Barber · Cosmetology | Washington | Licensing updates
Washington Uses Prov for Beauty Exams and Now Requires Textured-Hair Training
Washington's Prov examination transition began May 1, and permanent textured-hair curriculum rules for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and hair design…
- Create and use the required Prov account for Washington theory and practical scheduling.
- Teach and document the current textured-hair subjects for every affected student or apprentice before licensure.
- Update instructor-trainee materials to WAC 308-20-105 as amended.
- Treat every item listed on the new inspection report as requiring correction even though the form has no score or pass/fail result.
Published: 2026-09-04 · Reviewed: 2026-09-04
Official context
The Washington Department of Licensing changed its beauty examination vendor to Prov effective May 1, 2026; candidates need a Prov login while schools continue to verify eligibility. Separately, DOL filed permanent Rule WSR 26-15-010 on July 2 after a June 23 hearing. The rule was effective August 2 and amended WAC 308-20-080 and 308-20-105 to require textured-hair training before licensure for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and hair design students and to update instructor-trainee content.
What this means
This is both an examination-process change and an adopted curriculum requirement. Candidates should use Prov scheduling materials, not the former Prometric workflow. Schools and apprenticeships should map lesson plans and student completion records to the current WAC language for all hair and skin types, textured-hair care, styling and treatment, and cultural competency. DOL also changed salon/shop and school inspection reports on April 6: reports now list every correction needed without a numeric score or pass/fail label, so a missing label does not mean deficiencies may be ignored.
Official sources
- https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/news-and-updates-cosmetologists
- https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/frequently-asked-questions-cosmetologists
- https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2026/15/26-15-010.htm
- https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/WAC/WAC%20308%20%20TITLE/WAC%20308%20-%2020%20%20CHAPTER/WAC%20308%20-%2020%20-080.htm
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