How to Become a Cosmetologist in Michigan

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must have an education equal to finishing the ninth grade.
• You must complete at least 1,500 hours in a licensed school of cosmetology, or a 2-year apprenticeship in a licensed cosmetology establishment that offers hair, skin and nail services.
• You must answer the good moral character question and give your Social Security number (or an SSN affidavit).

Step by step

1. Complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology school program or a 2-year apprenticeship registered with LARA.
2. Apply for the cosmetologist license online in MiPLUS and pay the $63 application and 2-year license fee.
3. After LARA approves you to test, apply to PSI online at test-takers.psiexams.com/micos and pay the exam fee.
4. Pass the PSI National Cosmetology theory and practical exams (at a PSI test center or online).
5. LARA issues your license once both passing scores are on file.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,500 hours in a licensed school of cosmetology, or at least 2 years as an apprentice in a licensed cosmetology establishment that offers hair care, skin care and manicuring. The establishment registers the apprentice in MiPLUS ($25 processing fee). It must get proof of a high school education (or equivalent), keep the apprentice to 40 hours or less per week, upload monthly time sheets, and train no more than 2 apprentices at a time. An apprentice may work on the public only after 350 hours of instruction. School hours and apprenticeship hours cannot be transferred between the two routes.

Exam: Michigan uses the PSI National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) exams, adopted November 4, 2022. The theory test has 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions in 120 minutes; you need 70 out of 100 to pass. The hands-on practical test runs about 235 minutes, and you need at least 95 of 127 possible points to pass. Both parts can be taken at a PSI center or online. PSI fees: theory and practical together $167, theory only $93, practical only $93. Fees are not refundable. Both passing scores must be earned within 1 year of each other; a passing score is valid for 1 year.

What it costs in Michigan

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

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew every 2 years in MiPLUS, no earlier than 90 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $48. LARA's guide lists no continuing education for cosmetologists. There is a 60-day grace period with a $20 late fee. After that you must apply for relicensure ($83).

Good to know in Michigan

Transferring from another state: Each state where you have held a cosmetology license must send a verification directly to LARA. If your license is active and the other state's requirements are substantially equal, no exam is needed. Otherwise you must pass the practical and/or theory exam.

Experience counts as training: For reciprocity and foreign-trained applicants, LARA credits 100 training hours for each 6 months of work experience, using the Verification of Work Experience form.

Application time limit: Your application and fee are valid for one year. If you do not finish the requirements in that time, you must apply again.

Lapsed more than 3 years: To relicense after more than 3 years, you must pass the exams within the year before relicensure or show an active license in good standing in another state within the last 3 years.

Where you can work: Cosmetology services may only be done in a licensed cosmetology establishment or school, not in a barbershop.

Sources

• LARA - Cosmetology
• LARA - Michigan Cosmetologist Licensing Guide (rev. 1/26/2026)
• LARA - Michigan Cosmetology Apprenticeship Guide (rev. 1/26/2026)
• LARA - NBCP Examination FAQs
• PSI - Michigan Cosmetology Test Taker Guide (v1.2, eff. 5/20/26)