The Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia is the licensing and regulatory authority of Nova Scotia Cosmetologists, salons and spas, industry business owners, colleges offering cosmetology programs, and students pursuing education in cosmetology. 

Law requires Cosmetologists practicing in Nova Scotia to receive formal training for a minimum number of hours in a registered school or college of cosmetology as defined by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and as specified by the Cosmetology Association's Act and By-Laws. A student enrolled in a program at a registered school or college of cosmetology must register for and successfully pass the Association's Provincial Examination to legally practice cosmetology in Nova Scotia.

Minimum Hourly Requirement for Licensure
(Hourly Requirements include theory, practical, and On the Job Training)

Hairdressing	1500 Hours
Esthetics	1500 Hours
Nail Technology	300 Hours
Make-up Artistry	300 Hours
Eyelash Extensions	300 Hours
Body Hair Removal	300 Hours

A person who resides outside Nova Scotia or has recently moved to Nova Scotia from a jurisdiction where there is no licensing in place for cosmetologists, and who is seeking to take the examinations but who has not been trained in a cosmetology school must provide evidence satisfactory to the Board, as set out in the Association's policy, that they have sufficient work experience to write the examination for the desired licence without further occupational training.

Applicants are required to successfully complete the examinations within one (1) year of finishing their training programs or within a longer time deemed appropriate by the Association.

For more information on examination and assessment, please view the Cosmetology Association's Provincial Examination Guidelines. Provincial Exam & COVID-19 Guidelines. Individuals will be assessed based on their qualifications and potential to successfully pass the subject examination(s).

For more information on training schools and approved programs, please click here.


Out of Province Transfer Requirements & Process
Anyone who is moving to Nova Scotia from another Canadian Province or Territory within Canada must obtain a licence from the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia in order to provide any cosmetology service to the general public. In order to obtain a licence from the Association, the applicant must submit a Credential Review Application for review.

If you are moving to Nova Scotia from another Canadian Province or Territory, you will fall under one of these two categories:

• You hold a licence or certification from a Regulatory Body
• You do not hold a licence or certification from a Regulatory Body

Please follow the requirements carefully under the section that applies to your application.

You Hold a Licence or Certification from a Regulatory Body
If you hold a current and valid licence or certification from another regulatory body in another Canadian Province or Territory (ie: Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick, Cosmetology Association of PEI, Red Seal Certificate, Journey Person Class) you must complete a Credential Review Application as follows:

• Please complete sections 1 to 5 (omit sections 6 to 9) and sections 10 to 13.
• Please include Schedule D found on page 10 of the application in its entirety (include signatures - pages 2 and 11).
• Please include copies of your Red Seal Card or Licence with your application.
• Please include a letter of good standing from your previous jurisdiction.
• Please include the prescribed fee as provided in Schedule B of the Association's By-laws.
• You are not required to include a resume, proof of Canadian citizenship, related school or course transcripts, or letters of recommendation with your application.

Credential Review Applications are evaluated on an individual basis; the timeline for processing in this case is 4 to 6 weeks. Applications must be submitted as a complete package and must include the prescribed fee (as per Schedule B of the Association's By-laws) paid in full prior to processing. Forms should be completed in their entirety. Please pay special attention to the Application Checklist provided on page 7 of the Application (with omissions as noted above). For more information on examination and assessment, please view the Cosmetology Association's Provincial Exam Guidelines & COVID-19 .

Note:
Valid Licence or Certification from another regulatory body means that you have a certificate, license, registration, or any other form of official documentation, issued by a regulatory body. This does not include a diploma issued by a public or private college or school. If your application is successful you will be required to pay an administration fee in accordance with Schedule B of the Association's By-laws and complete a Provincial By-law test.

PLEASE NOTE:  Incomplete applications will expire 90 days following last communication from applicant (this includes exam notifications).

You DO NOT Hold a Licence or Certification from a Regulatory Body
If you do not hold a current and valid licence or certification from a regulatory body in another Canadian Province or Territory (ie: Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick, Cosmetology Association of PEI, or Red Seal) you must complete a Credential Review Applicationas follows:

• Complete sections 1 to 13 of the application in their entirety.
• Complete Schedule D found on page 10 of the application in its entirety (include signatures - pages 2 and 11).
• Please include the prescribed fee as provided in Schedule B. 
• Applicants must include a copy of one of the following pieces of ID 
  • Drivers Licence 
    
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Passport 
• Credential Review Applications are evaluated on an individual basis; the timeline for processing in this case is 4 to 6 weeks. Applications must be submitted as a complete package and must include the prescribed fee (as per Schedule B of the Association's By-laws) prior to processing. Forms should be completed in their entirety. Please pay special attention to the Application Checklist provided on page 7 of the Application (with omissions as noted above). For more information on examination and assessment, please view the Cosmetology Association's Provincial Exam Guidelines & COVID-19 .

English Proficiency
For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency testing with a minimum pass level of 5 in all areas is required (equivalent to Canadian English Language Benchmark minimum level 5). Please click here for more information on Canadian English language benchmark requirements.

It is understood that documents not provided in English will require translation by a certified translator before being submitted to the Association and any costs associated with document translation are the responsibility of the applicant. 

Credential Review Applications are evaluated on an individual basis; the timeline for processing is 6 to 8 weeks. Applications must be submitted as a complete package and must include the prescribed fee in accordance with Schedule B of the Association's By-laws prior to processing. Forms should be completed in their entirety. Please pay special attention to the Application Checklist provided on page 7 of the Application. For more information on examination, please view the  Cosmetology Association's Provincial Exams & COVID-19 Guidelines.



Accessibility - Accommodation
The Nova Scotia Cosmetology Association will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate applicants with special need. Please click here for more information. 


Please note:
Valid Licence or Certification from another regulatory body means that you have a certificate, license, registration, or any other form of official documentation, issued by a regulatory body. This does not include a diploma issued by a public or private college or school.

If your application is successful you may be required to obtain an assessment, and will be subject to further examination and admin fees.

Incomplete applications will expire 90 days following last communication from applicant (this includes exam notifications).