Requirements for Barbers, Beauticians and Manicurists

PURPOSE OF LICENSURE:  To set standards of qualifications, education, training and experience for persons engaged in the fields of Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Manicuring. To promote high standards of professional performance for those persons working in the profession. To ensure that everyone engaged in work in the profession is duly licensed.

PERIOD OF LICENSURE:  All permanent licenses are issued on an annual basis. Temporary Licenses are issued for six (6) months for all fields with the exception of Esthetics.

EXAMINATION:
All persons interested in becoming a licensed Barber, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Hair Braiding or Manicurist in the Virgin Islands are required to sit a written and practical examination. The practical examination is administered in February, July and October of each year and the theory examination is computer-based offered online weekly through PSI Testing Services, LLC,  www.psiexams.com or call (800) 733-9267.

The examination fee is $200.00 for the theory and $100.00 for the practical.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT LICENSES: 

1. Completed and notarized application, which may be obtained from the Office of Boards and Commissions at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
2. Three (3) 2x2 photographs of applicant.
3. Two (2) professional references.
4. One (1) character reference.
5. Official school transcript identifying number of hours completed in respective field.
6. Valid Health Card.
7. Payment of Required Fees.
8. If seeking licensure by endorsement
   
   • Verification of license from another state
   • Verification of passing state board exam (both practical and theory)

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPRENTICE LICENSE:

1. Completed and notarized application, which may be obtained from the Office of Boards and Commissions at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
2. Three (3) 2x2 photographs of applicant.
3. Valid V.I. Health Card.
4. Letter from a licensed cosmetologist, barber or manicurist whose direction, supervision and training apprentice will be working under in the respective field.
5. Payment of Required Fees.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL LICENSE:

1. Three (3) 2x2 photographs of applicant.
2. Evidence of being a licensed beautician/cosmetologist for 5 years
3. Evidence of licensed instructors, if more than one
4. Board of Education Approval of Curriculum
5. VI Police Background Check
6. Dept of Planning & Natural Resources (DPNR) Approval of Zoning Location
7. Dept of Health Inspection
8. VI Fire Service Inspection
9. Board of Barbers, Beauticians, and Manicurist Approval
10. Payment of Required Fees.

REQUIRED HOURS:  The following hours are required for permanent licensure in the respective fields.

Renewal of License Requires:

In order to renew both a professional and or business license, visit the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs’ website, www.dlca.vi.gov, and follow the simple steps in order to obtain a reference number and choose your payment option.
A favorable tax approval is required and shall be provided electronically from the VIBIR.

LICENSE FEES:

REQUIRED LICENSE FEES:

 

WEBSITE
www.dlca.vi.gov

MAILING ADDRESSES

BOARD MEMBERS
Ada Brooks, Chairman
Shani Carbon
Gerian James
Luz Luis
Nora Williams, Vice-Chairman

 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:

ST. CROIX:  Christina Lake Christina.Lake@dlca.vi.gov                 Ext. 3252

ST. THOMAS: Sharene Gumbs  Sharene. Gumbs@dlca.vi.gov           Ext. 4252

 

Revised 12/2022 by the Office of Boards and Commissions

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