South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

Which exams are required to obtain licensure in South Carolina?

Successful passage of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination (theory and practical) are required by the Board regardless of years of experience.

How long will it take Board staff to process my application?

Board staff processes applications in the order in which they are received therefore we are unable to offer a specific time frame for processing. After your application has been processed, you will receive an email with further instructions. Please be sure to have an updated email address on file with the Board and continue to check your SPAM/JUNK email.

What are the different license types available through the Board of Cosmetology?

The Board of Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, salons, instructors, and schools (as defined in SECTION 40-13-20. Definitions).

Does the Board of Cosmetology offer reciprocity?

No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license types.

What is "Endorsement"?

If an applicant is licensed in any other states, they are able to apply for licensure by endorsement. Verifications from each state of licensure will need to be requested and sent from the original state of license issuance to the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology via mail or email. Successful passage of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination (theory and practical) are required by the Board.

My license has lapsed. How do I reinstate?

If your Cosmetology, Esthetician or Nail Technician license has lapsed for less than three years, you will need to submit the Reactivation/Reinstatement Application along with supporting documents.

If your Salon license has lapsed, you will need to submit the Salon Reinstatement Application along with supporting documents.

If your Booth Renter license has lapsed, you will need to submit the Booth Renter Reinstatement Application along with supporting documents.

If your Cosmetology School license as lapsed, you will need to submit the School Reinstatement Application along with supporting documents.

Does South Carolina Board of Cosmetology have the option to "grandfather" into licensing?

No, all applicants must meet current licensure requirements as they pertain to the specific license type being sought.

How do I check my application status online?

Applicants may access their application status at any time by logging into the Board Portal at E-Service Login Portal.

What is a license verification and where can I send it?

A license verification is a document sent directly from one state Board to another state Board with basic licensee information on a specific individual. Board of Cosmetology license verifications should be emailed to the Board at Boardinfo@llr.sc.gov.

How do I order a license verification to be sent to another state?

License verifications may be ordered via the Board Portal at Online Verification Portal. After the request has been made and fee paid the verification will be sent out.

Can I transfer my booth renter license to another salon?

No, the booth renter license is nontransferable. If you start working at a new salon, you must apply for a new booth renter license and return your previous license to the Board.

If my school is closed, how can I request my transcript?

Students may refer to the Board's website and submit a FOIA for their transcript.

How do I take my exams (Theory & Practical)?

You must apply with the Board and be made eligible if you wish to obtain licensure in South Carolina and have not taken the NIC (both portions).

What if I don't pass one/both portions of the exam(s)?

If you do not pass one/both portions of the exam, you will need to submit the reexamination application via the Board website at Reexam Application. Please also refer to Reexamination Instructions for more detailed instructions.

Which exams are required to obtain licensure in South Carolina?

Successful passage of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination (theory and practical) are required by the Board regardless of years of experience.

What are the CE requirements and how many will I need?

CE Requirements are located within S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 35: Board of Cosmetology; Regulation 35-23. Continuing Education Requirements; Expired Licenses. For license renewal, all persons licensed by the board as cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians must show satisfactory evidence of having obtained four (4) contact hours of board approved continuing education.

What does "board approved continuing education" mean?

Please refer to 35-24. Continuing Education Programs for specific criteria on CE programs that are approved by the Board.

Are there any exemptions from CE's?

Yes, per SECTION 40-13-250. "A person who has held a license for at least fifteen consecutive years and is sixty years of age or older or who has held continuous licensure for at least thirty years, is fifty years of age, and who has not been disciplined by the board is exempt from taking continuing education courses." If you think you qualify for exemption you may submit the Continuing Education Exemption Form for processing by Board staff.

Where do I find CE courses?

CE course information can be found on the Board website under Education. Additional helpful information is located here as well.

I would like to become a Continuing Education Provider. How do I apply for this?

Continuing Education Provider applications and additional information is available on the Board website Education > Resources