All states · Maryland
Licensing in Maryland
In Maryland, beauty licenses are issued by the State Board of Cosmetologists, barbers by the State Board of Barbers, and home improvement contractors by the Home Improvement Commission — all under the Maryland Department of Labor. Massage therapists and nurses are licensed by boards under the Department of Health.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Apprenticeship | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 24 months | Per board schedule |
| Limited Hairstylist | 1,200 hours | 15 months | Per board schedule |
| Limited Esthetician | 600 hours | 12 months | Per board schedule |
| Limited Nail Technician | 250 hours | 8 months | Per board schedule |
| Limited Blow Dry Stylist | 350 hours | — | Per board schedule |
| Barber | 1,200 hours | 2,250 hours | Per board schedule |
| Barber-Stylist Limited | 900 hours | 1,650 hours | Per board schedule |
- Cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians are licensed by the State Board of Cosmetologists, barbers by the State Board of Barbers. All licenses require a board exam.
- Beauty apprentices must work at least 20 hours a week and report to the board monthly.
- Master Barber: 15 months of experience as a licensed barber and passing the barber and master barber exams.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 750 hours | Board exam | Per board schedule |
| Registered Massage Practitioner | 600 hours | MBLEx or NCBTMB | Per board schedule |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Massage Therapy Examiners. A criminal background check is also required.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Maryland Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Maryland Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nursing AssistantCNA | Maryland Board of Nursing | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Maryland is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement Contractor | Home Improvement Commission | License for work on residential homes |
| Electrician | State board | State license — required for electrical work |
| Plumber | State board | State license — required for plumbing work |
| HVACR Contractor | State board | State license — required for heating, ventilation and refrigeration |
- A home improvement license does not authorize electrical, plumbing or HVACR work — separate licenses are required.
- Permits and inspections remain with local authorities.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | State Board of Cosmetologists | Establishment license; local zoning permit required |
| Barbershop | State Board of Barbers | Shop owner license; local zoning permit required |
| LLC | State Department of Assessments and Taxation | 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
Maryland specifics
- Two boards for hair. Cosmetologists are licensed by the State Board of Cosmetologists, barbers by the State Board of Barbers.
- Apprenticeship path. Every beauty license is available through an apprenticeship of 8 to 24 months.
- A separate blow dry license. A Blow Dry Stylist needs 350 hours.
- Two levels of massage. Licensed massage therapist — 750 hours, registered practitioner — 600.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Remodeling — a separate license. Home improvement work requires a Home Improvement Commission license.
What professionals earn in Maryland
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 school hours or a 24-month apprenticeship, then the board exam.
How many hours does a barber need?
1,200 hours at a barber school or 2,250 apprenticeship hours.
How many hours does a nail technician need?
250 hours or an 8-month apprenticeship.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate license is valid.
*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: Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists, Maryland State Board of Barbers, Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners, Maryland Board of Nursing, Maryland Home Improvement Commission, Maryland General Assembly. Wage data — BLS.