Nebraska requires 1,800 hours of approved training but only the NIC written theory exam — no practical exam is required. The total initial cost is approximately $178, and Nebraska offers fee waivers for military families, low-income applicants, and public assistance recipients. Here is exactly how to get your Nebraska cosmetology license.
Nebraska Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Nebraska DHHS, Office of Consumer Services Licensing |
| Statutory Authority | Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1001 to 38-10,172 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 1,800 hours at a DHHS-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — same 1,800 hours (salon must be 60+ miles from nearest school) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written Theory (PSI) + Nebraska Jurisprudence exam (no practical) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $53 (NIC theory via PSI); jurisprudence exam is free |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| License Fee | $95 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$178 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires December 31 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $118 |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | DHHS Application (PDF) |
| Board Website | dhhs.ne.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Complete 1,800 hours at a DHHS-approved cosmetology school. This was reduced from 2,100 hours by LB 731 in 2018.
The curriculum covers arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, bleaching, coloring, and styling hair; esthetics services; and nail technology services.
Full-time programs typically take 12 to 18 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: Nebraska allows cosmetology apprentice salons, but only if the salon is located at least 60 miles from the nearest licensed cosmetology school. Same 1,800-hour requirement applies.
Activities NOT requiring a license: Airbrush tanning, makeup application, earlobe piercing, natural nail manicures/pedicures (without artificial nails), natural hair braiding, threading, and cosmetic product sales.
For a comparison of cosmetology requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Written Theory Exam (administered by PSI):
- 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), computer-based
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 75%
- Content: Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care & Services (45%), Skin Care (10%), Nail Care (10%)
- Must be administered in English (serves as English proficiency verification)
- Same-day results at testing center
Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam:
- Free, 50-question, open-book online exam
- Passing score: 75%
- Covers practice laws and regulations (Chapters 34, 36, statutes)
- Counts as 2 CE hours toward renewal
No practical exam is required. Nebraska is one of the states that requires only the written theory exam for cosmetology.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training
- Register for the NIC exam through PSI Exams ($53)
- Pass the NIC Written Theory exam
- Pass the Nebraska Jurisprudence exam (free, online)
- Submit your application and pay $30 application fee + $95 license fee
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| NIC Written Theory exam | $53 | PSI |
| Jurisprudence exam | Free | DHHS |
| Application fee | $30 | DHHS |
| Initial license fee | $95 | DHHS |
| Total Initial Cost | $178 | |
| Biennial renewal | $118 | DHHS |
Fee waivers available: Initial license fee is waived for military family members (active duty, spouses, veterans), individuals enrolled in public assistance programs (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid), and applicants ages 17-25 who qualify as low-income (household AGI at or below 130% of federal poverty guidelines).
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Nebraska cosmetology licenses expire biennially on December 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $118.
Continuing education: 8 hours per 24-month renewal cycle. At least 4 hours must be in scope-of-practice skills. Up to 4 elective hours may cover CPR/first aid, equipment training, ethics, product knowledge, communications, or marketing. The free online jurisprudence exam counts as 2 CE hours.
DHHS no longer pre-approves CE programs. Licensees must self-verify that coursework meets requirements.
Late renewal penalty: Practicing with an expired license results in an administrative penalty of $10 per day, up to $1,000.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Nebraska offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states under Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1066. The fee is $100. Requirements include a current license without disciplinary action, at least 1,800 hours of training (each month of full-time practice within 5 years = 100 hour-equivalents), passing a written exam (if your state did not require one, you must take the NIC exam in Nebraska), and passing the Nebraska Jurisprudence exam.
Military Provisions
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-129.01 (amended 2024 by LB 834):
- 1-year temporary license for military spouses with a valid credential from another state
- No supervision required while practicing under the temporary license
- Fee waiver for all fees except fingerprinting/background check costs
- Required: military dependent ID, spouse’s military orders showing Nebraska assignment, valid credential, fingerprints
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Nebraska?
Most people complete the process in 12 to 18 months. Full-time programs (1,800 hours) take 12 to 18 months, with exam and processing adding 1 to 3 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Nebraska?
$178 total: $53 NIC exam fee, $30 application fee, and $95 license fee. The jurisprudence exam is free. Fee waivers are available for qualifying applicants.
Does Nebraska require a practical exam for cosmetology?
No. Nebraska requires only the NIC written theory exam and the free online jurisprudence exam. No hands-on practical is required.
Does Nebraska require continuing education for cosmetologists?
Yes. 8 hours of CE per biennial renewal cycle. At least 4 hours must be in scope-of-practice skills.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Nebraska?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). You must hold a current license, have equivalent training or work experience, and pass the Nebraska Jurisprudence exam.
Official Resources
- DHHS Cosmetology and Esthetics Licensing (official website)
- Application by Exam (PDF)
- Reciprocity Application (PDF)
- License Renewal Portal
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- DHHS Contact: (402) 471-2117 | DHHS.Licensure2117@nebraska.gov
- Address: PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986