Minnesota licenses cosmetologists through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, which oversees all cosmetology, esthetician, nail technician, and eyelash technician licensing in the state. You need a Minnesota cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Minnesota.
Minnesota requires 1,550 hours of approved training plus three written exams administered through PSI Services. Unlike most states, Minnesota does not require a hands-on practical exam — all testing is written or computer-based. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $280. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislation Affecting Minnesota Cosmetology Licensing
Textured Hair Training Mandate (Laws 2025, Chapter 39, Article 4 — effective August 1, 2025): Minnesota became the third state in the nation to require training on all hair types and textures for cosmetology licensing. Cosmetology and hair technician course content must include textured hair training covering curl, coil, and wave patterns, strand thicknesses, and volumes. The statute defines “textured hair” as “hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy” (155A.23, Subd. 22). This replaced an earlier 2024 version that required applicants to demonstrate experience serving clients with diverse hair.
Hair Technician License Created (effective July 1, 2024): Minnesota added a new “hair technician” license type requiring only 900 hours (compared to 1,550 for cosmetology), covering hair care services only. This provides an alternative pathway for individuals who want to focus exclusively on hair without completing the full cosmetology curriculum. See Minnesota Statutes 155A.2705.
Minnesota Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners |
| Training Hours Required | 1,550 hours at a Board-licensed cosmetology school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Minnesota does not offer an apprenticeship pathway |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Required | Three written exams via PSI: General Theory + Written Practical + MN Laws & Rules (no hands-on practical exam) |
| Exam Fees | Approximately $85 (combination) paid to PSI |
| License Application Fee | $195 ($155 license + $40 application) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $280 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 3 years (expires last day of birth month) | $115 |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours per 3-year renewal cycle |
| Timeline | 10–14 months (training) + 2–4 weeks (exam/processing) |
| Apply Online | Board Online Application Portal |
| Exam Registration | PSI Exams |
| Board Website | mn.gov/boards/cosmetology |
Education & Training Requirements
Minnesota requires completion of 1,550 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-licensed cosmetology school. Both private cosmetology schools and community college programs are recognized, provided they are licensed by the Board. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete. Minnesota law allows schools to provide up to 10 hours of instruction per student per day (155A.30).
The cosmetology curriculum covers:
- Hair care services (cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments, perming)
- Textured hair training covering curl, coil, and wave patterns (required effective August 1, 2025)
- Skin care services (facials, waxing, makeup application)
- Nail care services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails)
- Infection control and safety procedures
- Minnesota statutes and rules governing cosmetology
- Anatomy, dermatology, and chemistry as related to cosmetology
- Business management and professional ethics
No apprenticeship pathway: Minnesota does not allow apprenticeships for cosmetology. All training must be completed at a Board-licensed school.
Training expiration: If more than 5 years have elapsed since completing your training, you must also submit a Board-approved skills course certificate (no more than 1 year old) with your application.
Minnesota’s 1,550-hour requirement is above the national average. For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
Minnesota uses three written examinations administered by PSI Services. Unlike most states, Minnesota does not require a hands-on practical exam — all testing is computer-based.
Three required exams:
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Theory | 155 (145 scored + 10 experimental) | 3 hours | 75% |
| Written Practical | Applied knowledge of practical procedures | 1.5 hours | 75% |
| MN Laws & Rules | 35 | 1 hour | 75% |
How to register: Schedule your exams through PSI Exams online or by calling 1-800-733-9267. You can take all three exams as a combination or schedule each separately.
Exam content: The General Theory exam covers scientific concepts, hair care, skin care, nail care, safety, and infection control. The Written Practical tests applied knowledge of cosmetology procedures in a written format. The MN Laws & Rules exam covers Minnesota Statutes Chapter 155A and Board rules.
Retake policy: You may retake any failed exam by re-registering and paying the applicable fee. All passing exam results must be no more than one year old at the time of license application.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,550 hours of training at a Minnesota Board-licensed cosmetology school
- Obtain your original course completion certificate with notarized signatures from the school manager or owner
- Register with PSI and schedule your three exams at psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267
- Pass all three exams (General Theory, Written Practical, and MN Laws & Rules) with 75% or higher on each
- Submit your application online through the Board’s online portal
- Pay the $195 initial license fee ($155 license + $40 application)
- Receive your license within 15 business days (standard processing) or 5 business days (expedited processing with an additional $150 fee)
Minnesota Cosmetology License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| PSI Exam Combination | ~$85 | PSI Services |
| Initial License + Application | $195 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$280 | |
| Expedited Processing (optional) | $150 | Board |
| Triennial Renewal | $115 | Board |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $45 | Board |
| Temporary Military License (1-year) | $100 | Board |
| Certification of Licensure | $30 | Board |
| Duplicate License | $20 | Board |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Minnesota cosmetology licenses renew every three years, expiring on the last day of your birth month. The renewal fee is $115 ($100 license + $15 application). A late renewal penalty of $45 applies in addition to the renewal fee. If you fail to renew within 3 years of expiration, you must apply as a new applicant and pass all exams again.
