State Licensure Requirements

Cosmetology
 

To become a licensed hairdresser/cosmetologist in Connecticut, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at an approved school, pass the Prometric Licensing Examination, and submit an application with a $100 fee to the Department of Public Health. Licenses must be renewed every two years. 

Key Requirements for Licensure
  • Education: Graduate from a school approved by the Connecticut State Board for Barbers and Hairdressers with at least 1,500 hours of study.
  • Examination: Pass the Connecticut Hairdresser/Cosmetologist examination administered by Prometric.
  • Application: Submit a completed application, fee ($100), and school documentation, including an Affidavit of Hours Form.
  • Age/Education: Candidates must have completed at least ninth grade or passed an equivalency exam.
  • Renewal: $100 fee, renewed every two years.
  • Out-of-State Applicants: You may apply based on an equivalent license from another state.
Esthetics
 

To become a licensed esthetician in Connecticut, you must complete 600 hours of training at an approved school, pass the Prometric Licensing Examination, and submit an application with a $100 fee to the Department of Public Health. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Key Connecticut Esthetics License Requirements:
  • Training: Completion of a 600-hour esthetics program from a school approved by the CT Office of Higher Education.
  • Application: Submit an initial application to the DPH with a $100 fee.
  • Examination: While some sources indicate no state exam is currently required for basic esthetics (as of late 2020), national standards often involve written and practical exams.
  • Safety: You must follow CT DPH infection prevention and control guidelines.
  • Renewal: $100 fee, renewed every two years.
  • Out-of-State Applicants: You may apply based on an equivalent license from another state.
Nail Academy
 

To become a licensed nail technician in Connecticut, you must complete at least 100 hours of training at an approved school, pass the Prometric Licensing Examination, and submit an application with a $100 fee to the Department of Public Health. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Key Requirements
  • Training Hours: You must complete a course of at least 100 hours of study, which usually covers sanitation, manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail application.
  • School Certification: You must receive a certificate of completion from a school approved by the state or the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
  • Examination: Candidates must pass a state-approved examination that tests on safety, sanitation, and practical skills.
  • Application & Fees: A $100 application fee is required, submitted along with an online application on the DPH website.
  • Infection Control: Applicants must attest to compliance with the DPH infection prevention and control plan guidelines.
  • Renewal: $100 fee, renewed every two years.

Eyelash Extension

To become a licensed eyelash technician in Connecticut, you must  complete a state-approved 50 hours of training program, pass the Prometric Licensing Examination, and submit an application with a $100 fee to the Department of Public Health.  The license must be renewed biennially.

  • Training: Completion of a 50-hour approved eyelash technician training program.
  • Application: Submit an online application via the DPH online portal, including a certificate of completion.
  • Infection Control: Applicants must attest to compliance with DPH infection prevention and control guidelines.
  • Licensing Fee: $100 for the initial license and $100 for renewals.

Massage

To become a licensed massage therapist in Connecticut, you must complete at least 750 hours of 
in-class instruction from an accredited school, including 60 hours of unpaid, supervised clinical/internship experience. Graduates must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) and apply for state licensure. 
Key Requirements & Details
Education: Minimum 750 classroom hours at a school accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education recognized agency or the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
Clinical Experience: 60 hours of supervised, unpaid, in-class internship.
Examination: Passage of the MBLEx.
Application Fee: Initial license fee is $375, with a $375.00 reinstatement fee if needed.