Missouri licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Commerce and Insurance. You need a Missouri cosmetology license to legally perform hair, nail, and skin services for compensation anywhere in Missouri.
Missouri requires 1,500 hours of approved training (or 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice) plus NIC written and practical exams. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $175. Most people complete the full process in 12 to 18 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Missouri Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration |
| Statutory Authority | RSMo Chapter 329; 20 CSR 2085 |
| Official License Title | Class CA Cosmetologist (hair and nails) or Class CH Hairdresser (hair only) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at an approved school (1,220 hours for public vo-tech) OR 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours under a licensed cosmetologist |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or GED |
| Exam Required | NIC Written (theory) + NIC Practical exams |
| Exam Fees | Theory: $90 | Practical: $60 | Total: $150 |
| Passing Score | 75% on each exam |
| License Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $175 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years by September 30 of odd years | $30 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Timeline | 12–18 months (training) + 2–4 weeks (exam/processing) |
| Apply Online | Missouri Board Forms & Applications |
| Board Website | pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Missouri cosmetology program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 17 years old
- Education: Completed 10th grade or GED equivalent
Missouri issues two classes of cosmetology license. A Class CA license covers both hairdressing and manicuring services. A Class CH license covers hairdressing only. Both require the same 1,500 hours of training. Most applicants pursue the Class CA license for the broader scope of practice.
If you are deciding between cosmetology and barbering, Missouri requires 1,500 hours for cosmetologists and 1,000 hours for barbers. Cosmetology covers hair, nails, and basic skin care, while barbering focuses on hair cutting and shaving. Missouri offers a crossover pathway for those who want both. For a full comparison, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License guide.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Missouri offers two pathways to meet the Missouri cosmetology license training requirement:
Option 1: Cosmetology School (1,500 Hours)
Complete 1,500 hours of instruction at a cosmetology school licensed by the Board. Public vocational-technical schools require a minimum of 1,220 hours. You must earn at least 160 hours of classroom training before performing any services on patrons. Full-time programs typically take 12 to 15 months. The curriculum includes:
- Hair coloring (130 hours)
- Hairsetting and thermal curling (225 hours)
- Hair cutting (130 hours)
- Permanent waving and relaxing (125 hours)
- Combouts and styling (105 hours)
- Manicuring (110 hours)
- Shampooing, scalp treatments, facials, cosmetic chemistry, sanitation, anatomy, and Missouri law
Option 2: Apprenticeship (3,000 Hours)
Complete 3,000 hours of training as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed establishment. The apprenticeship pathway typically takes 2 to 3 years.
Missouri’s 1,500-hour requirement is at the national average for cosmetology. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Apply for and Pass the Licensing Exams
Missouri uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations. You must pass both a written (theory) and practical exam with a score of 75% or higher on each.
How to register:
- Complete your training program or apprenticeship
- Register through the Board’s designated testing vendor
- Pay the exam fees ($90 theory + $60 practical = $150 total)
- Schedule your exams at an approved testing location
Exam details:
- Written (Theory) Exam: Multiple-choice covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and Missouri laws and rules
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills including hair cutting, styling, chemical services, and nail care
- Passing Score: 75% on each exam
- Retake Policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake it by re-registering and paying the applicable fee ($90 theory or $60 practical)
Step 4: Receive Your Missouri Cosmetology License
Once you pass both exams, submit your license application through the Board with the $25 license issuance fee. Applications and forms are available at pr.mo.gov/cosbar-forms.asp. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card.
Missouri Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | $90 | Testing Vendor |
| Practical Exam | $60 | Testing Vendor |
| License Issuance | $25 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $175 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $30 | Board |
| Reciprocity (Out-of-State) | $100 | Board |
All exam fees are nonrefundable.
License Renewal Requirements
All Missouri cosmetology licenses expire on September 30 of every odd-numbered year. The Board mails renewal forms prior to expiration. The renewal fee is $30.
Missouri does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply complete the renewal form and pay the fee. Cosmetology instructors, however, must complete 8 hours of Board-approved continuing education before renewing.
Late renewal: If you fail to renew within two months of expiration, you must pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the regular renewal fee. Contact the Board at 573-751-1052 for reinstatement procedures.
Inactive status: Per 20 CSR 2085-7.040, licensees may place their license on inactive status. To reactivate, contact the Board and pay applicable fees.
