How to Become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old (Minn. R. 2105.0145).
• You must complete 1,550 hours of training at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school (or an equal out-of-state program).
• You must pass three written PSI exams: general theory, written practical, and Minnesota laws and rules.

Step by step

1. Complete the 1,550-hour cosmetologist program at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school and get the notarized course completion certificate.
2. Schedule the PSI exams at test-takers.psiexams.com/mncos. You can book all three as an $85 combination exam or one at a time.
3. Pass the general theory, written practical and Minnesota state laws and rules exams (75% on each).
4. Within one year of passing, apply to the Board with the application form, original passing results, course completion certificate and the $195 fee.
5. The Board issues or denies the license within 15 working days of a complete application.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 1,550 hours at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school, including any hours transferred from another school within the past five years. If your training is more than five years old, you also need a skills course certificate no more than one year old. Graduates of shorter out-of-state programs must enroll at a Minnesota school as a transfer student to make up the difference.

Exam: PSI gives three computer-based written exams. Cosmetologist combination exam: $85, 190 scored questions, 5 hours. Taken separately: general theory $33 (100 questions, 2 hours), state laws and rules $24 (30 questions, 1 hour), written practical $28 (60 questions, 2 hours). You need 75% on each. If you fail one part you retake only that part and pay its fee again. Exams are offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Passing results must be no more than one year old when you apply.

What it costs in Minnesota

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 must issue or deny the license within 15 working days of receiving a complete application and fees (5 business days for an expedited license); applications with discrepancies or complaints can take longer.

Keeping your license

Renewal: The license lasts 3 years and expires on the last day of your birth month. Renewal costs $115 ($100 license plus $15 application fee). Before renewing, complete 8 hours of continuing education from Board-approved providers in the 3 years before renewal: 4 core hours (1 hour of Minnesota laws and rules and 3 hours of health, safety and infection control) and 4 professional practice hours. Keep proof for one year after the credits expire; the Board does random audits.

Good to know in Minnesota

Transferring from another state: If you have 1,550 or more training hours and a license in another state, each state must send a certification of licensure (no more than 90 days old). You must pass the Minnesota laws and rules test. You can skip the theory and written practical tests if your state certifies you passed them. If you have fewer hours, you need 3 years of active licensure in another state, or make up the hours at a Minnesota school.

Trained in another country: Apply to a Minnesota-licensed school as a transfer student for an evaluation of your training, fix any gaps, then pass all three PSI exams. Documents must have official English translations.

Lapsed license: If more than three years have passed since your license expired, you cannot simply renew; you must meet the Board's expired-license requirements.

Other licenses: Minnesota also licenses hair technicians, nail technicians (350 hours), estheticians (600 hours) and eyelash technicians (14 hours) separately.

Military: Under a 2026 law, the Board issues one temporary military license per applicant, with no fee, valid for a three-year licensing period.

Credit for barbers (from 2027): Starting January 1, 2027, a person with an active Minnesota barber registration can get up to 500 hours of credit toward the cosmetology training hours, as determined by a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school (Laws 2026, ch. 119, art. 4, sec. 16).

Sources

• Minn. Stat. 155A.27 - Licensing
• Minn. Stat. 155A.25 - Fees
• Minn. Stat. 155A.271 - Continuing education
• Minn. R. 2105.0145 - Applicants for individual licenses
• Minn. R. 2105.0183 - Transfer of licenses from other states or countries
• Minn. R. 2105.0200 - License renewal for individuals
• PSI - Minnesota Board of Cosmetology Candidate Information Bulletin (eff. 6/5/26)
• Laws of Minnesota 2026, chapter 119, article 4 (amending 155A.25 and 155A.27 subd. 5a)
• Minnesota Session Laws 2026, Chapter 119 (art. 4, sec. 16)