Virginia Cosmetology Law & DPOR Licensing
Virginia licenses the beauty professions through the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under DPOR. This chapter covers the regulator, credentials, and compliance basics.
The board and DPOR
Cosmetology in Virginia is regulated by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, one of several boards under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). DPOR issues licenses, adopts regulations, and enforces standards. Its authority is statewide, so requirements do not change from city to city.
Credentials and scope
Virginia issues distinct credentials — cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician and master esthetician, wax technician, plus barber and instructor licenses. Each authorizes a defined scope of services, and a practitioner must hold the license that matches the work performed. Salons and schools are also licensed.
Establishments, renewals, and enforcement
The salon must hold its own license and meet the board's sanitation regulations, in addition to the individual licenses of the people inside. Licenses are issued for a set term and must be renewed through DPOR before expiring. Unlicensed practice, out-of-scope work, and sanitation violations can be disciplined. Exact hours, fees, and renewal cycles are set by the board and should be confirmed with DPOR.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR)
- Exam vendor
- Prov (NIC exams)
- Prelicensing education
- 1,000 hours (reduced from 1,500 in 2024; a 3,000-hour apprenticeship pathway also exists)
- Passing score
- 75
- Scored questions
- 110
- Time limit
- 90 minutes
How many training hours does Virginia require for a cosmetology license?
Virginia requires 1,000 hours — reduced from 1,500 in 2024 — or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship. Older pages citing 1,500 hours are out of date.
Who licenses cosmetologists in Virginia?
The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), licenses cosmetologists. The NIC theory and practical exams have been delivered by Prov since January 1, 2025 (replacing PSI).
Does Virginia still require a practical exam?
Yes. Virginia requires both the NIC theory exam (110 items, 90-minute limit, plus 10 Virginia state-law questions) and a hands-on NIC practical exam, with a passing score of 75.
Sources: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/BarberCosmo/VA_NIC_COS_CIB_2022.pdf
Practice stays free. The full Cosmetology State Board study guide is the material itself, taught start to finish — a downloadable PDF + EPUB you keep.