All states · Kentucky
Licensing in Kentucky
In Kentucky, beauty licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetology, barbers by the Board of Barbering, massage therapists by the Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy, nurses by the Board of Nursing, and electricians, plumbers and HVAC by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Every 2 years, in July of even years |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | Every 2 years, in July of even years |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | Every 2 years, in July of even years |
| Shampoo Styling | 300 hours | Every 2 years, in July of even years |
| Barber | 1,500 hours + 6-month apprenticeship | Per Board of Barbering schedule |
- Every program includes hours on Kentucky law. Training is limited to 9 hours a day and 40 a week.
- Since 2026, beauty licenses renew every 2 years, July 1–31 of even years. The next renewal is July 2028.
- After school, a barber gets an apprentice license, works 6 months in a licensed shop and takes the board’s written and practical exams.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 600 hours | MBLEx or another approved exam | Every 2 years | 12 |
- Licenses are issued by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy. A fingerprint background check is required.
- Of the 12 CE hours every 2 years, at least 3 must be in ethics.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Kentucky Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Kentucky Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| State Registered Nurse AideSRNA | Kentucky Board of Nursing registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Kentucky is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician, Electrician | HBC | State licenses |
| Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber | HBC | State licenses |
| HVAC Contractor, HVAC Journeyman | HBC | State licenses |
- Trade licenses are issued by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC). Check general contractor requirements with your city or county.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | Board of Cosmetology | Establishment license, renewed every 2 years |
| LLC | Kentucky Secretary of State | Registration — file Articles of Organization |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Kentucky specifics
- Renewal every 2 years. Since 2026, beauty licenses renew in July of even years.
- Barber — school plus practice. 1,500 school hours and a 6-month apprenticeship in a shop.
- Shampoo styling. A separate Shampoo Styling license — 300 hours.
- Massage — 600 hours. Renewal every 2 years with 12 CE hours, 3 of them in ethics.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Trade licenses at HBC. Electricians, plumbers and HVAC are licensed at the state level.
What professionals earn in Kentucky
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for Kentucky.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 hours, including 40 on Kentucky law.
How do I become a barber?
1,500 hours at a barber school, a 6-month apprenticeship in a shop, and the board exam.
When do beauty licenses renew?
Every 2 years, July 1–31 of even years. The next renewal is in 2028.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, Kentucky Board of Barbering, Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy, Kentucky Board of Nursing, Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Kentucky Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.