How to Become a Cosmetologist in Iowa

Checked against Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: Licenses run on a two-year cycle from April 1 to March 31. A license issued within six months of the renewal date is not renewed until the next cycle.
State fee: $60 application fee (not refundable).
Licensed by: Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)

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Who can apply

You must be a high school graduate or have the equivalent.
You must complete at least 1,550 clock hours (or 51 semester credit hours) of barbering and cosmetology education, finish a registered apprenticeship, or complete 2,000 hours of supervised practice in an establishment training program.
You must score at least 75% on the NIC (or national) cosmetology theory exam.

Step by step

Complete a 1,550-hour barbering and cosmetology program at a board-approved or nationally accredited school, a registered apprenticeship, or 2,000 supervised hours in a registered establishment training program.
Pass the NIC cosmetology theory exam (75% or higher), scheduled through ProV.
Apply online through DIAL and pay the $60 application fee.
Have your school send your diploma or official transcript to the Board (or have the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship send your certificate of completion).
If you were ever licensed in another state, send official license verification from each state.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Iowa Code 157.10 requires at least 1,550 clock hours (or 51 semester credit hours) for the combined barbering and cosmetology license. Graduates of a registered apprenticeship program qualify with a certificate of completion from the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship. Since 2025 (2025 Iowa Acts ch. 140), 2,000 hours of supervised practice in an establishment training program registered with the Board also qualifies you to take the exam. Training-program workers must first complete 2 hours of education on Iowa laws, rules and sanitation.

Exam: You need a passing score of 75% or higher on the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) or national cosmetology theory exam. DIAL links to ProV's candidate information bulletin for scheduling. If you tested outside Iowa, the exam administrator must send verification directly to the Board.

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

What it costs in Iowa

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

Application fee (non-refundable)$60
NIC cosmetology theory exam (paid to ProV)$
School tuition$

Estimated total in Iowa$60Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

NIC theory exam fee paid to ProV (DIAL does not list the amount).
School tuition varies.
One-year temporary permit to work outside a licensed establishment: $40 (optional).

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew online within 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $60. A 30-day grace period follows expiration with a $60 late fee; after that the license becomes inactive. Your first renewal is exempt from CE. After that, one active license needs 6 hours of CE per cycle: at least 4 hours in your discipline and 2 hours on Iowa barbering and cosmetology laws, rules and infection control.

Good to know in Iowa

One license for barbering and cosmetology: Iowa now issues a single barbering and cosmetology license. Licensees must hold a separate shaving certificate to shave, except barbers licensed in Iowa before July 1, 2023.

Licensed in another state: You can apply by endorsement with license verification sent from your most recent state. If you were licensed as a barber or cosmetologist elsewhere, you receive Iowa's barber and cosmetologist license. If you cannot meet endorsement rules, licensure by verification may be available.

Establishment training program: Registered salons may employ unlicensed workers under a licensee's supervision. Clients must get a written notice before services from an unlicensed provider.

Other licenses: Iowa also licenses estheticians (600 hours), nail technologists (325 hours) and electrologists.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) before you apply.