Arkansas licenses cosmetologists through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Cosmetology Section, which operates under the authority of the Arkansas State Board of Health. You need an Arkansas cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Arkansas requires 1,500 hours of approved training at a Cosmetology Section-approved school plus written and practical NIC exams. The written exam is administered by Prov, Inc. and the practical exam is administered by the Cosmetology Section. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $175. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Arkansas Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Minimum 2 years of high school or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Cosmetology Section-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Exam Required | NIC written exam (Prov) + practical exam (Cosmetology Section) |
| Passing Score | Written: 70% | Practical: 75% |
| Exam Fees | Written: $60 | Practical: $65 |
| License Application Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $175 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires on your birthday) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 (biennial) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | CLIPS Online Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | ADH Cosmetology Section |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 1,500 hours of theoretical and practical instruction at a school approved by the ADH Cosmetology Section. All students must be registered with the Cosmetology Section before accredited hours can be earned. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete.
The 1,500-hour curriculum must include:
- Hairdressing: 1,000 hours (cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments)
- Aesthetics: 100 hours (skin care, facials, makeup)
- Manicuring: 100 hours (manicures, pedicures, nail extensions)
- Hygiene and Sanitation: 80 hours
- Related Science: 120 hours (anatomy, chemistry, physiology)
- Salesmanship and Management: 50 hours
- Professional Ethics: 49 hours
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness: 1 hour
Arkansas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology. All training must be completed at an approved school. For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your 1,500 hours of training, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. Arkansas uses the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations.
Written Exam
The written exam is computer-based and administered by Prov, Inc. at testing centers statewide. The exam is available Monday through Friday. You can schedule your written exam at provexam.com or by calling 1-800-211-2754. The written exam fee is $60.
You must score at least 70% on the written exam. The exam covers cosmetology theory, sanitation, infection control, and Arkansas state law.
Students may take the written exam after completing 150 hours of instruction.
Practical Exam
The practical exam is administered by the Cosmetology Section. Practical exams for cosmetologists are held during the third week of February, April, June, August, October, and the first week of December. The practical exam fee is $65.
You must score at least 75% on the practical exam. You will demonstrate hands-on cosmetology skills as outlined in the candidate information bulletin.
Retake Policy
If you fail either exam, you may retake it at the next available exam date by submitting a new application and paying the exam fee again.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours at a Cosmetology Section-approved school.
- Have your school submit a completed Certificate of Training Form to the Cosmetology Section.
- Submit your completed Application for Practitioner Examination form to the Cosmetology Section.
- Pay the written exam fee ($60) to Prov, Inc. and the practical exam fee ($65) to the Cosmetology Section.
- Schedule and pass both the written and practical exams.
- Pay the $50 license application fee.
- Receive your Arkansas cosmetology license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $60 | Prov, Inc. |
| Practical Exam | $65 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| License Application | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Total Initial Cost | $175 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Reinstatement | $25 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Reciprocity | $150 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Arkansas cosmetology licenses expire biennially (every two years) on your birthday. You must renew within 30 days of your birthday to avoid penalties.
To renew:
- Renew online through the CLIPS Online Licensing Portal.
- Pay the $50 biennial renewal fee.
Arkansas does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal.
Late renewal: A $50 late fee applies 31 days after your expiration date. If your license lapses, a reinstatement fee of $25 applies in addition to the renewal fee.
Lifetime license: Arkansas offers a lifetime cosmetology license for $50. Contact the Cosmetology Section for eligibility details.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Arkansas offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current, valid cosmetology license in good standing from another state
- Have a scope of practice equal to or greater than Arkansas cosmetology (hairdressing, manicuring, nail extensions, and aesthetics)
- Have passed both a written and practical national or department-approved examination in your original state
If you passed national or department-approved exams: You will only need to pass the Arkansas state law exam.
If you did not pass national exams: You must pass the written, practical, and state law exams administered in Arkansas.
To apply:
- Complete the Reciprocity Form.
- Submit the form with a $150 non-refundable reciprocity fee (check or money order).
- Request that your current state send an official license certification directly to the Arkansas Cosmetology Section.
- Schedule and pass the required exam(s).
The reciprocity fee does not cover exam costs. You will need to pay separately for any exams required. For more details on transferring your license, see our guides for Texas and Florida cosmetology licenses.
Military Provisions
Arkansas provides automatic licensure for military-connected applicants under Acts 2019, No. 820. The following individuals may receive automatic cosmetology licensure:
- Active duty military personnel stationed in Arkansas
- Returning military veterans applying within one year of discharge from active duty
- Spouses of active duty military personnel or veterans
To qualify, you must submit a completed application, pay the initial licensure fee, and provide evidence of a substantially equivalent cosmetology license from another state.
The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Recent Legislative Changes
Act 114 of 2023 (Temporary Fee Reduction): Mandated temporary reductions to cosmetology renewal fees effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. As of January 1, 2026, renewal fees have been restored to their standard amounts.
Act 964 of 2025 (Hair Relaxer Warning Labels): Requires warning labels on hair relaxer products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxicants sold or used in Arkansas.
2024 Rulemaking: The Cosmetology Section updated administrative rules to comply with 2021 and 2023 Acts that partially deregulated hairstyling and codified automatic occupational licensure for military-connected applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Arkansas?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. A full-time 1,500-hour training program typically takes 10 to 12 months. After completing training, scheduling exams and processing your license adds another 2 to 6 weeks depending on the practical exam schedule.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Arkansas?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $175: $60 for the written exam, $65 for the practical exam, and $50 for the license application fee.
Does Arkansas require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Arkansas does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. The CE requirement was removed from the cosmetology law.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Arkansas?
Yes, through reciprocity. You must hold a current license in good standing and pay a $150 reciprocity fee. If you previously passed national or department-approved exams, you only need to pass the Arkansas state law exam. Otherwise, you must pass the full written, practical, and law exams.
What is the passing score for the Arkansas cosmetology exam?
You must score at least 70% on the written exam and at least 75% on the practical exam.
Can I take the written exam before completing all my training hours?
Yes. Arkansas allows cosmetology students to take the written exam after completing 150 hours of instruction. However, you must complete all 1,500 hours before taking the practical exam and receiving your license.
Official Resources
- Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section (official website)
- CLIPS Online Licensing Portal (license application and renewal)
- Official Fee Schedule
- Reciprocity and Military Licensing Information
- Prov, Inc. (written exam registration)
- Phone: (501) 682-2168
- Email: Cosmo@arkansas.gov
- Address: 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot #8, Little Rock, AR 72205