Indiana licenses cosmetologists through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) under the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. You need an Indiana cosmetology license to legally perform hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nail services, and other beauty treatments for compensation anywhere in Indiana.
Indiana requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus both written and practical exams administered by PSI. The total cost including exams and application is approximately $99. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Indiana Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a PLA-approved beauty culture school |
| State Board Exam | Written exam AND practical exam (both required, administered by PSI) |
| Passing Score | 75% on both exams |
| Exam Fee | ~$59 (written + practical, paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $40 (paid to PLA) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 4 years (expires August 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $40 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | MyLicense Indiana |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a cosmetology license in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed 10th grade education or equivalent. Indiana does not have a residency requirement for licensure.
If you are deciding between cosmetology and barbering, Indiana requires 1,500 hours for both licenses. Cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails, while barbering focuses on hair cutting and shaving. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete 1,500 Hours at a PLA-Approved School
You must complete 1,500 clock hours of instruction at a beauty culture school licensed by the Indiana PLA. The curriculum covers hair cutting and styling, chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing), skin care basics, nail services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails), sanitation and safety protocols, and Indiana laws and regulations governing the profession.
Most full-time programs take 10 to 12 months to complete. Part-time schedules extend the timeline to 18 to 24 months. Tuition varies by school, typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the institution and what is included in the program.
When choosing a school, verify it holds current PLA approval. Your school will issue you documentation of completed hours and submit your education verification to the PLA.
Note: Indiana does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology. All training must be completed at a licensed beauty culture school. Indiana’s 1,500-hour requirement is above the national average. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written Exam
After completing your training hours, your school will submit your education verification to the PLA. You will then receive authorization to schedule your written exam through PSI, Indiana’s third-party testing provider.
The written exam consists of 100 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 unscored pilot questions (110 total). You have 90 minutes to complete it. A score of 75% or better is required to pass. You receive your score immediately on screen at the testing center.
The written exam covers sanitation and infection control, hair care and chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Indiana state laws and regulations. Study materials referenced in the exam are listed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, which you should review before test day.
The written exam fee is approximately $48 to $59, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your appointment. Written exams are offered at 14 PSI testing centers throughout Indiana.
Step 4: Pass the Practical Exam
After passing the written exam, you can schedule your practical exam through PSI. The practical exam is a hands-on skills demonstration where you perform timed cosmetology services. A score of 70% (84 out of 119 points) or better is required to pass.
The practical exam tests your ability to perform services safely and correctly, including sanitation and disinfection procedures, haircutting, chemical waving, and hair coloring application. You must bring a mannequin, a complete sanitized testing kit, and all required supplies. The specific supply list is detailed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
You receive your score at the testing center after completing the exam. If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that section. There is no limit to the number of retakes, but you must pay the exam fee for each attempt.
Important: Complete all requirements within one year of filing your application. Applications not completed within this period are considered abandoned, and you must start over as a new applicant.
Step 5: Apply for Your License
Once you have passed both exams, apply for your cosmetology license through the MyLicense Indiana portal. The application fee is $40, paid by credit or debit card.
You will need to upload your PSI exam pass notice, your Beauty Culture Education Certification form (completed by your school), and any name change documentation if your name differs from your school records (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.).
If you have any criminal convictions (other than minor traffic violations), you must include a detailed statement explaining each violation along with copies of court documents showing the disposition. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify you from licensure.
The PLA typically processes complete applications within 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you can print your license from your MyLicense account.
License Renewal
Indiana cosmetology licenses expire every four years on August 1. The PLA sends renewal notices approximately 90 days before your expiration date to the email address on file. The renewal fee is $40.
You can renew online through the MyLicense Indiana portal or by mail.
Indiana does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. This is one of the simpler renewal processes in the country. You simply pay the renewal fee and confirm your information is current.
If your license expires, you can still renew with additional fees. Late renewal within 3 years of expiration incurs a $50 late fee on top of the $40 renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must apply for reinstatement, pay an $80 reinstatement fee, and may be required to retake the practical examination.
