What Is the Difference Between the NYS Cosmetology License & the NIC License?
The practice of cosmetology involves skills related to hairstyling, nail care, makeup and skin care. All states require practicing cosmetologists to have a license. To get a license you must take an examination. Some states use a national test created by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and some, such as New York, require you to take their own state examinations.
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State Boards License Cosmetologists
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There is no national NIC license. The NIC supports the position that the cosmetology board in each state has the authority to issue licenses, set standards and approve schools. The NIC does believe, however, that there should be a national examination used by all states as part of their licensing requirements. This would make it easier for cosmetologists who are licensed in one state to qualify for a license in another state.
Many States Use NIC Exam
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Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia and Guam use the exam created and administered by the NIC. This means, for example, that if you pass the NIC exam to get a license in Washington State and then to move to Pennsylvania, you don't need to take the exam again. If you move to New York, however, you would have to pass the New York test before you could get a license. New York and 13 other states do not use the NIC test.
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The NIC Exam
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NIC conducts both written and practical exams, although some states require only the written test. The practical test requires you to perform cosmetology procedures before an evaluator. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions covering basic knowledge of cosmetology. It focuses on concepts and is designed to determine whether you have enough knowledge to safely practice cosmetology. NIC offers practice exams on its website.
The New York Cosmetology Exam
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New York requires applicants to pass both a written and a practical exam. Licensees also must show that they have completed at least 1,000 hours of instruction at a state-approved school. The written test cover safety and health issues, New York laws and regulations, infection control, physiology and chemicals and procedures used in cosmetology. Test-takers have 2½ hours to complete test, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Endorsement and Reciprocity
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Even though New York does not use the NIC test, it's possible that you won't have to take the state board exam if you have been legally working as a cosmetologist in another state. The state has reciprocal or endorsement agreements with 27 other states. This means New York will waive the examination if you have paperwork to prove that you have a current license in another state and have practiced cosmetology for a number of years. A list of these states is available at the New York Department of State website.
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