Natalie: I am trying to move to Philadelphia, PA but have no idea what to do to get my PA license even though I have a NJ cosmetology license. I cannot find info anywhere and the people I have called seem to have no answers. Please let me know what I have to do. I know NJ and PA are not reciprocal. Do I have to go back to school?
Answer: You cannot obtain a cosmetologist license by reciprocity based upon a license in any of these states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin or Utah.
You would be required to take and pass the entire state board examination (theory and practical) to obtain a Pennsylvania license. Contact PCS for the
appropriate examination application at 1-888-822-3272 or www.pcshq.com
You can recheck requirements because they change constantly and I personally can’t keep up with all states even though this one is mine and I love it, I still have to always check. Most states require additional learning credits every year and so far PA hasn’t pushed that, but who knows in the future?
This is a commonwealth state and over the years I have noticed many queer laws that regular states just don’t have and I’m not just referring to Cosmetology.
