Montana License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
Interested in a career in the beauty industry of Montana? Get ready for a licensing process that includes education, examination, and background checks. If you want to qualify for a license in your chosen beauty specialty, you’ll need to first meet the minimum training requirements listed below. These requirements are determined by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
Once you have completed these training hours and performed satisfactorily at your chosen beauty school, you are apply to take the appropriate licensing exams for your specialty, which are administered by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The state of Montana may also permit you to complete your training via apprenticeship, although you must obtain special Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists approval. Montana uses PSI to administer the licensing exams, and allows you to take the exams in English only.
Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Montana cosmetology license allowing you to work legally in MT.
Despite the fact that continuing education is not typically required in the state of Montana, you’ll likely find that continuing education is a valuable tool for the growth of your career.
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 Montana Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 2000 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 650 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 350 Hours
- ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
- PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST LICENSE: Training in Sanitation, Disease Prevention, and Hygiene (Department of Public Health and Human Services)
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 650 Hours + 1 Year of Continuous Work Experience / 2 Years of Continuous Work Experience — Then You have 3 Years to Complete Your Teacher Methodology Coursework
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours
Montana Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology license renewal in Montana happens every 2 years in the licensing month. It costs $80 to renew a practitioner's license and $95 to renew an instructor's license. Practitioners must get 15 cosmetology continuing education hours for each 12-month period (for a total of 30 per licensure period), and instructors must get 30 cosmetology CEUs for each 12-month period (for a total of 60 per licensure period). A maximum of 10 hours per year may be acquired at trade shows. Even though continuing education may not be required to renew all licenses, cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Montana
Applicants to transfer cosmetology licenses to Montana must pass both the national NIC written and practical exams and have an active license from their home states. If you have not passed the national exams, you will be required to do so before you can transfer your license to MT. You may be required to get additional training hours in school if the board finds that your home state does not have comparable training hour requirements to get licensed.
MT State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Montana State Board of Cosmetology
301 South Park, PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
Phone Number: 406-841-2202 and 406-841-2205
Fax Number: 406-841-2323
E-mail Address: dlibsdcos@mt.gov, DLIBSDLicensingUnitB@mt.gov, and DLIBSDLicensingUnitA@mt.gov
The Montana 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 Montana state cosmetology license.