Montana licenses estheticians through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists under the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Business Standards Division. You need a Montana esthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, makeup application, and hair removal services for compensation.
Montana requires 650 training hours — slightly above the 600-hour national average — plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. No continuing education is required. Biennial renewal costs $80. Total initial cost is approximately $249. Here is exactly how to get your Montana esthetician license.
Montana Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (DLI, Business Standards Division) |
| Statutory Authority | MCA Title 37, Chapter 31; ARM Title 24, Chapter 121 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 650 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,000 hours (effective October 1, 2025 under HB 336) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$169 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fee | $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$249 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (January 2 – March 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Montana eBiz Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 650 hours at a licensed esthetics school. The curriculum covers facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology of the skin, product chemistry, and Montana laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 2,000 hours under a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. This pathway was established by HB 336 (effective October 1, 2025). Apprentices must register with the board before beginning training.
Cosmetologist pathway: Licensed Montana cosmetologists may obtain an esthetician license by passing the NIC esthetician exams without completing additional training hours, since the cosmetology curriculum includes skin care.
At 650 hours, Montana requires slightly more than the 600-hour national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Esthetics exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (55%), Skin Care and Services (45%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills including facials, skin analysis, makeup application, and hair removal.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 650 hours of esthetics training (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours)
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$169 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through the Montana eBiz portal ($80 application fee)
Total: approximately $249.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Montana esthetician licenses renew biennially. The renewal window is January 2 through March 1. Renewal fee: $80. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Licenses that lapse beyond the renewal period may require reinstatement.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Montana does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state estheticians apply through a credentialing process. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing, documentation of training hours meeting Montana’s 650-hour requirement, and may need to pass NIC exams if not previously taken. If your state requires fewer than 650 hours, additional training may be required.
Military Provisions
Montana issues provisional licenses to military members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states under MCA 37-1-145 and 37-1-147. Military training and experience may be credited toward licensing qualifications. Active-duty members stationed in Montana and their spouses receive expedited processing.
Recent Legislative Changes
HB 336 (2025, effective October 1, 2025): Established apprenticeship pathways for all cosmetology license types, including a 2,000-hour esthetician apprenticeship under a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist.
HB 246 (2025): Expanded pathways for out-of-state licensed professionals to obtain Montana licensure, streamlining the credentialing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Montana?
650 hours at a licensed school, or a 2,000-hour apprenticeship (available October 1, 2025). Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Montana?
Approximately $249 total: ~$169 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and $80 in application fees (paid to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists).
Does Montana require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Montana does not require CE for esthetician license renewal.
Can a Montana cosmetologist perform esthetician services?
Yes. A cosmetology license (1,500 hours) includes skin care within its scope of practice. Cosmetologists can also obtain a separate esthetician license by passing the NIC esthetician exams without additional training hours.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Montana eBiz Licensing Portal (online application)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Board Contact: (406) 444-6880 | DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV
- Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620 (PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513)