How to Become a Cosmetologist in Montana

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old and show proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license (37-31-304, MCA).
• You must have graduated from high school or have its equivalent.
• You must complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology course at a licensed school, or a 3,000-hour cosmetology apprenticeship under the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program.
• You must pass the NIC cosmetology theory and practical exams with at least 75% on each.

Step by step

1. Complete the 1,500-hour school course or the 3,000-hour registered apprenticeship.
2. Apply online in the state licensing portal (ebiz.mt.gov/pol) and pay the application fee. Paying the fee submits your application.
3. Staff approve you to register for the NIC theory and practical exams with the exam contractor, Prov. School students may test after finishing 90% of their hours.
4. Pass both exams with at least 75%.
5. Make sure your school transcript and exam results reach the Department directly. The Board then issues your license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: A 1,500-hour cosmetology course at a licensed school (ARM 24.121.604). Since November 22, 2025, you can instead complete a 3,000-hour cosmetology apprenticeship in a salon, with at least 200 hours of theory, under the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program (HB 336, 2025; ARM 24.121.621). You need the program's certificate of completion. Apprentices may be approved to test after 90% of the apprenticeship.

Exam: You must pass the National-Interstate Council (NIC) cosmetology theory exam and practical exam, scoring at least 75% on each (ARM 24.121.611). Prov administers the exams. Exam fees are set by and paid to the exam contractor, not the Board.

What it costs in Montana

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: Individual licenses renew every two years online. The regular renewal window is January 2 to March 1, with late online renewal for 45 days until April 15. The renewal fee is $100 under ARM 24.121.401 as amended November 22, 2025; the Board's license page still lists $80. The Board's rules list continuing education for instructors, not for cosmetologists.

Good to know in Montana

Licensed in another state: Since 2025 (HB 246), the Board checks whether your state's requirements are substantially equivalent to Montana's. If they are not, and you lack the training hours, you can qualify by attesting to at least 3,000 hours of work as a licensed cosmetologist and passing the NIC exams (ARM 24.121.616).

Disclose every license: You must have each state or jurisdiction where you hold or ever held any professional license send an official verification.

Application time limit: Applications normally stay valid for one year. Staff contact you by email within ten business days about missing documents.

21-day temporary registration: If you hold an active license in another state, you can get a 21-day temporary registration to practice in Montana for education, continuity of care, underserved clients or highly specialized services.

Sources

• Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
• Montana Board - Cosmetologist license information
• Montana Board - Cosmetologist Licensing Requirements and Application Checklist (updated 8/10/24)
• MAR 2025-221 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (rule text)
• MAR 2025-221 Notice of Adoption (effective 11/22/25)