Arkansas Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Arkansas Licensing Requirements

Arkansas takes a traditional but thorough approach to cosmetology licensure, prioritizing both technical education and hands-on training. From its structured cosmetology school curriculum to its strict practical exam and written theory requirements, the state makes sure that applicants are fully prepared for a professional career in beauty.

Unlike states with more flexible renewal policies, Arkansas maintains firm standards for licensure, though continuing education is not required at this time. The state also does not accept apprenticeship credit, placing greater emphasis on formal school-based instruction. For out-of-state applicants, license reciprocity is available, but only with proof of an unrevoked or unexpired license and completion of an Arkansas law exam.

Whether you're training in Little Rock or launching a salon in Fayetteville, this guide will walk you through each step of meeting the Arkansas cosmetology state requirements, from initial education to passing your practical exam and submitting your license fee. Let’s look into how you can get licensed and start your beauty career in The Natural State.

Arkansas Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In Arkansas, getting a cosmetology license means meeting the specific criteria set by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee. The state maintains high standards to confirm every licensed cosmetologist is well-equipped with the skills and training needed to thrive in the beauty profession. Here’s what you need to know:

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Arkansas, applicants must meet the Arkansas cosmetology state requirement as outlined by state law:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
• Completion of at least two years of high school or equivalent education is required.
• Students must complete 180 hours of theory and 1,200 hours of cosmetology school training.
• Applicants may also qualify by completing a comparable course in another state, provided the state’s licensure standards are equal to or stricter than Arkansas’s.
• All applicants must pass a practical exam and a written examination.
• A complete application, along with all supporting documents and license fees, must be submitted to the Department of Health.

Note: Arkansas does not accept apprenticeship credit in place of formal education.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for examination and licensure, applicants must:

• Submit an application verified by oath, along with payment of the required fees.
• Provide proof of eligibility and training hours.
• Successfully complete both a written and a practical demonstration.
• The exam consists of subjects related to the specific practice of cosmetology being pursued.
• A passing score is required to receive licensure.
• Once passed, the cosmetology license is issued by the state board.

Continuing Education

Arkansas currently does not require continuing education for license renewal. However, staying informed on health regulations, new tools, and evolving beauty techniques is strongly encouraged for all professionals in the industry.

Apprenticeship Programs

At this time, Arkansas does not grant credit for apprenticeship programs. Students must enroll in a licensed cosmetology school and complete the required training hours through formal instruction.

License Reciprocity

Arkansas offers license reciprocity to qualified individuals from other states. To be eligible:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must provide proof of an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities in another state.
• The original license must be verified through a certified copy and supporting affidavit.
• Applicants must pass an Arkansas law exam.
• Licensure granted will be of equal scope to the applicant’s prior license.

Instructor Licensing

To become an instructor in Arkansas, individuals must:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Complete 600 hours of teacher training at a licensed school of cosmetology over a minimum of four months.
• Pass a state instructor’s exam and receive an instructor’s license.
• Teach only within the profession the license permits, not outside the allowed scope.

Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Individuals who wish to offer professional skin care services in Arkansas must get an esthetician license through the Arkansas Department of Health. To meet the Arkansas cosmetology state requirement for estheticians, the following must be fulfilled:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed at least 2 years of high school or an equivalent level of education.
• Complete a minimum of 480 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school.
• Pass both the written and practical exams.
• Submit a completed application along with all required documents and the applicable license fee.

Examination Requirements

To earn licensure, candidates must:

• Complete all training requirements under an approved curriculum.
• Take and pass both a practical demonstration and a written theory test.
• Achieve at least a 70% passing score on each portion of the exam, as determined by the state board.
• Submit proof of eligibility and make the required payment once passing scores are confirmed.

License Reciprocity

Arkansas offers license reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states, provided certain conditions are met:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities in another state.
• Submit a certified copy of the license and an affidavit or equivalent proof of good standing.
• Must pass the Arkansas law examination.
• Licenses granted through reciprocity are not of greater scope than the applicant’s original license.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Arkansas, hairstylists and barbers are regulated under separate state boards, but both paths require rigorous education and testing. To practice barbering or hairstyling legally, individuals must meet the qualifications set by either the Department of Health or the State Board of Barber Examiners.

For hairstylists (under cosmetology):

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Completion of two years of high school or equivalent is required.
• Complete 180 hours of theory and 1,200 hours of cosmetology school training.
• Submit an application and the required documents to the Department of Health.
• Pass both the written and practical exams.
• Pay all applicable fees.

