Missouri License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
In order to get licensed from the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners to be a cosmetologist you must meet basic requirements in both education and examination. Check out the minimum training requirements listed below to find out how much time you must spend in school in MO to become a barber, hairstylist, massage therapist, or other type of beauty professional.
After finishing your training, you are required to pass two licensing exams issued by the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. One test focuses on theory and the other focuses on practical skills. Once you pass these exams, you should be able to work in the state of Missouri, provided you work in an approved setting.
Keep in mind, even though Missouri may not require continuing education to renew most licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology CEUs in Missouri each year to stay current on the latest beauty trends. It can be very easy, too, since many employers host continuing education programs for employees.
The state of Missouri does allow apprenticeship as a way of completing your training hours for certain cosmetology professions, as listed below. Currently, the state of Missouri also allows the licensing exams to be taken in English, Spanish or Vietnamese which can be extremely helpful to some residents.
Look at our list of Missouri beauty schools to find out which programs are offered near you and how you can begin preparing for the career you’ve always wanted.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
2017 Missouri Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours (3000 Hours Apprenticeship)
- BARBER LICENSE: 1000 Hours (2000 Hours Apprenticeship)
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 750 Hours (1500 Hours Apprenticeship)
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 400 Hours (800 Hours Apprenticeship)
- PERMANENT MAKEUP LICENSE: 300 Hours Apprenticeship
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 600 Hours
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours
Missouri Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology license renewal in Missouri occurs every two years. Cosmetology licenses expire on September 30 in odd-numbered years. The cost to renew beauty licenses in Missouri is $30.
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements in the state of Missouri, with the exception of cosmetology instructors. Keep in mind, though, that some employers may require you to complete ongoing education to maintain your employment or to move up in your place of employment.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Missouri
Whether or not you qualify for license transfer in Missouri depends on where you obtained you original license and what the training hours are in your home state. According to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Examiners, you may qualify for license transfer if your training requirements are at least 95% of what Missouri requires. You must still take the NIC licensing exams to get your Missouri license if you did not take them in your home state.
MO State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
3605 Missouri Boulevard, PO Box 1062
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1062
Phone Number: 866-762-9432 (toll-free)/573-751-1052 (local)
Fax Number: 573-751-8167
E-mail Address: cosbar@pr.mo.gov
The Missouri 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 a Missouri state cosmetology license.