Wisconsin Barbers and Cosmetologists
The Department of Safety and Professional Services protect the citizens of Wisconsin by ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals. We serve the public and the professionals we regulate by fairly administering education, experience, and examination requirements, setting professional practice standards, and ensuring compliance by enforcing occupational licensing laws.
Examination Scheduling Information
Please VERIFY that your name and personal information are CORRECT. Contact Pearson VUE immediately to correct the spelling of your name or update your personal information if you notice any errors. It is very important that this information is correct, as it will appear as it was entered on the documentation provided to you after you have completed the exam, as well as on any reports to your licensing agency.
Pearson VUE will begin accepting applications on June 1, 2012, and accepting exam reservations on June 26, 2012. However, Electrology testing is pending. We will update the website when we have additional information on the Electrology exam.
If you have questions specifically related to the license application process, please email widsps@pearson.com or call 1-800-274-8969. If you have questions related to scheduling an exam appointment, please call 888-734-5120.
You must first complete a license application online and receive approval to test. Please do NOT call the call center until you have completed the license application process and received your user name and password for scheduling an appointment.
Appointments are subject to availability. For Theory exams, appointments must be made up to 2 days in advance of when you wish to test. For practical exams, appointments must be made up to 5 days in advance of when you wish to test.
Pearson VUE offers the following scheduling options:
Downloads
- Candidate Handbook
(796 KB pdf)
The Candidate Handbook is the most comprehensive resource for prospective licensees. - Wisconsin Guide to Licensing
(26 KB pdf)
Exam Preparation
- Practical Skills Exam Content Outlines and Practical Skills List
(106 KB pdf) - Theory Examination Content Outlines
(180 KB pdf) - Supply List
(115 KB pdf) - Barber Exam Photo Supplement
(1 MB pdf)
Apply Online
- Licensure by Examination Online Application
- Convictions and Pending Charges Form
(23 KB pdf) - Apprentice Practical Certificate of Training
(202 KB pdf) - Apprentice Theory Certificate of Training
(202 KB pdf) - Certificate of Training
(208 KB pdf) - Employment Verification
(212 KB pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Licensing FAQ
(556 KB pdf) - Practical Skills FAQ
(103 KB pdf)



