idaho licensing requirements

Licenses Available: Cosmetologist, Electrologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician,

Required Hours:
Cosmetology: 2000 hours (or 4000 apprentice hours)
Electrology: 500 hours + 300 hours Skin Care (or 1600 apprentice hours)
Esthetics: 600 hours (or 1200 apprentice hours)
Nail Technology: 400 hours (or 800 apprentice hours)

Minimum Requirements: An applicant must:

document completion of the tenth grade and;
be at least sixteen and one-half years of age and;
document completion of 2000 hours of training for cosmetology, or 400 hours for nail technology, or 600 hours for esthetics, or 800 hours for electrology and;
have graduated from an approved school and;
pass the NIC theory and practical examination;

Reciprocity:

The holder of a current license in another state may also be eligible for licensure. Licensure may be gained through Endorsement if an applicant either:

holds a current license from another state whose standards are not less than Idaho standards, or
holds a current license from another state and has 3 years of work experience under licensure in the last five years.

If you do not meet the equal standards or experience requirement, additional training and examination will be required. An applicant must show proof of training equivalent to the Idaho requirements and pass the examination(s). Applicants who do not meet the equivalent training requirement, must graduate from a licensed Idaho school of cosmetology. (Additional Information)

Applicants must sumit:

Applicants must hold a current license in good standing from a state whose standards are equal to Idaho standards (hours and examination) OR hold a current license good
standing from another state and have at least three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in the last five (5) years.
Completed application. All requested information must be provided along with passport photo and notary seal.
Copy of drivers license or birth certificate.
Copy of transcript, diploma, etc. showing proof of completion of the tenth grade.
Copy of marriage license or divorce decree if name used on accompanying documents does not match the one on the application.
Order certification of licensure from the state where you are currently

Download the Application (.pdf)

All supporting documentation should be sent from the source to address listed below:

Idaho State Board of Cosmetology
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
Owyhee Plaza
1109 Main St.(Suite220)
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 334-3233

Written Provider: NIC
Practical Provider: NIC
Practical Exam Required: Yes
Renewal: Cos, Nails - $25; Elec, Esth - $27; Instr - $30, all expire on birth date