Transferring an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Indiana
Indiana offers license reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. To qualify, your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Indiana (1,500 training hours and written and practical exams with at least 70% passing scores).
If your original state required fewer than 1,500 hours, Indiana may approve your application based on a combination of education hours plus work experience. One year of licensed practice equals 100 hours of education credit, but you must have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of education to be eligible.
To apply by reciprocity, submit your application through the MyLicense Indiana portal with the $40 application fee. You must also provide official license verification sent directly from your current state’s licensing board (a copy of your license is not accepted).
If your original state did not require a practical exam, you must pass Indiana’s practical exam. All reciprocity applicants should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of Indiana laws and regulations.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Indiana provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through the PLA’s Military Experience program. Benefits include expedited application processing, potential fee waivers, and acceptance of military training toward licensing requirements where applicable.
Military spouses who hold a valid cosmetology license from another state may qualify for expedited reciprocity processing. Contact the PLA directly at (317) 234-3031 or visit the PLA Military Experience page for specific accommodations.
What Can You Do with an Indiana Cosmetology License?
An Indiana cosmetology license authorizes you to perform all hair services (cutting, coloring, perming, relaxing, styling), facial treatments and skin care, makeup application, nail services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, nail art), hair removal (waxing, tweezing), and scalp treatments.
Cosmetologists in Indiana must work in a licensed salon or beauty culture establishment. If you want to open your own salon, you will need a separate salon license from the PLA. Mobile services are also permitted, but the mobile unit must be registered as a salon with the PLA.
If you hold a cosmetology license, you do not need a separate manicurist or esthetician license to perform nail or skincare services. The cosmetology license covers the full scope of practice.
Indiana Cosmetology Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $35,440 ($17.04 per hour). The lowest 10% earn approximately $23,070, while the highest 10% earn around $55,900.
Actual earnings vary significantly by location, employer type, experience level, and clientele. Cosmetologists in metropolitan areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville typically earn more than those in rural areas. Tips and commission can add 15% to 25% on top of base pay. Many cosmetologists also earn additional income through retail product sales.
Employment in the field is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Indiana?
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 graduating, allow 2 to 4 weeks for exam scheduling and license processing. Part-time students may take 18 to 24 months to complete their training hours.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Indiana?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $99: exam fees around $59 paid to PSI and a $40 application fee paid to the PLA. Tuition at Indiana cosmetology schools typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the program.
Does Indiana require a practical exam for cosmetologists?
Yes. Indiana requires both a written exam and a hands-on practical exam. You must pass the written exam first, then schedule the practical exam through PSI. You need a score of 75% on the written exam and 70% on the practical exam to pass.
Does Indiana require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
No. Indiana does not require any continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $40 renewal fee every four years. This is one of the simplest renewal processes in the country.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Indiana?
Yes, through reciprocity. Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements (1,500 hours and exams with 70% passing scores). If your state required fewer hours, you may qualify based on a combination of education hours plus licensed work experience. You must provide official license verification from your current state.
Does Indiana offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
No. Indiana does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology licensure. All training must be completed at a PLA-approved beauty culture school. This differs from some other states that offer apprenticeship options.
What is the difference between a cosmetologist and an esthetician in Indiana?
A cosmetologist is trained in hair, skin, and nails and can perform all beauty services. An esthetician specializes in skincare only (facials, waxing, makeup) and requires 700 hours of training. If you hold a cosmetology license, you can already perform esthetician services without a separate license.
How do I check the status of my Indiana cosmetology license?
Use the free Search and Verify tool on the Indiana PLA website. You can look up any licensed beauty culture professional by name or license number to confirm their license status and expiration date.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Indiana Government Center South, Room W072
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-3031
Fax: (317) 233-4236
Email: pla12@pla.in.gov
Website: in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home
Apply for a Cosmetology License:
MyLicense Indiana Portal
Licensing Requirements and Forms:
PLA Cosmetology & Barber Licensing Information
Exam Information (PSI Testing):
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin – Indiana Cosmetology
License Verification:
Indiana License Search and Verify
Military Experience Accommodations:
PLA Military Experience