See below for step-by-step information regarding how to apply for a cosmetology licence in Nova Scotia. 

An Application for Credential Review & Recognition may be submitted by:

  • Email: info@nscosmetology.ca 
  • Regular Mail: 128 Chain Lake Drive, Beechville, NS  B3S 1A2
  • Fax: (902) 334-7108
  • Drop off during open business hours.


For a shorter printable version of the step-by-step process and checklist, please click here.

1. APPLICATION FOR CREDENTIAL REVIEW & RECOGNITION

Complete (in its entirety) and submit with payment the appropriate Application for Credential Review & Recognition (see below).

  • Click here for a printable version of the Application for Credential Review & Recognition.
  • Click here to view Schedule B.

NOTE: All fees are charged in accordance with Schedule B of the Cosmetology Association's By-laws.

Upon confirmed receipt of an application, the Cosmetology Association will review the application and advise the applicant if there is any missing or additional documentation required in order to proceed with the application.

NOTE: Any application submitted to the Cosmetology Association will expire 10 days following confirmed receipt of same if the Association has not received
a response to any request for additional information or documentation required to proceed with the application process.

2. APPLICATION PROCESSING

The Cosmetology Association will advise when all documentation has been received, and the application is in process. During this stage, the Cosmetology Association will review information and documentation provided.

This stage includes verification of all documentation submitted. 

Application processing time: approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

NOTE: If the subject application includes information and documentation obtained from a country or countries outside of Canada, verification of the information and documentation may take longer than 8 weeks. 

3. APPLICATION DECISION

The Cosmetology Association will advise the applicant of the outcome decision (including reasons for the decision if applicable) by regular mail. 

NOTE: This correspondence will include the next steps in the process.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES:

1. The applicant is approved to challenge (one or more) Provincial Examinations applicable to the field of cosmetology the applicant is applying for.

For Provincial Exam information, please click here.
To book a Provincial Exam, please contact the Association's Exam Co-ordinator directly at (902) 468-6477, ext. 202.

2. The applicant is required to obtain an independent 3rd Party Assessment (practical skill only) from a recognized registered school of cosmetology.

For information regarding obtaining an independent 3rd Party Assessment, please click here.

When the applicant has completed their assessment, the Assessor will provide the Cosmetology Association with a copy of the Assessment report for review and in consideration of the next stage in the process.

If the Assessment proves to be satisfactory, the Cosmetology Association will consider permitting the Applicant to challenge (one or more) Provincial examinations in the skill area applied for.
If the Assessment proves to be unsatisfactory, the Cosmetology Association will advise the Applicant of the next stage in the process.  

3. The applicant's application for licensing in cosmetology is denied.

The applicant will be advised by correspondence that their Application for Credential Review & Recognition is denied.
This correspondence will include instructions and information regarding appealing the Executive Director's decision.
For more information on how to appeal an application decision, please click here.
 

Click here to review mandatory requirements for licensing.
Cosmetology Association (NS)
128 Chain Lake Drive
Beechville, NS  B3S 1A2

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday 9:00 - 4:00
Tuesday 9:00 - 4:00
Wednesday 9:00 - 4:00
Thursday 9:00 - 4:00
Friday 9:00 - 3:00

*For Holiday, weather closures and cancellations, click here: Calendar
Office: (902) 468-6477
Fax: (902) 334-7108
Toll Free: (800) 765-8757

General Inquiries
info@nscosmetology.ca

Provincial Exam Information
jill@nscosmetology.ca

Executive Director
executivedir@nscosmetology.ca 

Schools

Academy of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
33 Thornhill Drive, Unit 201. Dartmouth

Cape Breton Business College
Hair, Esthetics
93 Johnston Street, Sydney

CBBC - Halifax
Hair, Esthetics
1046 Barrington Street, Halifax
Eastern Esthetics
Nail Technology, Hair Removal, Eyelash Enhancements.
19 Crane Lake Drive, Halifax

Hair Design Centre
Hair, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry
278 Lacewood Drive, Halifax
Hair Masters
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
26 Archibald Ave., North Sydney

Elevate Beauty Institute of Cosmetology
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Lash Technician
77 Crescent Drive, New Minas

NSCC Annapolis Campus
Hairdressing
50 Elliott Road, Middleton
NSCC Burridge Campus
Hair, Esthetics, Nail Technology
372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth

NSCC Marconi Campus
Hairdressing
1240 Grand Lake Road, Sydney

NSCC Pictou Campus
Hairdressing
39 Acadia Avenue, Stellarton