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Licensing in New York
In New York, beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Department of State, while nurses and massage therapists are licensed by the State Education Department (Office of the Professions). Construction and tattoo licenses are issued by cities, such as New York City.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | License term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,000 hours | Written and practical | 4 years |
| Esthetics | 600 hours | Written and practical | 4 years |
| Natural Hair Styling | 300 hours | Written and practical | 4 years |
| Nail Specialty | 250 hours | Written and practical | 4 years |
| Waxing | 75 hours | Written | 4 years |
| Barber | School or 2-year apprenticeship | Written and practical | 4 years |
- Licenses are issued by the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
- Passed exam results are valid for 5 years: the license must be obtained within that time.
- A barber license requires a medical exam and a course on sanitation and infection prevention.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage TherapistLMT | 1,000 hours | New York State exam | Every 3 years | 36 |
- Licenses are issued by the State Education Department, Office of the Professions.
- A CPR certificate obtained within 3 years before licensure is required.
- Massage therapists licensed in another state may apply by endorsement: 1,000 training hours and 2 years of practice are required.
| License | Issued by | Exam | Renewal | Required courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | State Education Department | NCLEX-RN | Every 3 years | Infection control every 4 years |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | State Education Department | NCLEX-PN | Every 3 years | Infection control every 4 years |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry | Written and skills test after 100 training hours | — | — |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification | — | — |
- New York is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a nurse from another state needs a New York license by endorsement.
- Nurses also need a child abuse identification course if it was not part of their education.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Master Electrician | NYC Department of Buildings | New York City license |
| Master Plumber | NYC Department of Buildings | New York City license |
| Home Improvement Contractor | NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection | Required for repair, remodeling and additions to residential buildings |
| General Contractor | No Department of Buildings license | For residential work — Home Improvement Contractor license |
- Construction licenses in New York are issued by local authorities, and requirements depend on the city and county. The table shows New York City.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty salon | Department of State | Appearance Enhancement Business license for 4 years |
| Barbershop | Department of State | Barber Shop Owner license for the owner |
| Tattoo | NYC Department of Health; outside NYC — local health departments | In New York City — an artist license after a 3-hour course and exam, renewal every 2 years |
| Beauty school | State Education Department (BPSS) | Programs follow Department of State standards |
| LLC | Department of State | Registration — $200. Publication in two newspapers for 6 weeks, certificate of publication — $50 within 120 days. Biennial Statement — $9 every 2 years |
| Sales tax | Department of Taxation and Finance | Certificate of Authority; register at least 20 days before you start selling |
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
New York specifics
- Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is not valid here.
- Practical exam. Most beauty licenses require both written and practical exams.
- 4-year licenses. Beauty, barber and salon licenses are issued for 4 years.
- Own exam for massage therapists. Massage therapists take the New York State exam after 1,000 training hours.
- Construction — at the city level. In New York City, electricians and plumbers are licensed by the Department of Buildings.
- Publication for LLCs. After forming an LLC, a notice must be published in two newspapers for 6 weeks.
What professionals earn in New York
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
I have a beauty license from another state. Can I transfer it?
Yes. There are several paths: reciprocity with certain states, endorsement, and licensure based on 5+ years of experience. Requirements depend on the state that issued your license.
Do I need to take a practical exam?
Yes, for cosmetology, esthetics, nail specialty, natural hair styling and barbering. Waxing requires only the written exam.
I have a massage license from another state. What do I need for New York?
You can apply by endorsement. You need 1,000 training hours, a passed licensing exam and at least 2 years of practice after licensure.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in New York?
No. New York is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a New York license is required.
*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 city authorities and may change — always check the official websites: NYS Department of State, NYSED Office of the Professions, NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Buildings, NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Wage data — BLS.