Criminal History

Applicants for Licensure or Certification Who Have a Criminal History

In accordance with 59 O.S., § 4000.1, the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering has formally adopted  lists of criminal offenses which, by the Board’s determination, substantially relate to the practice of massage therapy or cosmetology and barbering, and pose a reasonable threat to the public or others working in the same occupation. The Board may deny the application of any person with a conviction of any of these offenses.

You can find a complete list of potentially disqualifying offenses for cosmetology and barbering here and massage therapy here. 

If you have been convicted of a crime, before you submit an application, you may request IN WRITING, an initial determination as to whether your criminal history might disqualify you from licensure or certification. You may request an initial determination at any time.

YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST MUST INCLUDE:

• A copy of your criminal history record with an explanation of each conviction; OR
• A statement describing each criminal conviction including the date of the conviction, the court of jurisdiction, and the sentence imposed.
• A completed Initial Determination form.

You must disclose convictions from other jurisdictions. However, any conviction that has been sealed or expunged does not need to be disclosed and shall not be considered.

YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST MAY INCLUDE additional information for consideration, including, but not limited to: 1) information relevant to the nature and seriousness of the offense; 2) the amount of time that has passed since the offense; 3) your age when the offense was committed; 4) circumstances of the offense, including aggravating or mitigating circumstances of social conditions surrounding the commission of the offense; 5) the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities for which the license is required; and 6) evidence of rehabilitation, including compliance with community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision; conduct and work activity; programming or treatment undertaken; and testimonials or personal reference statements.

The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering shall review each request and all accompanying materials, and issue an initial determination, in writing, within sixty (60) days from the date the request was received. If you are not satisfied with the initial determination, you may request that the matter be placed on the agenda of the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting for reconsideration.

In order to access the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering’s administrative rules on “Disqualifying criminal history and opportunity for initial determination,” please:

• Click here for the rule for cosmetology and barbering, OAC 175:10-1-3: Cosmetology and Barbering - Disqualifying Events
• Click here for the rule for massage therapy, OAC 175:20-5-7: Massage Therapy - Disqualifying Events