request the appropriate application form, or you may download the appropriate application.
When are Examinations Given?
Cosmetology, Nail Technician, Esthetician and Instructor theory/written and practical examinations are administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS). PCS may be contacted by phone at 888-822-3272 or visit their web site at: https://pcshq.com/. Click on the following links for additional information.
