Kansas Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Kansas Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Kansas takes a structured, no-nonsense approach to cosmetology professions, balancing traditional education with clearly defined application and licensing requirements. Whether you’re pursuing hair styling, nail care, or skincare, understanding the Kansas cosmetology state requirements is the first step toward launching your career.

The Kansas Board of Cosmetology oversees all licensing requirements, including written and practical exams, approved cosmetology profession schools, and license renewals. While Kansas does not require continuing education for most licensees, instructors must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about earning your Kansas cosmetology license, from application forms and training hours to the practical exam, written exam, and license reciprocity rules. With the right cosmetology school and an understanding of state regulations, you’ll be ready to join the beauty industry and serve clients across Kansas, from downtown Wichita to the rolling Flint Hills.

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

In Kansas, becoming a licensed cosmetologist involves meeting the requirements set by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Whether you're pursuing hair styling, nail technology, or basic facials, the state assures all professionals meet clear, regulated standards. Here's what you need to know to start your cosmetology career in Kansas.

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Kansas, applicants must meet the following licensing requirements outlined in the state’s applications statutes and regulations:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate from an accredited cosmetology school approved by the board.
• Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or the equivalent through an approved apprenticeship program.
• Pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 75% or higher.
• Submit a full application form with all required documentation and pay the applicable application fee.

Students who began as apprentices before May 21, 1998, may still qualify under legacy provisions. Those interested in teaching must follow additional cosmetology profession instructors' regulations.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the Kansas Board of Cosmetology exam, candidates must:

• Complete at least 1,500 training hours at a licensed or board-approved cosmetology school.
• Take the written exam after completing 1,000 hours of training.
• Pass the practical examination before licensure.
• Score 75% or higher on both tests.
• Pay the licensing exam and renewal fee after successful completion.

These exams confirm that licensed cosmetologists in Kansas provide high-quality service while practicing proper infection control and other important practical skills.

Continuing Education

Unlike some other states, continuing education is not required to maintain an active Kansas cosmetology license. However, cosmetology profession instructors must complete 20 hours of professional development during each licensing period. License renewal occurs every two years on the last day of the license's original month of issue.

Apprenticeship Programs

Those entering an apprenticeship program in Kansas must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Meet all general student qualifications.
• Complete at least 1,500 hours of apprentice-based instruction under the supervision of a board-approved facility.
• Follow the board of cosmetology licenses' guidelines for credit hour conversion if training occurs in a credit-based program.

Apprenticeships offer a flexible pathway to licensure, especially for students who may not attend traditional beauty school full-time.

License Reciprocity

If you hold a valid cosmetology license from another state, Kansas may grant reciprocity if:

• You are at least 17 years of age and have a high school education or equivalent.
• You’ve held a current license in another state or jurisdiction for at least 10 years in the area you’re applying for.
• You pass the written and practical exams administered by the Kansas board, or meet the equivalent training hours and exam requirements.
• Your license is in good standing and not under any disciplinary restrictions.

Kansas also requires applicants to submit an application for reciprocity and pay all associated fees.

Instructor Licensing

To teach in Kansas, you must:

• Hold a valid Kansas cosmetology license.
• Meet additional education requirements and board standards.
• Pass a designated written examination and meet professional development expectations.

Instructor licenses are part of Kansas’s broader effort to make sure that cosmetology professions continue to grow with well-trained, capable educators.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Individuals seeking to provide skincare services in Kansas must receive an esthetician license under the guidelines set by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate from a board-approved cosmetology school or complete an apprenticeship program.
• Pass both the written and practical exams with a minimum score of 75%.
• Submit a complete application form with all required documentation.
• Pay all applicable application and licensing fees.

These licensing requirements confirm estheticians in Kansas meet high standards for infection control, skincare, and professional development within the cosmetology profession.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for licensure, esthetician candidates must:

• Complete 1,000 training hours through an accredited cosmetology school or approved apprenticeship.
• Pass both a written exam and a practical exam covering state-specific regulations and hands-on practical skills.
• Earn a minimum score of 75% on both exams.
• Pay all associated fees following a successful test outcome.

These exams reflect the Kansas cosmetology state requirement for those entering this cosmetology profession and assure client safety and service excellence.

