Initial electrolysis license

This page explains the steps to get licensed as an electrologist in North Carolina. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the board.

Important: this how-to guide is for individuals who have never been electrologists. If you're an electrologist in another state, please contact the board for information on how to get licensed.

Become an electrologist in North Carolina (if you've never practiced electrology)

  • 1

    Attend an approved electrology school

    You first must attend an approved electrolysis school. The required curriculum is for 230 hours of classroom training and 370 hours of clinical training.

    Approved electrolysis schools

  • 2

    Gather documents for your application

    After you complete your electrolysis education, you'll need to submit an application. Gather the following documents that you'll need for your application.

    1. Documentation of your proof of age. To get a license, you must be at least 21 years old. You'll need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you can't get a certified copy of your birth certificate, you'll need to submit a written statement explaining why you can't provide it, along with another proof of age (such as a copy of a passport, marriage license showing age, or medical or school records showing date of birth).
    2. Certification of completion from your electrology school, with verification of the number of hours completed in theory and clinical training.
    3. A passport-acceptable photograph. The link below has guidance on what kind of photo will qualify.

    Requirements and tips for passport photos

  • 3

    Submit the application

    Note: You can complete the next step (Schedule and take the written exam) at the same time as this step.

    Complete the license application and mail it with the following:

    • The documents listed in the previous step; and
    • A check, cashier check, or money order for $125.00 made out to North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners. (You can include an additional $100.00 for the inspection of the location where you'll work if you plan to begin working as soon as you get licensed. However, you don't need to submit this payment until you're ready for the inspection.)

    Please send the application to:

    7001 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC 27699-7000

    Application for electrologist license

  • 4

    Schedule and take the written exam

    We'll schedule a written exam that tests your knowledge of the topics in the North Carolina electrology license curriculum.

  • 5

    Prepare to take the practical exam

    We'll schedule a time with our examiners for a practical exam. Before your exam, we'll provide information on the requirements, including any equipment you must bring. The components of the exam are:

    1. Hand-washing demonstration
    2. Workstation and supply set-up
    3. Demonstration of a client consultation
    4. Demonstration of thermolysis
    5. Demonstration of blend
    6. Demonstration of galvanic
    7. Demonstration of tweezer sterilization
    8. Additional questions about topics such as dry heat sterilizers, autoclaves, and biological testers 
  • 6

    Receive your license and prepare for inspection

    After you've passed your exams, you'll receive your license. Please make sure your mailing address is up to date!

    If you plan to work in a facility, you'll need to have your area inspected. If you haven't already paid the inspection fee, you'll first need to pay $100.00 for the inspection.