Press Release

Pearson VUE in extended regulatory test partnership with Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology & State Board of Barber Examiners


BLOOMINGTON, MN, Aug. 15, 2016 – The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology & State Board of Barber Examiners has selected global computer-based testing company Pearson VUE to continue its exam delivery partnership.

The decision to continue working with Pearson VUE, with a new multi-year agreement, came after a competitive bid process.

Pearson VUE will continue to deliver the licensing exams – Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Esthetician, Natural Hair Braider, Teachers (for Cosmetology, Nail Tech, Esthetician and Natural Hair Braider), Barber, Barber Teacher and Barber Manager – at test centers throughout the state.

Ian J. Harlow, Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, said: “The Department of State and the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs are pleased to continue working with Pearson VUE under its contract to administer the licensing examinations for the State Board of Barber Examiners and the State Board of Cosmetology.

“We are also looking forward to working with Pearson VUE under a separate brand-new contract to administer licensing examinations on behalf of a number of other professional licensing boards within the Bureau.”

Bob Whelan, managing director of Pearson VUE, said: “I am delighted that this extension of our partnership will continue to provide licensing services for cosmetologists and barbers across Pennsylvania.”

About the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
The State Board of Barber Examiners regulates the licensure and practice of the barbering profession in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board has jurisdiction over the procedures for obtaining a license to become a barber, manager-barber or barber-teacher. Through its agents, the Board inspects, approves and registers all barber shops and schools of barbering and prescribes the sanitary requirements for the individual establishment. By performing these functions, the Board protects the public from gross incompetence, unethical or dishonest practice or conduct, and the spread of contagious and infectious diseases.

About the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners
The State Board of Cosmetology regulates the practice and licensure of estheticians; nail technicians; cosmetologists and teachers of cosmetology; and cosmetology salons and schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board promulgates and enforces regulations for the examination and licensure of applicants to practice or teach cosmetology and to manage schools of cosmetology. The Board also issues apprentice permits in appropriate circumstances as well as licenses to perform nail technology only, natural hair braiding only or practice esthetics only. The Board prescribes disinfection standards to be followed to prevent the creation or spread of infectious diseases.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com