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State Board License

Getting Licensed…

Step 1:  Complete Exit Counseling at studentaid.gov  – This is only necessary if you have student loans.


Step 2: Complete National Testing Form  First Time Test Taker – National Testing Application Link https://signnow.com/s/RVjNaqYM


Step 3:   Check your email for a link from NIC 60 days AFTER your graduation date. Please check your spam as well. The email will come from NIC (National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc) and will request you to pay the $85.00 National testing fee online and select a testing date.  Please do not call state board regarding the status of your application, this will result in delays. Please do not mail the testing fee to the campus the fee must be paid online and directly to NIC.

For example, if you graduate in August 15, 2020 you will receive link on or before October 15, 2020. If you do not receive a testing link within 60 days of your last day of attendance please email info@patgoins.edu.


Step 4: When you receive the testing link – PLEASE schedule your test as soon as possible. Testing locations are filling up quickly as the state has reduced capacity due to damage caused by Hurricane Laura and social distancing requirement due to COVID – 19.


Step 5: Take your national exam. Pass your national exam.  Testing site may vary due to availability.  If you are looking for a specific testing site, you may call NIC at the number on your invitation email to review testing options.


Step 6: Complete the Practical Testing Form – For First Time Test Takers – Practical Exam Application

Application Link: Practical Exam Application

You must pass your theory exam to be eligible to take your practical exam. You must turn in the application for the practical exam and pay the fee for the practical exam (75.00) via a money order. To schedule time to drop off our fees and complete the required applications please click the link below:

Licensing-Fees-and-Testing-Registration-Drop-off


Step 7: Professional License

After you pass all functions of the state board (practical, theory, and gold book) your professional license will take approximately 30 days for the campus to receive. If you do not receive your professional license within this timeline, please send an email to info@patgoins.edu regarding the status.