Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues professional credentials—licenses, certificates or registrations—in the least intrusive, least burdensome and most efficient way. Their goal is to ensure the minimum competency necessary to practice an occupation, such as being an electrician, a plumber, or a cosmetologist, without harming the public. Policy boards determine the minimum standards necessary to enter a profession, and they qualify applicants based on a combination of education, experience and examination. DPOR also enforces standards of professional conduct. The agency investigates reports of regulatory violations and seeks to obtain compliance with the law or, when necessary, to discipline the licensee.
Additional information regarding testing and obtaining occupational licenses can be found be going to DPOR’s homepage: Department of Professional Occupations and Regulation (DPOR)
Cosmetology License Requirements
- Completion of an approved training program:
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- 1500 hours in licensed Virginia school or
- 3000 hour registered apprenticeship (DOLI) or (this is what New Horizons offers)
- Virginia high school cosmetology program or
- Equivalent out of state program (US only)
- Pass written and practical exam
- Submit license application fee
Barbering License Requirements
- Completion of approved training program:
- 1100 hours in licensed Virginia school or
- 2000 hour registered apprenticeship (DOLI) (this is what New Horizons offers) or
- Virginia high school barber program or
- Equivalent out of state program (US only)
- Pass written and practical exam
- Submit license application and fee
Nail Technician License Requirements
- Completion of an approved training program:
- 150 hours in licensed Virginia school or
- 2000 hour registered apprenticeship (DOLI) (this is what New Horizons offers) or
- Virginia high school nail tech program or
- Equivalent out of state program (US only)
- Pass written and practical exam
- Submit license application and fee
Journeyman License Requirements (HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing)
- Four Years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade
- Five years of practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade
- Six years of practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade
- Seven or more years of practical experience in the trade and 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade
- Completion of an apprenticeship through the Department of Labor & Industry. More information on apprenticeships can be found here (this is what New Horizons offers, completing an apprenticeship will also allow you to not have to take the license exam).
- Associates degree or certificate of completion from at least a two-year program in a tradesman related field from an accredited community college or technical school and two years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is requested
- Bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and one year of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is requested.
- Ten years of practical experience in the trade as verified by individuals who have observed the applicant’s work in the trade.
- Individuals currently certified or licensed as a journeyman or master by governing body located outside the commonwealth of Virginia