Chapter 9 of 1060% of exam

Delaware Laws, Rules & Licensing

This chapter covers the Delaware-specific legal framework that supplements your national cosmetology theory. It focuses on who regulates the profession in Delaware, the kinds of licenses issued, and the everyday rules every licensee must follow to keep a license in good standing.

The Regulating Authority

In Delaware, cosmetology is regulated by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
It operates as a board within the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR).
The board sets the rules for licensing, sanitation, and professional conduct, and it can investigate complaints and discipline licensees.
Statutes and administrative rules—not individual salons—define what practitioners may legally do.

License Types & Scope of Practice

The board issues distinct credentials such as cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, nail technician, electrologist, and instructor licenses.
Each license defines a scope of practice; you may only perform services your license authorizes.
Practicing without a valid license, or beyond your scope, is prohibited and subject to discipline.
Salon/shop and individual practitioner credentials are separate—registering a salon does not license its workers.

Display, Renewal & Prohibited Practices

Keep your current license displayed or available at your work station as the board requires.
Licenses are issued for a set term and must be periodically renewed to remain valid.
Renewing on time and meeting any continuing-education the board requires keeps a license active.
Prohibited acts include unlicensed practice, exceeding scope, fraud, and unsanitary conditions.
Do not present unpublished figures (hours, fees, exam length, passing score) as official—verify them with the board.

State-specific details

State exam facts

State regulator
Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Exam vendor
Prometric (NIC exams)
Prelicensing education
1,500 hours of schooling (or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship)
Passing score
75
How many training hours does Delaware require for a cosmetology license?

Delaware requires 1,500 hours at an approved school, or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.

Who licenses cosmetologists in Delaware?

The Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, within the Division of Professional Regulation, licenses cosmetologists. The NIC theory and practical exams are administered by Prometric (Delaware transitioned from PSI around August 2024).

Does Delaware still require a practical exam?

Yes. Delaware requires both the NIC written theory exam and a hands-on NIC practical exam, with a scaled passing score of 75 on each.

Sources: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/cosmoexam/, https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/nicde

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