Author: Jenna White
October 13th, 2020
October 13th, 2020
We are often resistant to change and don't realize that change is constant. Learning to adapt to a new location with an open mind can bring knowledge and new opportunities. Has the time come for you to move your practice to a new state? Reciprocity is the exchange of licensure or privileges to practice a certain trade within different countries, states and institutions. In the United States, reciprocity could involve several factors depending on the state you're moving to and the state you're coming from. Almost every state has a cosmetology license, but may require additional licenses, hours or exams for you to operate as a barber, esthetician, nail tech, makeup artist, permanent makeup artist or instructor, as well as to offer hair braiding or electrolysis services. The guide below will help you think through transferring a cosmetology or barbering license via reciprocity.
Hourly Requirements: All state cosmetology and barbering licenses require a minimum number of documented school hours from an accredited institution. Some states allow part of these hours to be earned via a hands-on apprenticeship in the salon or barbershop.
Exams: May include open book tests, state law exams and practicals (physical tasks). Usually the last step before obtaining a license. You may be required to retake these exams in the state you're transferring to, even if you've been licensed for many years.
Endorsement: Some states allow you to apply for reciprocity even when you don't meet all the required stipulations to obtain a license there. If you're approved, the state is allowing your license transfer via their "endorsement" of your application. This typically requires you to have an active license in another state with no open disciplinary actions.
Disciplinary Actions: These may include some of the following held as open actions against your license by your state's Board of Cosmetology: practicing without an active license, aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of cosmetology, failing to report conviction of a felony on license applications and renewals, and/or leveraging tools that are not within your license training.
Reciprocity Fees: The amounts can vary, but are usually under $200.
Exams: May include open book tests, state law exams and practicals (physical tasks). Usually the last step before obtaining a license. You may be required to retake these exams in the state you're transferring to, even if you've been licensed for many years.
Endorsement: Some states allow you to apply for reciprocity even when you don't meet all the required stipulations to obtain a license there. If you're approved, the state is allowing your license transfer via their "endorsement" of your application. This typically requires you to have an active license in another state with no open disciplinary actions.
Disciplinary Actions: These may include some of the following held as open actions against your license by your state's Board of Cosmetology: practicing without an active license, aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of cosmetology, failing to report conviction of a felony on license applications and renewals, and/or leveraging tools that are not within your license training.
Reciprocity Fees: The amounts can vary, but are usually under $200.
