Missouri Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in Missouri
Earning a Missouri cosmetology license (Class CA – Hairdressing & Manicuring) requires 1,500 hours of approved training followed by NIC written and practical examinations. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Enroll in a board-approved cosmetology school. You must be at least 16 years old and have completed a twelfth-grade education (diploma or GED). Submit the Student Enrollment Application (form MO 375-1182) with the $5 enrollment fee. Alternatively, Missouri allows a 3,000-hour apprenticeship program under a board-approved supervisor.
- Complete 1,500 hours of training. Your school tracks hours and certifies completion. Missouri's curriculum covers hair services, skin care, nail care, sanitation, and state law.
- Register with Prov and submit your state application. Register at provexam.com and submit the Application for Examination/Temporary Permit to the Board at P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The Board reviews your training and approves you for testing.
- Schedule and pass both NIC examinations. Once approved, schedule your theory exam ($88) and practical exam ($58) through Prov. The theory exam is computer-based at one of nine Missouri testing centers. The practical exam is held at four locations on Mondays. Both must be passed.
- Receive your license. Official scores are sent to the Board within 2–3 business days. Once approved, the Board automatically issues your license. You may then legally practice cosmetology in Missouri.
Training Requirements
Missouri cosmetology schools must be licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and follow a curriculum covering all areas required for the Class CA (Hairdressing & Manicuring) license. The 1,500-hour program includes:
- Hair design: Haircutting, thermal curling, chemical waving, hair color (virgin and retouch applications), highlighting with foil, and chemical relaxer application
- Skin care: Basic facials, client preparation, and makeup application
- Nail technology: Manicure, polish application, nail tip application and blending, sculptured nails, and nail removal
- Safety and infection control: Blood exposure procedures, proper disinfection, EPA-registered disinfectant usage, and sanitation protocols
- Missouri state law: Chapters 328 and 329 RSMo, Board rules (20 CSR 2085), scope of practice, and professional conduct
Missouri also offers an apprenticeship pathway: 3,000 hours under a board-approved apprentice supervisor (who must apply separately with a $75 fee and meet supervisor requirements including a twelfth-grade education). Apprentices log hours on monthly and weekly timesheets submitted to the Board.
Out-of-state applicants may have training hours evaluated through the Cosmetology Training Affidavit form. Contact the Board at (573) 751-1052 for credit evaluation.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Missouri exclusively uses National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations, administered by Prov, Inc. Candidates must pass both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam.
Written Theory Exam — $88
The computer-based theory exam is available at nine Prov testing centers across Missouri (Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Kirksville, Springfield, Joplin, St. Louis, Webb City, West Plains, and Warrensburg). Testing is available Monday through Thursday at most locations. Register and schedule at provexam.com or call Prov at (877) 228-3926. Scores are reported using NIC-established scaled scoring (not a simple percentage). Unofficial results are emailed within minutes of completing the exam.
Practical Skills Exam — $58
The NIC practical exam is held at four Missouri locations: Independence (Kansas City area), Jefferson City, Springfield, and St. Louis. Exams are administered on Mondays. You must bring your own kit with supplies in sanitary condition and a mannequin with clamp. The Class CA/CH practical includes:
- Work area and client preparation (15 minutes)
- Thermal curling (10 minutes)
- Haircutting (30 minutes)
- Chemical waving (20 minutes)
- Predisposition test and strand test (10 minutes)
- Highlighting with foil (15 minutes)
- Hair color retouch (10 minutes)
- Virgin hair relaxer application (untimed)
- Blood exposure procedure (10 minutes)
Practical results are emailed within 2–3 business days. You have three attempts per eligibility; after three failures you must reapply with the Board. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with two forms of valid ID.
How to Renew Your Missouri Cosmetology License
All Missouri cosmetology licenses renew biennially and expire on September 30 of each odd year. Renewal opens July 1. Missouri does not require continuing education (CE) hours for renewal.
Renewal Fee
The cosmetology operator renewal fee is $60. Additional processing fees apply for online payments. Crossover operators pay $120. Instructors pay $60.
How to Renew Online
- Log into your MOPRO account at mopro.mo.gov.
- Find your license and click the three dots at the end of the row.
- Click "renewal application" and follow the prompts.
- You will need your license number, registered email, and Social Security number.
Paper Renewal
Request a paper form by emailing cosbar@pr.mo.gov. Mail completed forms with payment (cashier's check, money order, or personal check) to: Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Allow processing time of 3–5 business days from receipt.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license expires, you must pay the renewal fee plus a $30 late fee ($80 total for reinstatement). Practicing with an expired license is a violation of state law and may result in disciplinary action. After two years of non-renewal, reinstatement requires a new application and re-examination.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Missouri
The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues the following individual license types, each with distinct training requirements:
| License Class | Title | School Hours | Apprenticeship Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class CA | Hairdressing & Manicuring (Cosmetologist) | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Class CH | Hairdresser | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Class E | Esthetician | 750 | 1,500 |
| Class MO | Manicurist | 400 | 800 |
| Instructor | Cosmetology/Barber Instructor | 600 (if licensed <3 years) | N/A |
| Barber | Barber Operator | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Crossover Licenses
- Barber to Cosmetology: Hold a current Missouri barber license and complete 500 hours of training. Must pass the Manicuring Theory and Practical exams. Two years of experience substitutes for 250 hours; three years substitutes for 500 hours.
- Cosmetology to Barber: Hold a current Missouri cosmetology or hairdresser license and complete at least 45 hours of training. If licensed less than 1 year, must take the full Barber Theory and Practical exams. If licensed more than 1 year, only the shaving portion of the practical is required.
Reciprocity
If you hold a license in another state, Missouri offers reciprocity. The reciprocity fee is $100 for operators and instructors. Contact the Board at (573) 751-1052 for eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hours do I need for a Missouri cosmetology license?
- The Class CA (Hairdressing & Manicuring) license requires 1,500 hours in a board-approved school, or 3,000 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship program. Most full-time students complete in 12 to 16 months.
- Who administers the Missouri cosmetology exam?
- Missouri uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) examinations administered by Prov, Inc. You must pass both a written theory exam ($88) and a practical skills exam ($58). Register at provexam.com or call (877) 228-3926.
- Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Missouri?
- Yes. Missouri offers reciprocity for $100. You must submit an out-of-state license verification and the Reciprocity application form to the Board. Contact (573) 751-1052 for specific eligibility requirements.
- Does Missouri require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
- No. Missouri does not require CE hours. Renewal requires only the $60 fee paid before September 30 of each odd year through the MOPRO system.
- What is the difference between Class CA and Class CH licenses?
- Class CA (Hairdressing & Manicuring) covers full cosmetology services including hair and nails. Class CH (Hairdresser) covers hair services only. Both require 1,500 school hours, but Class CA holders can also perform nail services without a separate manicurist license.