How to Become a Cosmetologist in Idaho

Checked against Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: New licenses are issued for at least 2 years and expire on your birthday.
State fee: Since July 1, 2026: $30 application fee plus $60 original license fee (a 2-year license). License by endorsement is $90.
Licensed by: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)

Take the free cosmetology practice test →

Who can apply

You must be at least 16 1/2 years old when you apply. High school students enrolled in a licensed school may start earning hours younger.
You must have at least two years of high school or an equivalent education approved by the Board.
You must graduate from a 1,600-hour course at a Board-approved cosmetology school, or complete 3,200 hours as a registered apprentice.
You must not have engaged in conduct that is grounds for discipline under Idaho Code 54-5823.

Step by step

Enroll in a licensed cosmetology school (1,600 hours), or register with the Board as an apprentice (3,200 hours).
Your school (or your apprenticeship instructor) registers you with ProV for the NIC exams. Students may test after finishing 80% of their required hours.
Pass the NIC written (theory) and practical exams.
Create a DOPL online services profile and apply for your cosmetologist license by examination, uploading the documents it asks for.
Pay the $30 application fee and $60 license fee. You cannot work until DOPL issues your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Idaho Code 54-5810 requires graduation from a course of at least 1,600 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school, or at least 3,200 hours as an apprentice covering all aspects of cosmetology. Apprentices must register with the Board. Out-of-state licensees who do not qualify for endorsement can be credited 200 school hours (or 400 apprentice hours) for every 6 months of practical experience.

Exam: Idaho law says exams must include both a practical demonstration and a written test. The Board uses the National Interstate Council (NIC) written and practical exams, scheduled through ProV, Inc. Schools register their students; apprenticeship instructors register their apprentices. Applicants with out-of-state training get a Verification of Eligibility letter from DOPL first. A student may test after finishing 80% of the required education hours.

Practice for the cosmetology written exam free — infection control, hair care, chemical services, skin and nails →

What it costs in Idaho

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Application fee$30
Original cosmetologist license (2 years)$60
Apprentice registration (Board page lists $30; DOPL's May 2026 notice lists $60)(optional)$
NIC written and practical exams (paid to ProV)$
Cosmetology school tuition$

Estimated total in Idaho$90Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

NIC written and practical exam fees, paid through ProV (the Board does not list the amounts).
School tuition or apprenticeship costs vary.
If you lease a booth or room, you also need a contiguous establishment license ($50).

How long it takes

DOPL reviews completed applications between Board meetings and approves them if there is no criminal or discipline history.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses are renewed every two years under Idaho Code 54-5821. The biennial renewal fee for an individual license is $60 (since July 1, 2026). You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday expiration date. Idaho's barber and cosmetology law does not list a continuing education requirement.

Good to know in Idaho

Licensed in another state: Under Idaho Code 54-5816 you can be licensed by endorsement without an exam if your state's requirements were at least as strict as Idaho's, or if you practiced for at least one year within the last three years. The endorsement license fee is $90.

No temporary license: Idaho does not issue temporary licenses. You must hold an Idaho license before you work.

2026 changes: On July 1, 2026, DOPL raised several fees and began moving this board from annual to two-year licenses that expire on the licensee's birthday.

Other licenses: Idaho also licenses barbers, barber-stylists, estheticians (600 hours), nail technicians (400 hours) and electrologists.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) before you apply.