Regulated Exclusively by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology & Hairdressers
⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER & TOTAL LIABILITY WAIVER
Read Before Proceeding
The information on this page is provided for general reference only.
Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) does not interpret, alter, or guarantee compliance with:
- Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 317A)
- Kentucky Administrative Regulations (201 KAR 12)
- Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology (“KBC”) policies
- Any other state board’s rules
KBC regulations change frequently and without notice. Therefore:
Any information, examples, or summaries on this page may become outdated immediately upon publication.
LBA cannot guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
All transfer and licensing decisions are made ONLY by state boards—not by LBA.
By reading this page, you agree that LBA has no liability for changes in agency rules, interpretation of laws, delays, denials, or outcomes.
For the most accurate and current information:
📧 ALWAYS EMAIL THE KENTUCKY STATE BOARD DIRECTLY → kbc@ky.gov
What You MUST Know Before Contacting LBA
Under KRS 317A.050, KRS 317A.060, and 201 KAR 12:082, state boards—NOT schools, NOT students—control:
- Transfer of hours
- Verification of training
- Acceptance or rejection of hours
- Examination requirements
- Licensure decisions
Therefore:
✔ State boards ONLY accept transfer documents directly from other state boards,
✔ State boards do NOT accept documents handed in by students or schools,
✔ LBA CANNOT submit, request, initiate, or influence any transfer.
Before Louisville Beauty Academy can discuss enrollment or remaining hours, you must:
1. Email the Kentucky State Board at kbc@ky.gov
2. Obtain written confirmation of:
- Whether Kentucky accepts your hours
- Exactly how many hours Kentucky will accept
- Whether you must complete additional hours
- Whether you must retake NIC/PSI exams
Without written confirmation from KBC, LBA cannot advise, calculate, or provide hour estimates.
Step-by-Step Process for ALL Out-of-State Transfers
(For Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetics, Instructor Hours)
This process is required by law and applies to all states.
STEP 1 — Contact the State Board You Are Leaving
Request that your previous state board send the following directly to the new state board:
- Certification of License (if applicable)
- Certification of Hours
Per 201 KAR 12:082, state boards will not accept documents hand-delivered by students or schools.
STEP 2 — Allow 15–30 Days for State Processing
Interstate verification timelines vary by state.
Schools cannot accelerate or intervene in this process.
STEP 3 — Contact the Destination State Board
After 15–30 days, request confirmation that they received your verification.
For Kentucky transfers, email:
📧 Kentucky State Board: kbc@ky.gov
They will provide the only legally controlling guidance on:
- Accepted hours
- Remaining hours
- Required examinations
- Eligibility to enroll in a KY school
STEP 4 — Request Your School Transcript
Your former school may need to send an official transcript.
However:
✔ Transcripts do NOT replace certified hours.
✔ Only a state board can certify hours.
Kentucky will only accept hours certified by the state licensing agency—not by the school.
STEP 5 — If Kentucky Requires Additional Hours
Kentucky will send written communication specifying:
- How many hours are accepted
- How many hours you must complete
- Whether you must retake NIC/PSI exams
Only after receiving this written confirmation may you contact Louisville Beauty Academy about enrollment.
✔ LBA can guide you AFTER KBC determines acceptance.
✔ LBA cannot do this step for you.
Kentucky Requirements (For Reference Only — Subject to Change)
These requirements are set by KBC and may change without notice.
- Cosmetologist – 1500 hours
- Nail Technician – 450 hours
- Esthetician – 750 hours
- Instructor – 750 hours
Kentucky accepts only the number of hours required by the state you are coming from.
If your state requires fewer hours, you must complete the remaining hours in Kentucky.
This is a KBC rule, not an LBA decision.
Examination Requirements
Kentucky requires the NIC (PSI-administered) theory and practical examinations for:
- Cosmetology
- Nail Technology
- Esthetics
- Instructor licensing
If your previous state did not use NIC or an equivalent national standard, Kentucky may require full NIC testing.
What LBA Can and Cannot Do
LBA CAN:
- Provide education after KBC authorizes hour completion
- Help you enroll once KBC sends written instruction
- Support you academically through hour completion
- Provide transcripts to you or to KBC after you study at LBA
LBA CANNOT:
❌ initiate any transfer
❌ contact any state board
❌ verify or certify hours
❌ interpret KBC rules
❌ confirm hours for you
❌ calculate remaining hours without KBC documentation
❌ guarantee exam or licensure outcomes
❌ influence state board decisions
All of these actions are controlled by state boards, not schools.
Official References
- Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology – Out-of-State Transfers
- KRS 317A (Kentucky Cosmetology Law)
- 201 KAR 12 (Kentucky Administrative Regulations)
- NIC / PSI Testing References
FINAL PROTECTED DISCLAIMER
This page is educational only.
Louisville Beauty Academy does not guarantee the accuracy of transfer information, does not interpret law, and does not represent any state board.
All decisions regarding hours, exams, licensing, and eligibility are made solely by state boards.
📧 For legally controlling information: ALWAYS email kbc@ky.gov.
Use this page only as a general guide.
All applicants are fully responsible for confirming every detail directly with the appropriate state board.
Out of State Transfer Application Instruction
Out of State Transfer Application Form