For barbers (under the State Board of Barber Examiners):

• Must be at least 16 ½ years of age.
• Graduate from grammar school or demonstrate equivalent education.
• Complete approved training as specified by the board.
• Be of good moral character and temperate habits.
• Pass a satisfactory examination to receive a certificate of registration.
• Submit payment for licensing.

Licensed cosmetologists may not automatically transfer their license to barbering in Arkansas without meeting additional criteria set by the Barber Examiners.

Examination Requirements

For barbers:

• The exam consists of both a practical demonstration and a written and oral test.
• Topics include all subjects taught in approved barbering schools.
• A minimum passing score of 75% is required.
• Successful applicants are issued a certificate of registration.

For hairstylists:

• Examinations follow the cosmetology exam format, requiring both theory and hands-on practical exam components.
• Applicants must submit proof of training and a complete application, verified by oath.
• The license fee is due upon passing.

Apprenticeship Programs

While the hairstyling licensure path does not accept apprenticeship credit, Arkansas offers a limited apprenticeship pathway for barbers:

• Must have completed 12th grade.
• Complete a 60-day apprenticeship program under a licensed barber.
• The program must include sterilization training and Arkansas barber law education.
• Pass a board-approved examination demonstrating fitness and ability to practice barbering.

Certification is only available after the instructing barber confirms the program’s completion.

License Reciprocity

Arkansas does allow license reciprocity for barbers and hairstylists who meet the following criteria:

• Must hold an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities in another state.
• Must apply according to Arkansas law and pay a reciprocity fee.
• If training was less than 1,500 hours, the applicant must have been continuously engaged in barbering for at least one year and provide proof of licensure.
• Licenses granted through reciprocity will match the scope of the previous license, not exceed it.

Instructor Licensing

To become an instructor in barbering or hairstyling, applicants must:

• Be a high school graduate.
• Complete 600 hours of barber teacher training at an approved school.
• Hold a valid Arkansas barber or cosmetology license.
• Pay an annual instructor license fee.
• Teach only within the professional area their license permits.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

In Arkansas, individuals who wish to offer nail care services, including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements, must get a nail technician license from the Department of Health. To meet the Arkansas cosmetology state requirement, candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have completed 2 years of high school or its equivalent.
• Complete a minimum of 480 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school.
• Pass both a written and a practical exam.
• Submit a completed application, required documentation, and the appropriate license fee.

Licensure ensures that nail technicians follow health and sanitation standards and are properly trained to perform safe, high-quality services.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for licensure, applicants must:

• Complete their education through a licensed Arkansas program.
• Submit proof of course completion, along with a notarized application and payment.
• Pass both a practical demonstration and a written exam.
• The exam consists of content directly related to nail services, safety procedures, and sanitation.
• A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
• Licenses are granted upon verification of a passing score.

License Reciprocity

Arkansas offers license reciprocity for nail technicians licensed in another state, under the following conditions:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Must present proof of an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities in another state.
• The original license must be accompanied by a certified copy and an affidavit verifying its status.
• Must pass the Arkansas law exam as part of the reciprocity process.
• Licensure will be granted only to match—not exceed—the scope of the applicant’s previous license.

Instructor Licensing

To teach in an Arkansas school as a nail technician instructor, an individual must:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Complete 600 hours of teacher training over at least 4 months in a licensed cosmetology school.
• Hold a valid Arkansas nail technician license.
• Pass an instructor’s examination issued by the Department of Health.
• Teach only within the profession covered by the license, not outside its scope.

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Makeup Artists

In Arkansas, makeup artists must be licensed under cosmetology to legally offer professional makeup services. Individuals applying adhesive lashes, contouring, bridal makeup, or theatrical looks must complete the state’s required training, pass the examination, and receive a cosmetology license or esthetician license, depending on the scope of services they plan to provide.

Makeup artists must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have completed at least 2 years of high school or equivalent education.
• Complete a minimum of 480 hours of training in a licensed cosmetology school.
• Pass a written and practical exam demonstrating their skills.
• Submit a completed application, along with documentation and the license fee.

Arkansas does not allow unlicensed practice, and makeup services offered outside of licensure regulations can result in penalties. For more detailed guidance, contact the Arkansas Department of Health – Cosmetology Section.

If applying through reciprocity, individuals must provide proof of an unrevoked or unexpired license issued by the proper authorities in another state and pass the Arkansas law examination.

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