All states · Virginia
Licensing in Virginia
In Virginia, beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under DPOR, and contractors are licensed by the Board for Contractors (also DPOR). Massage therapists and nurses are licensed by the Board of Nursing.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Apprenticeship | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,000 hours | Available | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Barber | 750 hours | Available | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Master Barber | 250 hours | — | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Nail Technician | 150 hours | Available | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Available | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Master Esthetician | 600 hours | Available | NIC written and practical | Every 2 years |
| Wax Technician | 115 hours | — | Written and practical | Every 2 years |
- Since December 1, 2025, hours have been reduced: cosmetologists from 1,500 to 1,000, barbers from 1,100 to 750, master barbers from 400 to 250.
- Apprenticeships for cosmetologists, barbers, nail technicians and estheticians are run by Virginia Works, the state workforce development agency.
- A license is valid for 2 years from the last day of the month of issue. The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology also licenses tattooers and body piercers.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 500 hours | MBLEx | Every 2 years | 24 |
- Massage therapists are licensed by the Board of Nursing. Licenses renew by the end of the birth month.
- Of the 24 CE hours, at least 1 must be in ethics and at least 12 from approved providers. Current NCBTMB certification can replace CE. No CE for the first renewal.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Virginia Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Virginia Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Virginia Board of Nursing | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Virginia is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
- RNs and LPNs renew every 2 years with national certification or at least 30 CE hours per cycle.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Class C Contractor | Board for Contractors | Projects from $1,000 to $30,000 |
| Class B Contractor | Board for Contractors | Projects from $30,000 to $150,000 |
| Class A Contractor | Board for Contractors | Projects of $150,000 or more |
| Tradesmanelectrician, plumber, HVAC | Board for Contractors | Journeyman and master licenses |
- The license class depends on the value of a single project and the annual volume of work.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology | Establishment license |
| LLC | State Corporation Commission | 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
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- Study in Russian and English
Virginia specifics
- Fewer hours. Since December 2025, cosmetologists need 1,000 hours instead of 1,500, barbers 750 instead of 1,100.
- One board for beauty and barbers. The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology also licenses tattooers.
- A short path to nails. Nail technicians need only 150 hours.
- Massage — under the nursing board. Massage therapists are licensed by the Board of Nursing.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Three contractor classes. Class A, B or C — depending on project value.
What professionals earn in Virginia
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. BLS does not publish cosmetologist data for Virginia. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,000 hours for those who began training on or after December 1, 2025, then the NIC written and practical exams.
How many hours does a barber need?
750 hours, plus 250 more for a master barber.
Who licenses massage therapists?
The Board of Nursing: 500 training hours and the MBLEx exam.
Do I need a contractor license for small jobs?
Yes, for projects over $1,000 you need at least a Class C license.
*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: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR), Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR), Virginia Administrative Code, Code of Virginia. Wage data — BLS.