[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"doc-seo-319613-105":3,"detail-sidebar-cat-0-en-105":81,"doc-detail-319613-en":131},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"ok",{"site_id":7,"language":8,"slug":9,"title":10,"keywords":11,"description":12,"schema_data":13,"social_meta":74,"head_meta":76,"extra_data":78,"updated_unix":80},105,"en","pennsylvania-cosmetology-candidate-handbook-august-2026-quick-reference","PENNSYLVANIA COSMETOLOGY CANDIDATE HANDBOOK - August 2026 - Quick Reference","","Pennsylvania Cosmetology Candidate Handbook (August 2026) provides quick reference guidance for licensure. It directs candidates to the Pennsylvania Department of State and State Board of Cosmetology for licensing questions, reciprocity information, continued licensure, and license renewal or reinstatement under specific timelines. 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Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649  \n833-367-2762 | Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA Hours of Operation 8:00 am – 5:00 pm M-F, Closed on Federal Holidays  \nContact the State Board of Cosmetology to:  \n• Clarify information about licensure  \n• Obtain information regarding reciprocity from other States  \n• Obtain information on continued licensure  \n• Renew or reinstate a license that has been inactive for less than five years  \n• Obtain license verification  \nGo [to](to www.pals.pa.gov)[ www.pals.pa.gov](to www.pals.pa.gov) to:  \n• Apply for licensure by reciprocity  \n• Verify if your Eligibility Requirements were received  \n• Change your current address or name after testing  \nQuestions:  \n• Please submit a question by selecting the 'Create New Ticket' option from the webpage at:  \n[https://www.pals.pa.gov/\\#/page/AnonymousSupportTicket](https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/AnonymousSupportTicket)  \nPEARSON VUE® PENNSYLVANIA COSMETOLOGY  \n[www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology](www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology)  \nAttn: Regulatory Program Manager  \n5601 Green Valley Dr., Bloomington, MN 55437  \n(866) 638-7502  \nMonday–Friday 8am–11pm; Saturday 8am–5pm; Sunday 10am–4pm (Eastern Time Zone)  \nGo to Pearson VUE’s website ([www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology](www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology)) to:  \n• Download a Candidate Handbook  \n• Make a real-time examination reservation  \n• View Frequently Asked Questions  \n• Download the Duplicate Score Report Form from the Candidate Handbook  \nCall or email ([pearsonvuecustomerservice@pearson.com](pearsonvuecustomerservice@pearson.com)) Pearson VUE to:  \n• Schedule, cancel, or reschedule a Theory/Procedural Skill Examination  \n• Obtain information regarding your Score Report  \n• Obtain a copy of your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter  \n• Obtain information regarding your examination Accommodation Requests ([http://pearsonvue.com/accommodations](http://pearsonvue.com/accommodations)):  \n• Request an accommodation for testing under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines  \nPEARSON VUE® OHT PROCESSING OFFICE  \nPO Box 1178  \nDripping Springs, TX 78620  \n888-511-5352  \nMonday–Friday 8am–6pm (Eastern Time Zone)  \nCall to:  \n• Check on the status of your license application  \n• Change your current address or name before testing  \n• Clarify application instructions  \n• Verify if your application was submitted  \n• Verify if your Eligibility Requirements and transcripts were received  \n• Obtain a printed copy of the candidate handbook  \n• Obtain information on license requirements  \nSTEPS TO LICENSURE  \nSTEP 1: SUBMIT THE APPLICATION  \nComplete the License Application by logging in [to the following website:](to the following website: www.pals.pa.gov)[ www.pals.pa.gov](to the following website: www.pals.pa.gov)  \nYou can also find a link to the state's web site (and application) at: [www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology](www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology)[ ](www.pearsonvue.com/pa/cosmetology)[To submit your application for review](To submit your application for review), [you](you) must pay the application fee (effective 11/10/22) through PALS. If you have lived, worked, or obtained a school in Pennsylvania in the past 5 years, you will also need a Pennsylvania State Background Check. For information on background checks for PA and other states, please refer to the “Criminal History Check” Checklist item description in PALS for further instruction.  \nNotarized affidavits, photos, Valid ID, Proof of Education, Cosmetology School Transcripts and Criminal History Checks can be attached electronically to the PALS application.  \nSTEP 2: RECEIVE ELIGIBILITY (FROM PALS) AND APPROVAL TO TEST NOTIFICATION (FROM PEARSON VUE)  \nOnce applications are submitted along with the r","cbCaisyPJCkwdqVL","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaisyPJCkwdqVL","pdf",958172,"English","# Contact Information\n## State Board of Cosmetology\n## Pearson VUE\n## Pearson VUE OHT Processing Office\n# Steps to Licensure\n## Step 1: Submit the Application\n## Step 2: Receive Eligibility and Approval to Test Notification\n## Step 3: Schedule the Examination\n## Step 4: Complete the Examination\n## Step 5: Licensure","[{\"question\":\"How can I apply for cosmetology licensure by reciprocity in Pennsylvania?\",\"answer\":\"Submit your application through PALS and use the reciprocity option. The handbook also notes that you can verify whether your eligibility requirements were received.\"},{\"question\":\"What happens after I submit my application, and how do I get approval to test?\",\"answer\":\"After submission with required documentation, you receive an exam eligibility letter from PALS by email and an approval to test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE with steps for scheduling and paying for the Theory Examination.\"},{\"question\":\"How long do I have to complete the theory exam, and what if I do not pass?\",\"answer\":\"You have unlimited attempts to pass within the one-year exam authorization period. If you do not pass within that period, you must submit a new application through PALS for a new exam authorization.\"}]","PENNSYLVANIA COSMETOLOGY CANDIDATE HANDBOOK - August 2026 - Quick Reference | PDF",1789945537,48]