Mississippi licenses cosmetologists through the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB), which was formed in January 2025 when the former Board of Cosmetology and Board of Barber Examiners merged under HB 313. You need a Mississippi cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Mississippi requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus the NIC written theory exam. As of February 2026, the board eliminated the practical exam for all license types, making Mississippi one of approximately 12 states that require only a written exam. The total cost for state fees is approximately $75. Here is exactly how to get your Mississippi cosmetology license.
Mississippi Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) |
| Statutory Authority | Mississippi Code Ann. Section 73-7-1 et seq. |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED, or enrollment in a community college |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a licensed school (minimum 9 months) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours in a board-certified apprenticeship program |
| Exam Required | NIC Written Theory + Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam (no practical exam) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 (non-refundable) |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$75 plus exam fees (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | None required (standard license) |
| Apply Online | MSBCB Online Licensure Portal |
| Exam Registration | MSBCB Exam Registration |
| Board Website | msbcb.ms.gov |
Recent Legislation Affecting Mississippi Cosmetology Licensing
Board Merger — HB 313 (effective January 1, 2025): Mississippi merged the State Board of Cosmetology and the State Board of Barber Examiners into the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The new board has six members — three from cosmetology and three from barbering. Title 73, Chapter 5 (Barbers) was repealed, and all barbering provisions moved under Chapter 7.
Practical Exam Eliminated (February 2026): The reconstituted board voted to eliminate the practical skills examination for all license types. Mississippi cosmetology candidates now need to pass only the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam after completing their required training hours. Mississippi joins approximately 12 other states that have eliminated practical exams.
Education & Training Requirements
To pursue a Mississippi cosmetology license, you must be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED (or be enrolled in a community college). You must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school over a minimum period of 9 months.
The curriculum must include:
- Theory: Minimum 230 hours (at least 6 hours per week in a separate classroom)
- Supervised skill training and clinic work: 1,200 hours
- Instructor-discretion hours: 70 hours (assigned based on individual student needs)
Students may not earn more than 167 hours per month. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete.
Apprenticeship alternative: Mississippi offers a board-certified apprenticeship program requiring 3,000 hours. Apprenticeships must be monitored by a person with an instructor license, and only one apprentice may be mentored per instructor at a time.
Exemptions from licensure: Persons whose practice is limited to only performing makeup artistry, threading, or applying/removing eyelash extensions (a combination of not more than three such practices) are exempt from licensure under Section 73-7-2.
For a comparison of cosmetology training hours across all states, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass two examinations:
NIC Written Theory Exam:
- 110 multiple-choice items (100 scored, 10 unscored pretest questions)
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 70%
- Content areas: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), and additional subject areas
Mississippi Law & Sanitation Exam:
- Separate examination covering Mississippi-specific laws and sanitation standards
- A dedicated study handbook is provided by the board
Practical exam: As of February 2026, the practical skills examination has been eliminated. You no longer need to complete a hands-on demonstration.
Retake policy: Within one year of graduation, you may retake either exam as many times as needed to obtain a passing score.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school
- Register for your exams through the MSBCB Exam Registration portal
- Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee and applicable exam fees
- Pass the NIC Written Theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam
- Apply for your license through the MSBCB Online Licensure Portal
- Pay the $50 license fee
- Receive your license upon board approval
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application to test (non-refundable) | $25 | MSBCB |
| Practitioner license | $50 | MSBCB |
| Total State Fees | $75 | |
| Biennial renewal | $50 | MSBCB |
| Delinquent renewal penalty | $50 | MSBCB |
| Duplicate license | $10 | MSBCB |
Temporary permits: The board may issue a temporary permit to any student who has completed the prescribed hours and paid the required fee. The permit authorizes practice until the next examination, not exceeding 6 months.
No renewal fee for licensees age 70 or older.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Mississippi cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issuance. Renewal notices are sent before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the MSBCB Online Licensure Portal
- Pay the $50 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required for standard cosmetology license renewal
Late renewal: A 60-day grace period applies after expiration. A $50 delinquent renewal penalty is charged in addition to the renewal fee. All monetary fines and penalties must be paid in full before renewal.
Master Cosmetologist License: Mississippi offers a Master Cosmetologist designation. To qualify, you must hold a current Mississippi cosmetologist license for at least 12 months and complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education. The master license fee is $70, and 8 hours of CE are required per biennial renewal cycle.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Mississippi offers two pathways for out-of-state cosmetologists:
Standard Reciprocity (Section 73-7-23): You must hold a valid, current license from another state with similar educational requirements. You must pass the Mississippi examination (NIC theory and law/sanitation exams). The reciprocity fee is $55. Submit your application with two recent passport-style photographs.
Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act (UROLA): If you have held a license from another state for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency, you may apply under UROLA. Requirements include proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or employment documentation), a fingerprint background check, and passing the Mississippi-specific jurisprudence/law exam. A 365-day temporary practice permit is issued upon complete application and payment, prior to exam completion.
Military Provisions
Mississippi provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under Sections 73-50-1 and 73-50-2:
- Abbreviated military application available on the board’s website
- Applies to military-trained applicants, military spouses, and persons establishing residency
- 365-day temporary practice permit issued upon submission of a complete application — valid for one year, not renewable or extendable
- Must provide a recent passport-style photo, current out-of-state license or proof of military occupational specialty, and proof of good standing from the issuing board
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Mississippi?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 15 months. Full-time programs (1,500 hours) typically take 10 to 14 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Mississippi?
State fees total approximately $75: a $25 non-refundable application fee and a $50 license fee, plus exam fees paid separately. With the practical exam eliminated in 2026, total exam costs may be lower than previous years.
Does Mississippi still require a practical exam for cosmetology?
No. As of February 2026, the MSBCB eliminated the practical skills examination for all license types. You now need to pass only the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam.
Does Mississippi require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Mississippi does not require continuing education for standard cosmetology license renewal. However, the optional Master Cosmetologist license requires 8 hours of board-approved CE per renewal cycle.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi offers both standard reciprocity ($55 fee, requires passing the Mississippi exam) and a UROLA pathway for applicants who have held a license in another state for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency.
What is the Fresh Start Act and how does it affect my application?
Mississippi’s Fresh Start Act applies to applicants with criminal records. If you have a conviction, you must complete a Fresh Start Act Consideration Request form (notarized, with a certified copy of the judgment). The board evaluates each case individually and must provide written grounds for any disqualification, notice of the right to a hearing, and the earliest date for reconsideration.
Official Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal Portal
- Exam Registration Portal
- Official Fee Schedule
- Examination Information
- NIC Testing (exam content information)
- Board Contact: (601) 359-1820 | info@msbcb.ms.gov
- Board Address: 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201