The Cosmetology Licensure Compact
About
The Council of State Governments (CSG) partnered with the Department of Defense (DoD) and a coalition of state boards of cosmetology to support the mobility of licensed cosmetologists through the development of a new interstate compact. This additional licensing pathway will create reciprocity among participant states and reduce the barriers to license portability and employment.
Current Status
The Cosmetology Licensure Compact model legislation is complete and available to states for consideration and enactment. The final model legislation and additional information are available at cosmetologycompact.org.
Supporting Organizations and Contributors
The following organizations have voiced their support for a cosmetology interstate compact or contributed to the development process:
- Professional Beauty Association
- BlueCo Brands
- Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition
- Alabama Board of Cosmetology
- California Board of Cosmetology
- Iowa Cosmetology Arts & Sciences Board
- Kansas Board of Cosmetology
- Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Maryland Board of Cosmetology
- Minnesota Board of Cosmetology
- North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
- Tennessee Cosmetology and Barbers Board of Examiners
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interstate compact?
An interstate compact is a constitutionally authorized, legislatively enacted, legally binding contract between multiple states.
How many professions have interstate compacts?
Nine professions have active interstate compacts for occupational licensure:
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- Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact (APRN Compact)
- Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Compact (The EMS Compact)
- The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact)
- The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)
- Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)
- The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact)
- The Counseling Compact
Compacts for teachers, social workers, massage therapists, dentists and dental hygienists, school psychologists and dieticians and nutritionists are under development.
How does the Cosmetology Licensure Compact work?
The Cosmetology Licensure Compact allows licensed cosmetologists in member states to apply for a multistate license that provides authorization to work in all compact member states without having to be licensed.
The licensee must reside in a compact member state and maintain an active, unencumbered license to be eligible. Should the licensee move to another compact member state the cosmetologist can seamlessly transfer the multistate license to the new home state.
A multistate license grants a cosmetologist the ability to practice in all compact member states. To be eligible for a multistate license, a cosmetologist must live in a compact member state and hold an active, unencumbered license in their home state and pay all required fees.
A multistate license is renewed by the licensee through their home state licensing board in the same manner as the traditional single state license. To renew the multistate license, a cosmetologist only needs to complete the continuing education requirements required by the home state.
How can a state/jurisdiction join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Interstate compacts must be passed by a state’s legislature and signed into law by the Governor for a state to become a member.
Later this year, CSG will provide additional information through a variety of channels to state officials interested in learning more about the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
The stakeholder review process is a vital part of the compact development project, and anyone interested in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact is invited to participate. By reviewing the draft model legislation, submitting feedback via the survey and attending a stakeholder review session, individuals can help make the compact work best for the profession, states and consumers.
When the review process is complete, CSG will publish educational materials to help stakeholders advocate for their state to join the compact.