Consumer Protection is our Mission.
The Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure regulates individuals who practice in the State of Colorado as barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, and manicurists. The Office also regulates the Shops and Salons where these services are performed. Licensure for these occupations is mandatory in Colorado. The Office’s activities include licensing exceptions, investigation of complaints, determination of discipline, and enforcement of discipline for those who violate the Barber and Cosmetologist Act and the Office of Barber and Cosmetologist Licensure Rules. The purpose of the Office of Barber & Cosmetology Licensure is to protect the consumer. The program is a Director model with a five member advisory committee comprised of a school representative, licensed professionals and a public member. The Office works closely with the National Interstate Council of Cosmetology Boards (NIC), the National Association of Barber Boards (NABBA), and its testing vendor, Pearson VUE.
To begin your renewal, click "Professionals" in the left menu of this page. Then click "Renewal."
The Division is now called the Division of Professions and Occupations, effective August 8, 2012. To help our consumers and licensees more readily locate and utilize our services, the legislature passed House Bill 12-1055 during the 2012 legislative session. Please note, the Division of Professions and Occupations will still be housed within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Services the Division currently offers will remain the same.
Legislation passed during the Legislative Session impacts the Division of Professions and Occupations. The Division is developing an implementation process at this time. Please check back in the near future to learn about any changes to rules, requirements and important deadlines.
Effective December 1, 2008: the Office of Barber Cosmetology no longer reviews out-of-state training. If you completed your education OUTSIDE of Colorado and did not obtain a license in that state, you must contact Pearson VUE for an application to take the Colorado practical and written examination. You can visit Pearson VUE’s website here.
If you obtained a license in another state, you must apply for endorsement by visiting Licensee/Applicant Services for an application.
For Help Call the Colorado Regional Office Customer Service team at:
1-800-274-8969
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