Montana licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists under the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Business Standards Division. You need a Montana cosmetology license to perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Montana requires 1,500 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. A new 2025 law (HB 336) added an apprenticeship pathway. No continuing education is required. Biennial renewal costs $80. Total initial cost is approximately $249. Here is exactly how to get your Montana cosmetology license.
Montana Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (DLI, Business Standards Division) |
| Statutory Authority | MCA Title 37, Chapter 31; ARM Title 24, Chapter 121 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 3,000 hours (effective October 1, 2025 under HB 336) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$169 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fee | $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$249 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (January 2 – March 1) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Montana eBiz Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school. The cosmetology curriculum covers hair cutting, coloring, styling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, facials, skin care, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, sanitation and infection control, anatomy, and Montana laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 10 to 14 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 3,000 hours under a licensed cosmetologist (2:1 ratio to school hours). This pathway was established by HB 336 (effective October 1, 2025). Apprentices must register with the board before beginning training.
Related license tiers in Montana: If you want a narrower scope, Montana also offers Barber (1,100 hours — hair cutting, shaving, chemical services), Barber-Nonchemical (900 hours — cutting and shaving only), Esthetician (650 hours — skin care), and Manicurist (400 hours — nail services).
For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Cosmetology exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), Skin Care (10%), Nail Care (10%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills including hair cutting, chemical services, facials, and nail services.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours)
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$169 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through the Montana eBiz portal ($80 application fee)
Total: approximately $249.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Montana cosmetology licenses renew biennially. The renewal window is January 2 through March 1. Renewal fee: $80. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Licenses that lapse beyond the renewal period may require reinstatement.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Montana does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state cosmetologists apply through a credentialing process. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing, documentation of training hours equivalent to Montana’s 1,500-hour requirement, and may need to pass NIC exams if not previously taken. Apply through the Montana eBiz portal.
HB 246 (2025) expanded pathways for out-of-state applicants, streamlining the credentialing process for licensed professionals relocating to Montana.
Military Provisions
Montana issues provisional licenses to military members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states under MCA 37-1-145 and 37-1-147. Military training and experience may be credited toward licensing qualifications. Active-duty members stationed in Montana and their spouses receive expedited processing.
Recent Legislative Changes
HB 336 (2025, effective October 1, 2025): Established apprenticeship pathways for all cosmetology license types, including cosmetology (3,000 hours), barber (2,200 hours), esthetician (2,000 hours), and manicurist (2,000 hours). Apprentices must register with the board and train under a licensed professional.
HB 246 (2025): Expanded pathways for out-of-state licensed professionals to obtain Montana licensure, streamlining the credentialing process.
HB 353 (2023): Exempted hair braiding from cosmetology licensure requirements, allowing hair braiders to practice without a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in Montana?
1,500 hours at a licensed school, or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship (available October 1, 2025). Full-time students complete training in about 10 to 14 months.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Montana?
Approximately $249 total: ~$169 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and $80 in application fees (paid to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists).
Does Montana require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Montana does not require CE for cosmetology license renewal.
What is the difference between a cosmetologist and a barber in Montana?
A cosmetologist (1,500 hours) can perform hair, skin, and nail services. A barber (1,100 hours) can perform hair cutting, shaving, and chemical hair services but not skin care or nail services. Montana also offers a Barber-Nonchemical license (900 hours) for cutting and shaving only.
Can I get a Montana cosmetology license through an apprenticeship?
Yes, starting October 1, 2025. HB 336 established a 3,000-hour apprenticeship pathway under a licensed cosmetologist. Apprentices must register with the board before beginning.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Montana eBiz Licensing Portal (online application)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Board Contact: (406) 444-6880 | DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV
- Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620 (PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513)