Individuals seeking to practice in the cosmetology industry and similar areas in the State of Illinois must obtain the proper license from the Board of Cosmetology. The agency, which falls under the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, is tasked with establishing training requirements, administering exams, issuing licenses and disciplinary enforcement. Applicants must complete a minimum number of training hours and pass the Board examination. Qualified out-of-state candidates can also obtain their license by endorsement. Illinois is one of a few jurisdictions that recently enacted legislation placing hair braiding under its own separate set of training and examination rules.

Obtaining a license

General

The Board’s licensing procedures require applicants to complete a certain number of training hours at an approved educational institution, which are designated below based on specialty. Upon successful completion of the training requirements, candidates must pass a written examination.

Training

• Cosmetologist License: 1500 hours
• Barber License: 1500 hours
• Nail Technician License: 350 hours
• Esthetician License: 750 hours
• Electrologist License: 600 hours
• Massage Therapist License: 500 hours
• Hair Braider License: 300 hours

Examination

After completion of the minimum training hours, candidate may apply to take the required written exam, either at an approved test center or online. The test covers such topics as safety and sanitation; cutting, waving and relaxing hair; nail services; and, skin services.

Internship

While the Board does not issue licenses on an apprenticeship basis, it has enacted rules allowing for candidates to obtain their cosmetology license through qualifying internship programs. Applicants can substitute 150 internship hours for the minimum 1,500 hours in a Board-approved cosmetology training program. Those seeking to apply internship hours toward their educational requirements must first complete 750 of their classroom training.

Out-of-state candidates

Individuals who possess a cosmetology license in another state can transfer their license to Illinois by completing the proper paperwork. Candidates must show an official certification or license issued by the cosmetology regulatory agency in the other state. An application to transfer must also be completed along with proper payment.

Maintaining a license

Renewal

Cosmetologists in the State of Illinois must file renewal paperwork by September 30 of even numbered years. A completed renewal application and processing fee of $25 is required, both of which can be submitted online.

Continuing education requirements

The Board requires cosmetologists to complete 14 hours of continuing education units through an approved institution for every license renewal period. On their renewal applications, licensees must certify that they have successfully completed the courses before renewal will issue.

Disciplinary actions

All matters involving licensee discipline are handled by the Board, including consumer initiated complaints and violations of professional conduct rules. Depending on the type and severity of the violation, penalties may include license suspension, probation or revocation. The most common infractions are failure to abide by proper sanitation standards, improper display of license or engaging in the practice of cosmetology without the proper license. More severe violations include providing services that are prohibited by the Board, including Botox, liposuction or micordermabrasion.

Hair braiding

A law went into effect in September 2001 that created a special category of licenses for professional hair braiders. Candidates in this field are required to have 300 hours of classroom and practical experience in order to obtain their hair braider’s license.