Continuing education: You must complete 8 hours of Board-approved continuing education per 3-year renewal cycle, divided into two components:
Core CE (4 hours — mandatory topics):
- 1 hour on Minnesota laws and rules governing cosmetology
- 3 hours on health, safety, and infection control consistent with OSHA standards
Elective CE (4 hours — choose from approved topics):
- Product chemistry and chemical interaction
- Proper use and maintenance of machines and instruments
- Business management, professional ethics, and human relations
- Techniques relevant to cosmetology practice
Approved CE providers: Board-licensed cosmetology schools, postsecondary institutions, Board-recognized professional associations, and (for elective hours only) Board-licensed salons. No product marketing or sales activities are permitted during CE classes.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Minnesota does not use the term “reciprocity” but offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists under two pathways:
Path A — Equal or greater training hours (1,550+):
- Hold an active cosmetology license in good standing from another U.S. state with training hours equal to or greater than Minnesota’s 1,550 hours
- Pass all three Minnesota PSI exams (General Theory, Written Practical, and MN Laws & Rules)
- Provide certification of licensure sent directly from your previous state(s) to the Minnesota Board
- Pay the $195 initial license fee
Path B — Fewer training hours but experienced:
- Must have held an active cosmetology license for at least 3 of the past 5 years in another state
- Pass all three Board-approved exams
- May need to complete additional training at a Minnesota-licensed school to make up the hour difference
International applicants: Must apply to a Minnesota-licensed school as a transfer student. Credentials must be evaluated by a Board-approved agency, with official English translations provided. Any deficiency training to meet Minnesota’s 1,550-hour requirement must be completed at a Minnesota school.
Minnesota requires all endorsement applicants to pass the MN Laws & Rules exam — no exceptions. If you are transferring from a state with similar or higher hour requirements, such as Illinois (1,500 hours) or Michigan (1,500 hours), you will still need to pass all three Minnesota exams.
Military Provisions
Minnesota provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under Minnesota Statutes 197.4552:
Temporary Military (MT) License:
- Available to active-duty military members, military spouses, and veterans with honorable or general discharge within the past 2 years
- Requires a current, valid cosmetology license from another state with no disciplinary history
- Criminal background check required
- Fee: $100 for a 1-year temporary license
- Not renewable — you must apply for full licensure before the temporary license expires
Expedited processing: Military-related applications are processed within 5 business days under the Board’s expedited processing pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Minnesota?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 14 months. Full-time cosmetology programs (1,550 hours) typically take 10 to 12 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks (15 business days standard processing).
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Minnesota?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $280: about $85 in exam fees paid to PSI and $195 for the license application paid to the Board. You can add $150 for expedited processing if needed.
Does Minnesota require a hands-on practical exam for cosmetology?
No. Minnesota is one of the few states that does not require a hands-on practical exam. All three required exams — General Theory, Written Practical, and MN Laws & Rules — are written or computer-based tests administered by PSI. The Written Practical tests your applied knowledge of cosmetology procedures in a written format rather than a live demonstration.
Does Minnesota require continuing education for cosmetologists?
Yes. Minnesota requires 8 hours of Board-approved continuing education per 3-year renewal cycle: 4 hours of core CE (1 hour on MN laws and rules + 3 hours on health, safety, and infection control) and 4 hours of elective CE from approved topics.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Minnesota?
Yes, through endorsement. If your previous state required 1,550 or more training hours, you can apply directly after passing all three Minnesota PSI exams. If your state required fewer hours, you must have held an active license for at least 3 of the past 5 years and may need additional training. All endorsement applicants must pass the MN Laws & Rules exam.
What is the new hair technician license in Minnesota?
Effective July 1, 2024, Minnesota created a “hair technician” license requiring only 900 hours (compared to 1,550 for cosmetology). This license covers hair care services only — no nails or skin care. It provides an alternative for individuals who want to focus exclusively on hair without completing the full cosmetology curriculum.
Official Resources
- Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application Portal
- Fee Schedule (Minnesota Statutes 155A.25)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 155A (cosmetology law)
- Minnesota Administrative Rules Chapter 2105 (Board rules)
- Board Contact: (651) 201-2742 | cosmetology@state.mn.us
- Board Address: 1000 University Ave West, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55104