State Licensing Disclaimer

The state may refuse to grant a license if a student has been convicted of a crime; committed any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit; or committed any act that, if committed by a licentiate of the business or profession in question, would be grounds for the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology to deny licensure. The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology denies licensure on the grounds that the applicant knowingly made a false statement of fact required to be revealed in the application for such license. Students who are not U.S. citizens or who do not have documented authority to work in the United States will not be eligible to apply to take the state licensure examination. Paul Mitchell The School Reno is not responsible for students denied licensure.

All students enrolled in the Provisional Instructor program have 45 business days after graduation to apply, test and receive their instructors license with the State and provide to proof to the school, otherwise they will not be eligible to continue their employment.

state licensing requirements

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Nevada, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Applicants must have completed 1,600 hours in a school of cosmetology program approved by the State Board
  • Completed school through at least the 10th grade or the equivalent
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Pass the written and practical exams.

In Nevada, you are required to complete 45 hours of state approved continuing education every 2 years in order to renew your license. The expiration date for all cosmetology licenses is the last day of your birthday month.

To become a licensed nail technician in Nevada, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Complete a nail technology program: The program is 600 hours long and typically takes 18 weeks or less to complete. 
  • Pass the Nevada State Law Test: This test requires a score of 75% or higher. 
  • Pass the theory and practical tests
  • Apply for a license: You can complete the Individual Application on the NVCOSMO website. 

Your Nevada nail technologist license will expire every 2 years on your birthday. You must pay the renewal fee of $70 and complete at least 4 hours in infection control courses every two-year period to renew your license.

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Nevada, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Have a current license in cosmetology, nail technology, aesthetics, or hair design 
  • Have at least one year of salon experience 
  • Complete a Provisional Instructor License (PIL) or Student Instructor program at a Nevada school 
  • Pass the written and practical exams 
  • Be at least 18 years old 

The PIL program is 500 hours long and can be completed in about 15 weeks. You can contact a school representative for more information. 

Once you have your license, you must complete continuing education to renew it every two or four years. The number of hours required depends on the length of your license:

  • 2-year license: Complete 30 hours of continuing education
  • 4-year license: Complete 60 hours of continuing education 

The board sets the topics for continuing education, and you must use an approved education provider.

Nevada licensed instructors must complete 30 or 60 hours of continuing education to renew an instructor license for 2 or 4 years.