How to Become a Cosmetologist in Missouri

Checked against Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $25 student enrollment or apprentice enrollment fee. The Board's fee rule lists no separate first-license fee for operators.
Licensed by: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration

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Who can apply

You must be at least 17 years old (RSMo 329.050).
You must have an education equal to finishing the tenth grade.
You must complete at least 1,500 hours in a licensed cosmetology school (1,220 hours at a public vocational-technical school), or at least 3,000 hours as an apprentice under a licensed cosmetologist.
You must pass the written and practical exams.

Step by step

Enroll as a student ($25) or register as an apprentice ($25) with the Board, and complete the required hours.
Mail the notarized Application for Examination/Temporary Permit to the Board. Choose the Class CA (hairdressing and manicuring) classification.
Pre-register with Prov, Inc. at provexam.com and pay the exam fees.
The Board issues a temporary permit after your exams are scheduled.
Pass the NIC cosmetology written (theory) exam and the practical exam.
Set up your MOPRO account to manage and renew your license online.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: For the Class CA cosmetologist (hairdressing and manicuring) license: at least 1,500 hours in a licensed school of cosmetology, or 1,220 hours at a public vocational-technical school. The apprenticeship route requires at least 3,000 hours under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. Apprentice supervisors must apply to the Board ($75). Graduates of out-of-state or foreign schools with substantially the same requirements may apply to take the exam.

Exam: Prov, Inc. gives the National-Interstate Council (NIC) exams for Missouri. You must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. Written exams cost $90 each and practical exams cost $60 each, paid to Prov. Practical exams are held on Mondays only, rotating through St. Louis (1st week), Kansas City (2nd week), Jefferson City (3rd week) and Springfield (4th week). Official results are emailed within 3 business days.

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

What it costs in Missouri

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

Student or apprentice enrollment$25
Prov written exam$90
Prov practical exam$60
School tuition (set by the school)$
Operator renewal (every 2 years)$60

Estimated total in Missouri$235Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Prov written exam: $90. Prov practical exam: $60.
School tuition varies; the state does not set it.
Apprentice supervisor application: $75 (paid by the supervisor).
Reinstatement of a lapsed license (includes late fee): $90.

Pay in Missouri

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Keeping your license

Renewal: All licenses renew every two years and expire September 30 of each odd-numbered year. The operator renewal fee is $60. Renew online through MOPRO. The Board's renewal page lists no continuing education requirement for operators.

Good to know in Missouri

Transferring from another state: The Board grants a license without exam if your current out-of-state license had similar requirements, or if you practiced cosmetology for at least two years in a row in another state. You must pass an open-book Missouri state law test. The reciprocity fee is $100.

Exam score endorsement: If you do not qualify for reciprocity but already passed the exam Missouri uses (or its equivalent), you can ask the Board to waive the exam for a $100 score endorsement fee.

Criminal history: The Board may deny an application for certain offenses, including dangerous felonies and listed sexual offenses. The application asks about convictions in the last 10 years.

Other licenses: Missouri also offers Class CH (hairdresser), Class MO (manicurist, 400 school hours) and Class E (esthetician, 750 school hours) licenses.

Universal license route: If you have held a valid license in another state, U.S. territory or D.C. for at least one year, you can apply for a Missouri license at the same practice level with proof of current licensure and of at least one year of licensure; your state agency must send an affidavit directly.

Trained in another state: If you are applying for the exams with out-of-state training or a license, you must also complete Missouri's state law test online at pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp, and have the board of the state where you trained send a certification.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration before you apply.