Iowa Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Iowa Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Iowa, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Iowa State Board of Cosmetology. When getting an Iowa cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Iowa's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Iowa State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Iowa cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Iowa. Keep in mind, even though Iowa only requires 8 hours of continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Iowa annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the IA Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. The state of IA does allow apprenticeship to get your training hours for some of the beauty profession licenses, see below. IA uses PSI for its cosmetology board exams, and you may take the exam in English only.

Find Iowa beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of Iowa.

Iowa Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 2100 Hours
• BARBER LICENSE: Coming Soon - Barbering Board Handles This
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 325 Hours
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 400 Hours
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours Instructor Training OR 2 Years Work Experience in Last 6 Years
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) to Iowa

Iowa does not have reciprocity arrangements with other states. You may gain licensure through endorsement instead. Each application for transfer is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Your home state must have similar or equivalent licensing requirements. Depending on the length of your licensure and the exam you took in your home state, you may be required to take the Iowa exams or get additional training hours.

IA State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
Lucas Bldg., 5th Floor, 321 E. 12th Street 
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 
Phone Number: 515-281-4416
Fax Number: 515-281-3121
E-mail Address: rosemary.bonanno@idph.iowa.gov

The Iowa State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining an Iowa state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Illinois