Transferring Your License to Missouri (Reciprocity)
Missouri offers license reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states under RSMo 324.009. You may qualify if you hold a current license in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia AND meet one of the following:
- Your original state has requirements substantially equal to Missouri’s (at least 95% of Missouri’s training hours), OR
- You have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another state
The reciprocity fee is $100. You must submit an affidavit completed by your original state’s licensing agency verifying your license type, status, and that it is current and in good standing.
Universal reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Under HB 2046 (signed August 28, 2020), Missouri boards must waive experience and education requirements for any person who has been licensed for at least one year in another state, provided that state has minimum educational and experience requirements in place.
Crossover Licensing
Missouri offers crossover pathways between cosmetology and barbering:
Barber to cosmetology: Licensed barbers can obtain a Class CH cosmetology license by completing 500 additional hours of cosmetology training. Two years of Missouri barber experience can substitute for 250 of those hours, and three years of experience can substitute for all 500 hours.
Cosmetology to barber: Licensed cosmetologists can obtain a barber license by completing just 45 additional hours of barber training.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Missouri provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Priority Processing (RSMo 324.006): Spouses of active-duty military members receive first priority for processing licensure applications.
Universal Reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Military members and spouses who hold a valid license from another state for at least one year may apply for Missouri licensure with waived experience and education requirements, provided their original state has minimum standards in place.
SCRA License Portability (2023): Under the amended Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military spouses who relocate to Missouri may be able to practice under their existing out-of-state license.
What Can You Do with a Missouri Cosmetology License?
A Missouri Class CA cosmetology license authorizes you to perform hairdressing services (cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments), manicuring services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails), and basic skin care services (facials, scalp treatments, makeup). A Class CH license covers hairdressing only.
Cosmetologists in Missouri must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own salon, you need a separate establishment license from the Board.
If you want to specialize in skin care, consider a separate esthetician license (750 hours), which provides a focused scope of practice for advanced skin care services. To compare cosmetology with other beauty licenses, see whether you can be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Related License Options in Missouri
| License Type | Hours Required | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Class CA Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours (or 3,000 apprentice) | Hair, nails, and basic skin care |
| Class CH Hairdresser | 1,500 hours (or 3,000 apprentice) | Hair services only |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | Skin care services |
| Nail Technician (Manicurist) | 400 hours (or 800 apprentice) | Nail services only |
| Barber | 1,000 hours (or 2,000 apprentice) | Hair cutting, shaving, grooming |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Missouri?
Most people complete the process in 12 to 18 months. Full-time cosmetology programs (1,500 hours) typically take 12 to 15 months. The apprenticeship pathway (3,000 hours) takes 2 to 3 years. 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 Missouri?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $175: $150 in exam fees ($90 theory + $60 practical) and a $25 license issuance fee to the Board.
Does Missouri require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Missouri does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $30 renewal fee every two years by September 30 of the odd-numbered year. Cosmetology instructors, however, must complete 8 hours of Board-approved CE.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Missouri?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). Your original state must have substantially equal requirements (at least 95% of Missouri’s training hours), or you must have practiced for at least two consecutive years. Under RSMo 324.009, Missouri must waive education and experience requirements for anyone licensed for at least one year in another state.
Does Missouri offer an apprenticeship program for cosmetology?
Yes. Missouri offers a 3,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed establishment. This typically takes 2 to 3 years, compared to 12 to 15 months for the school pathway.
What is the difference between Class CA and Class CH cosmetology licenses in Missouri?
A Class CA license covers both hairdressing and manicuring services. A Class CH license covers hairdressing only. Both require 1,500 hours of training. Most applicants pursue the Class CA license for the broader scope of practice.
Can a barber become a cosmetologist in Missouri?
Yes, through a crossover program. Licensed barbers can obtain a Class CH cosmetology license by completing 500 additional hours of cosmetology training. Two years of Missouri barber experience can substitute for 250 hours, and three years can substitute for all 500 hours.
What score do I need to pass the Missouri cosmetology exam?
You must score at least 75% on both the NIC written (theory) exam and the NIC practical exam.
Official Resources
- Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- License Applications and Forms
- Cosmetology Fee Schedule
- RSMo 329.040 (cosmetology training hour statute)
- Board Contact: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | PO Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102 | Phone: (573) 751-1052 | Toll Free: (866) 762-9432 | Email: cosbar@pr.mo.gov