iowa licensing requirements
Licenses Available: Cosmetologist, Electrologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Manicurist
Required Hours:
Cosmetologist : 2100 hours
Electrologist: 425 Hours
Esthetician: 600 hours
Manicurist: 40 hours + perform 25 manicures
Nail Technologist: 325 hours
Minimum Requirements: Applicants for Cosmetologist, Estheticians and Nail Technology must be at least 18 years of age and have at least a 10th grade education or its equivalant.
Reciprocity: Applicants for licensure by endorsement only. The board will determine if applicants for licensure by endorsement are required to take a national theory examination upon receipt of the following documents:
- Notarized copy of a passing score on the national theory examination taken in the licensing state for each practice discipline.
- Original letter of Verification of Licensure sent to the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences from every state in which a license was issued.
- Verification Letters must have a raised state seal and be sent in an envelope with a state-printed return address.
- Verification Letters must show current licensure status in the practice discipline(s) for which you are seeking licensure in Iowa. Applicants must provide proof of licensure for at least 12 months in the 24-month period preceding this application. Licensure may have been held in more than one state to meet this requirement.
- If the state where you are licensed provides online verification, include a printout of your information from the online verification system. Online verification must include any disciplinary action taken.
Download the Application (.pdf)
All supporting documentation should be sent from the source to address listed below:
Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4416
Written Provider: NIC
Practical Provider: NIC
Practical Exam Required: No
Renewal: $60 + required Continuing Education, biennial
