Illinois Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Barber License Requirements
Everything you need to get licensed in Illinois, plus where to train. Tricoci University has ten campuses across Illinois, including six in the Chicago metro, preparing students for cosmetology, esthetics, and barber licenses.
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In Illinois, beauty professionals are licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) through the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Board. To work as a cosmetologist you must complete 1,500 hours of approved training. To work as an esthetician you need 750 hours, and to work as a barber you need 1,500 hours. All three require passing the Illinois state exam. Tricoci University offers accredited programs for all three across its Illinois campuses, so you can complete your hours and prepare for licensure in one place.
| Program | IL hours req. | Tricoci hrs | State exam | Offered at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 | 1,500 | CTS/PSI computerized | All 10 IL campuses |
| Esthetics | 750 | 750 | CTS/PSI computerized | All 10 IL campuses |
| Barber | 1,500 | 1,500 | CTS/PSI computerized | Bridgeview, Norwood Park |
Program Licensing Information
Illinois cosmetology license requirements
- Be at least 16 and have completed the 10th grade or equivalent.
- Complete 1,500 hours of approved cosmetology training (or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship).
- Complete the required Skinny on Skin abnormal skin growth course (new applicants since Jan 2026).
- Pass the Illinois computerized cosmetology exam through Continental Testing Services (CTS).
- Apply to IDFPR through CORE and pay the application fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci University’s cosmetology program is 1,500 hours and can be completed full-time in about 10 to 12 months or part-time in about 17 to 20 months. You may file to sit for the exam after 1,200 hours, though all 1,500 hours must be complete before IDFPR issues the license. Training includes clinic-floor hours in an on-site student salon.
Scope and career
An Illinois cosmetology license is the broadest beauty credential in the state, covering hair, skin, and nail services. Cosmetologists work as stylists, colorists, and skincare providers. The Chicago metro is one of the largest beauty-employment markets in the country.
Illinois esthetician license requirements
- Be at least 16 and meet the state education requirement.
- Complete 750 hours of approved esthetics training.
- Pass the Illinois computerized esthetics exam through CTS.
- Apply to IDFPR through CORE and pay the application fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci University’s esthetics program is 750 hours and can be completed full-time in as few as 5 months, or about 9 months part-time. Students train in facials, chemical peels, waxing, and skin analysis in a dedicated spa training environment.
Scope and career
An Illinois esthetician license covers skincare services: facials, exfoliation, waxing, and makeup. Estheticians work in spas, medical spas, and skincare clinics. Demand for esthetics roles in the Chicago metro, including the growing medspa sector, is strong.
Illinois barber license requirements
- Be at least 16 and have completed the 8th grade or equivalent.
- Complete 1,500 hours of approved barbering training.
- Pass the Illinois computerized barber exam through CTS.
- Apply to IDFPR through CORE and pay the application fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci’s barber program is 1,500 hours and is offered at three Illinois campuses: Bridgeview and Norwood Park (Chicago NW). Full-time students can graduate in about a year.
Scope and career
An Illinois barber license covers hair cutting, shaving, and beard grooming, plus chemical services within the barbering scope. Barbers work in barbershops and salons, and many build a loyal client base or open their own shops.
How to Get Your Beauty License in Illinois
1
Enroll at an IDFPR-licensed school and complete your required hours (1,500 cosmetology, 750 esthetics, 1,500 barbering).
2
Cosmetology students may file to test after 1,200 hours, but must finish all 1,500 to be licensed.
3
Apply to Continental Testing Services and pass the Illinois computerized exam (70% to pass, no separate practical).
4
Apply to IDFPR through the CORE portal and pay the application fee.
5
Receive your license and begin working in a licensed establishment.
Cost & Financial Aid
Cover tuition transparency, federal aid eligibility (Tricoci University is NACCAS-accredited, so students can access Department of Education aid), scholarships, and the interest-free payment plan. State the IDFPR-side fees: about $195 for the exam (paid to CTS) and about $45 for the IDFPR license application.
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