Required Coursework

• Those wishing to achieve certification in cosmetology in the state of Virginia must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology related coursework at an accredited school. After successful completion of an examination at an accredited school, you must submit an application along with a fee of $55.00. Training and experience must be verified by either a certified school's director or an instructor. Additionally, an instructor who is familiar with the applicant's cosmetology work must complete an experience verification form.
  
  

Transplanted Cosmetologists and License Reciprocity

• Certification reciprocity is granted to cosmetologists who have met the state of Virginia's requirements in another state. Individuals who satisfy the state's requirements in terms of hours of coursework completed coupled with instructor sanctioning may be issued a license without any additional required examination. The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology reviews all cases on an individual basis at their Richmond offices.
  
  

Renewal Procedure

• Licenses must be renewed annually within 30 days of the expiration date on the license. Cosmetologists who fail to renew within this 30-day window are required to pay a reinstatement fee. People who wait longer than two years to renew their license must apply as new applicants. Temporary licenses are available to applicants who are employed and work under the supervision of licensed cosmetologists. Turnaround for both initial cosmetology certificates and renewals is 30 days, and they are processed by the state board in the order that they are received.
  
  

Disciplines Requiring Cosmetology Certification

• Cosmetology certification is required to practice a variety of beauty treatments in Virginia. These include waxing services, barbering, nail care, hair braiding, tattooing, body-piercing and esthetics. Certifications are not cross-disciplinary. According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, certified nail technicians cannot provide waxing services and vice versa. Interdisciplinary specialists need to ensure that they retain proper certification for all services they intend to offer professionally.