New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling

General Questions

1. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.
   

2. Can I practice cosmetology and hairstyling while attending school?

   Yes, if you hold a student permit, which can be obtained once you have completed half of the required training.

3. I have a beautician/barber's license from another state; can I work in New Jersey?

   No. In order to work in New Jersey you need to have a license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. You must submit an "out-of-state" application and required documentation and pass the Board's examination. The application must be requested in writing and will be mailed to you.

4. I was a hairstylist in another country. Do I have to go back to school if I want to work in New Jersey?

   No. If you come from another country, you must submit an "out-of-country" application and the required documentation, and you also must pass the Board's examination. The application must be requested in writing and will be mailed to you.

5. Can I operate a beauty shop with my manicurist's license?

   Yes, but you must apply for a shop license, hold a current manicurist's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, and have at least three years of work experience as a licensed manicurist or cosmetologist.

6. Am I required to hold a cosmetology and hairstyling license to open a beauty shop?

   No. Your obligation is to hire a manager who has at least three years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist-hairstylist and to apply for a shop license.

7. Is "in-house" practice illegal?

   Yes, but there are some exceptions. Be sure you check the statutes (N.J.S.A 45:5B-7 and 5B-8) or call the Board for more information.

8. Can I have my temporary permit extended?

   No. The temporary permit is valid for 120 days and may be issued onlyone time while you wait to be scheduled for the examination for licensure. Once your permit expires, if you do not have your license, you must stop practicing until you receive your license.

9. Can I open a beauty shop in my house?

   Yes, with the permission of the city or town zoning official, and if you hold a current license, you may open a beauty shop in your house. But remember, you also must obtain a shop license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and follow the regulations pertaining to such practice.

10. I am graduating from high school this year and have some training hours in cosmetology and hairstyling. Can I complete my training after graduation?

    Absolutely. You may continue your training in a vocational school or in a private school licensed by the Board. If you choose the second option, you must obtain certification of your hours from your high school; your new school must submit the certification to the Board with your student registration application.

11. Will I lose my California license if I become licensed in New Jersey?

    No. You can be licensed in as many states as you want, as long as you follow the renewal regulations. If you move out of state, you may also keep your New Jersey license valid by renewing it every two (2) years.

12. Do I have to take the shaving test if I am a beautician?

    You will only be required to take the shaving test if you are pursuing a teacher's licensure.

13. Are there disciplinary actions or penalties for unlawful or unlicensed practice of cosmetology?

    Yes. The Board may investigate and penalize those who engage in the unlawful, including unlicensed, practice of cosmetology. In addition to other penalties, which include but are not limited to, the suspension or revocation of a license, an individual may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first violation and not more than $20,000 for each additional second and subsequent violations of a law or regulation administered by the Board. For example, any individual, who is not a Board licensee, and performs cosmetology services for payment, is engaging in unlicensed practice subject to a penalty. Likewise, any licensee engaging in practices or other services that are noncompliant with existing law or regulation may also be subject to penalties. Violations, and corresponding penalties, will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Mini-Suite Questions

1. What is a mini-suite shop?

   A mini-suite shop, also known as a “mini-suite” is a shop licensed by the Board to provide cosmetology-related services regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
   

2. How large does a space have to be to qualify as a mini-suite?

   A mini-suite must contain at least 100 net usable square feet for one practitioner and at least 200 net usable square feet for two practitioners. A mini-suite may not have more than two working practitioners present at a time. In addition, a mini-suite cannot be more than 349 net usable square feet.
   

3. What is an Experienced Practicing Licensee (“EPL”)?

   An EPL is a licensee that has at least three years’ experience who manages a Board-licensed shop congruent with the EPL’s licensure. For example, a cosmetologist may be an EPL for a cosmetology or other shop; a manicurist may be an EPL for a manicuring shop, etc. pursuant to Board regulation.
   

4. Does a mini-suite shop require an EPL?

   Yes, a mini-suite shop must have an EPL whose credentials are congruent with the services that mini-suite is providing. Each mini-suite must have one EPL present when services are being rendered.
   

5. Can one cosmetologist/hairstylist serve as the EPL for more than one mini-suite?

   No, each mini-suite must have its own EPL.  An EPL cannot serve as an EPL for more than one mini-suite.
   

6. How does a mini-suite obtain a shop license?

   An applicant for a mini-suite shop license must complete a shop license application. Thereafter, the Board requests an inspection of the premises for licensure to occur. The required documents that must accompany the application are:

   • A lease or deed.
   • LLC or INC documents, along with a tax identification number, and Alternate Trade Name Form (if applicable).
   • All permits, including: certificate of occupancy, fire and zoning permit; or a letter from municipality if any of the permits cannot be provided.
   • A designation of an EPL.
   • Request for waiver of regulations.
   
   

7. What regulations should a mini-suite shop request the Board to waive when applying for a shop license?

   The following are the two regulations that must be waived by the Board so that a mini-suite shop may open:

   • N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.5(a) – Waiver of the square footage requirements to allow licensure of a mini-suite if it has at least 100 net usable square footage for one practitioner and 200 net usable square footage for two practitioners and no more than 349 net usable square feet.
   • N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.5(a)(1) – Waiver of the lavatory requirement if the mini-suite has access to a lavatory located nearby which will be accessible to both staff and customers of the mini-suite shop.
   
   

   Mini-suite shops are required to follow all regulatory requirements that have not been waived by the Board.

8. Does the Board require a gallery shop license for the entity that rents or leases space to a mini-suite shop?

   No, the Board has determined that it is not necessary for the entity that rents or leases space to a mini-suite shop to obtain a gallery shop license.
   

9. Does the Board inspect other businesses within a location that contains mini-suites?

   No, the Board will only inspect mini-suites that fall under its purview.  Other businesses that do not provide services regulated by the Board such as tattooing, permanent makeup, and body piercing would not be inspected by the Board.  Those businesses must contact the appropriate authority to be inspected prior to commencing operation.