Michigan State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Michigan 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 Michigan, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Michigan cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Michigan's minimum required training hours. The state does allow apprenticeship to get training hours for some licenses. Then you must take the state's cosmetology board exams. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology. Michigan uses PSI to administer the exam, which can be taken in the English language only (though a word-to-word language dictionary may be used) on the first attempt, though they may allow translators on the second attempt. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Michigan cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Michigan. Keep in mind, even though Michigan may not require continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Michigan annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the MI Board of Cosmetology directly for more information.

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

Michigan Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours (2-Year Apprenticeship)
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 400 Hours (6-Month Apprenticeship)
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 400 Hours (6-Month Apprenticeship)
• BARBER LICENSE: 2000 Hours
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: C400 Hours (6-Month Apprenticeship)
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 500 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours

Michigan Cosmetology License Renewal

Your first year of licensure is until the upcoming August. After that, cosmetology licenses in Michigan must be renewed every two years in by the end of August. No continuing education hours are required to renew your license in Michigan, but cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry. The cost to renew is $48.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Michigan

Michigan grants cosmetology license reciprocity or transfer if the training and testing requirements in your home state are substantially equal to Michigan's. If they are not similar or greater, you may be required to take additional training hours or to take the Michigan written and practical board exams. The cost to transfer your cosmetology license to MI is $39.

MI State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Michigan Bureau of Commercial Services - Board of Cosmetology
PO Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone Number: 517-241-8720
Fax Number: 517-373-1044
E-mail Address: bcslic@michigan.gov

The Michigan 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 Michigan state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Ohio
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Wisconsin
• Minnesota