Nebraska License Requirements

WRITTEN BY Beauty Schools Directory Editorial Staff

Last Updated: April 25, 2017

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Nebraska, you must complete the requirements listed below, provided by the Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Nebraska cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Nebraska's minimum required training hours and then complete the required written and skills exam for your specialty.

After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology. This exam covers both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Once you pass these exams, you will receive your Nebraska cosmetology license shortly. You're now able to work in the state of Nebraska in your scope of practice.

Continuing education is an essential part of licensure in Nebraska, so make sure to meet the requirements of the Board of Cosmetology. The Board of Cosmetology requires eight hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. For specific questions, please contact the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. The state of Nebraska does not allow you to work as an apprentice to get your training hours. Nebraska uses PSI to administer the licensing exam, which is only available in English.

Nebraska Board of Cosmetology License Requirements (2017)

Nebraska Cosmetology License Renewal

Licenses for cosmetologists and cosmetology instructors expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. Electrologists must renew by July 31 of odd-numbered years. Esthetics licenses expire on the last day of September in even-numbered years. Nail technicians have to renew by December 31 of odd-numbered years. Late fees of $25 to $75 are assessed if you renew your license after the expiration date.

Cosmetologists pay a $118 renewal fee, as do estheticians, electrologists, nail technicians, and permanent makeup artists. The fee is $100 for massage therapists. Nebraska requires eight hours of continuing education to renew any license.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Nebraska

To transfer your cosmetology license to Nebraska, you must have at least 2100 training hours completed and a state board-issued exam from your home state. Work experience or additional training hours in Nebraska may be considered if you don't have 2100 training hours from your home state. You can replace 100 hours of training for each month of full-time experience as a cosmetologist or instructor, as long as your full-time experience was completed within the last five years. The cost to transfer your license to Nebraska is $95.

NE State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services - Cosmetology Department
301 Centennial Mall South, 3rd Floor
PO Box 94986
Licoln, NE 68509-4986
Phone Number: 402-471-3121 or 1-800-254-4202
Email: DHHS.Helpline@nebraska.gov

The Nebraska 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 Nebraska state cosmetology license.