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Education - Cosmetologists

Public/Private cosmetology schools

In Maryland, cosmetology schools are regulated by other state entities. The role of the Board of Cosmetology in you opening your school is to review and approve the curriculum that you plan to teach.

You will need to start the process with MHEC (Maryland Higher Education Commission) 410-767-3300 to open a Private Career School.

Please use this Curriculum Review Checklist for Cosmetology Schools as a guide.

Apprenticeships

The Board of Cosmetologists supports several apprenticeships. The individual registering for the apprenticeship must be at least 16 years old. A sponsor, using their registration number and password, may certify monthly apprentice training below:
Sponsor Certifications for Apprentice Training

  • Apprentice Cosmetologist: Must complete 2 years of training with at least 20 hours per week. Sponsored ONLY by a Senior Cosmetologist. Allowed 1 renewal for 2 additional years when renewed on time.
     
  • Apprentice Hairstylist: Must complete 15 months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Sponsored by a Senior Cosmetologist or Limited Hairstylist who has been licensed for at least 2 years. NO RENEWALS PERMITTED.
     
  • Apprentice Esthetician: Must complete 1 year of training with at least 20 hours per week. Sponsored by a Senior Cosmetologist or Limited Esthetician who has been licensed for at least 2 years. Allowed 1 renewal for 1 additional year when renewed on time.
     
  • Apprentice Nail Technician: Must complete 8 months of training with at least 20 hours per week. Sponsored by a Senior Cosmetologist or Limited Nail Technician who has been licensed for at least 2 years. NO RENEWALS PERMITTED.

Before an online application will be processed, sponsors must complete and return a sponsor jot form. All apprentices must apply online for a permit to practice.

The Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Apprenticeship Powerpoint

Continuing Education

HB 1600 State Board of Cosmetologists - License Renewal - Continuing Education
This legislation establishes a requirement for licensees to complete six hours of continuing education during each two-year licensing term. The passage of the law took effect on October 1, 2018. However, The Board was given approval to implement the requirement in late 2021. As a result, new staff was hired to develop the Continuing Education Program. Please review the continuing education regulations online for more information about requirements for your license. Please note: Licensees within their renewal period are not required to begin submitting C.E hours upon renewal at this time. Additional information regarding compliance with the required continuing education hours will be forthcoming

As of March 11, 2024, the Board is accepting applications for continuing education course providers. We will accept applications during this open enrollment period until April 22, 2024. Note: We will not be accepting applications after this time; however, the Board will provide notice when details of the next open enrollment period have been finalized.

The courses can cover, but are not limited to, one of the following topics:

  • occupational health and safety
  • ethics and professional standards
  • cosmetology practice
  • product knowledge
  • sanitation
  • infectious and communicable disease control
  • Business
  • Maryland laws and regulations

At this time, we will only accept applications from the following categories of organizations or institutions:

  • Existing, approved Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Private Career Schools
  • Maryland Colleges / Universities including community colleges
  • Industry Textbook Publishers

The cost of the application is $250 which includes the evaluation of one course. Additional courses can be reviewed for a fee of $50 dollars per course.