How to Become a Cosmetologist in Kansas

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have the equivalent.
• You must hold a Kansas apprentice (student) license and complete at least 1,500 clock hours in a licensed school (or the credit-hour equivalent).
• You must score at least 75% on each Board exam, the written theory exam and the written practical exam.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a licensed Kansas cosmetology school and apply for an apprentice license within 15 days of enrolling.
2. Complete 1,500 clock hours. Full-time programs must last 9 to 12 months.
3. Take the written theory exam (available after 1,000 hours) and the written practical exam through Ergometrics. Your school submits your hours to Ergometrics.
4. Mail the typed Practitioner License Application with the $60 fee, copies of your Social Security card and photo ID, and your high school transcript.
5. Once you pass all parts and your application is complete, the Board mails your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: K.S.A. 65-1912 requires at least 1,500 clock hours as an apprentice in a licensed school (students in Kansas cosmetology schools are licensed as apprentices). A school may use credit hours instead under an accreditor's conversion formula. Full-time programs must last at least 9 and no more than 12 months. Apprentices may not charge for their services. Training outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service.

Exam: Ergometrics (National Testing Network) gives the Kansas Board exams in English. You need 75% on each exam: a written theory test, which may be taken after 1,000 hours, and a practical exam, which has been given in written format since July 1, 2020. Ergometrics publishes the candidate bulletins and exam dates at cosmetologykansas.com.

What it costs in Kansas

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

How long it takes

The Board asks you to allow 7-10 business days to process information it receives.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years. To renew you must pass a short written renewal exam on Kansas laws, sanitation and safety, and pay $50 on time ($75 after expiration; $125 more than six months late). You may renew no sooner than six weeks before expiration. Practicing on an expired license is unlawful.

Good to know in Kansas

Reciprocity for new residents and military: Under K.S.A. 48-3406, military members, spouses and people who live in or intend to live in Kansas can qualify with a valid out-of-state license and at least one year of work experience.

Temporary permit: After training, you can get one $15 temporary permit while waiting to test. It expires six weeks after your exam date and is void if you fail any part.

Other licenses: KBOC also licenses estheticians (1,000 hours), manicurists (350 hours) and electrologists.

Licensed in another state: With 1,500 hours and an active license in another state, you take a 20-question open-book exam instead of the full Board exams. With fewer hours or no active license, you must take the Board exams (and make up hours if you have no active license). The out-of-state application fee is $75, non-refundable.

Sources

• KBOC - Cosmetology training and licensure requirements
• KBOC - Application for practitioner license
• KBOC - Application for out-of-state license holder
• KBOC - Practitioner renewal form
• K.S.A. 65-1905 - Examinations; qualifications
• K.S.A. 65-1912 - Apprentice license; hours
• K.S.A. 65-1904 - Licenses; renewal; fees
• K.S.A. 65-1903 - Schools; course length
• Ergometrics - Kansas cosmetology exams
• Ergometrics Kansas Cosmetologist Candidate Information Bulletin (2025-09-01); KBOC Apprentice Application
• KBOC Cosmetology Apprentice Application (K.S.A. 65-1912)