Apprenticeship Programs

Kansas offers an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Meet all general student enrollment requirements.
• Complete a minimum of 1,000 apprenticeship hours at a licensed school or facility.
• Follow all the board of cosmetology license standards for training equivalency if using credit hours.

The apprenticeship route allows more flexible options for aspiring professionals to gain experience while working under supervision in real-world settings.

License Reciprocity

Kansas allows license reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old and have a high school education or equivalent.
• Hold a current license in good standing for at least 10 years in the field they wish to practice.
• Pass both the written and practical exams administered by the Kansas state board, unless their credentials match Kansas standards for training hours and exam requirements.
• Submit a reciprocity application form and pay all associated reciprocal fees.

Applicants must also confirm their understanding of Kansas's application statutes and regulations, helping uphold the purpose to protect public health and safety across all cosmetology professions.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Kansas, hairstylists are licensed under cosmetology, while barbers fall under a separate licensing category governed by the Kansas Board of Barbering. To legally practice hair styling or barbering, candidates must meet the following licensing requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old for barbering; 17 years old for cosmetology.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent level of education.
• Complete a program through a board-approved barber college or cosmetology profession school, depending on the desired license.
• Pass the required written and practical exams.
• Submit a completed application form with all required documentation.
• Pay the necessary application fee and license processing charges.

While licensed cosmetologists in Kansas cannot complete a direct crossover to barbering, they may pursue additional education at a licensed barber school to qualify separately.

Examination Requirements

To sit for the Kansas Board licensing exams, candidates must:

• Complete between 1,200 and 1,500 hours of training through a board-approved school.
• Pass the written NIC Barber Styling Theory exam, a practical examination, and a Kansas Rules and Regulations exam.
• Achieve a passing score of 80% or higher.
• Pay the licensing exam fees upon passing all three parts.

These exam requirements are in place to uphold Kansas's commitment to high-quality service and skilled professionals in the beauty industry.

Apprenticeship Programs

Currently, Kansas does not allow barber apprenticeships. All barber education must be completed in a licensed barber college. For hairstylists under cosmetology, apprenticeships may be available through licensed schools and must meet the required training hours and exam requirements outlined by the Kansas State Board.

All apprenticeship training must be documented and overseen by an approved facility to ensure compliance with licensing and provide oversight responsibilities.

License Reciprocity

Kansas grants license reciprocity to barbers from other states or jurisdictions that meet the following criteria:

• The applicant holds an active license in good standing from a state, territory, or country with a reciprocal agreement.
• Has practiced as a licensed barber for at least 24 months.
• Submits a verification letter from the current state board confirming the license is in good standing.
• Certifies in writing understanding of Kansas statutes and regulations.
• Submits a completed application form and pays a reciprocal fee equal to the Kansas licensing exam fee.

Cosmetology professionals must meet the Kansas Board of Cosmetology requirements separately to qualify for a Kansas cosmetology license.

Instructor Licensing

Anyone wishing to become a barbering or hair styling instructor in Kansas must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school education or equivalent.
• Hold a valid barbering or cosmetology license.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at an approved beauty school or cosmetology profession instructors program.
• Pass a written examination and submit a full application with fees.

Instructors must also meet any continuing education requirements for renewal and professional growth.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally perform nail care services in Kansas, individuals must obtain a nail technologist license under the guidelines set by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete a board-approved training program at an accredited cosmetology profession school or an approved apprenticeship.
• Successfully pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 75% or higher.
• Submit a full application form with all required documentation and pay the necessary application fee.

This ensures nail professionals meet all Kansas cosmetology state requirements for safety, sanitation, and client care.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the Kansas Board Cosmetology exam, nail technician candidates must:

• Complete at least 350 hours of formal instruction at a licensed beauty school or equivalent apprenticeship.
• Pass both a hands-on practical exam and a state-written exam.
• Achieve a 75% minimum passing score as defined by exam requirements set by the board.
• Pay the licensing fees upon passing.

These exams test for real-world practical skills in areas such as infection control, sanitation, and professional nail technology.

Apprenticeship Programs

Kansas allows aspiring nail technicians to pursue licensure through apprenticeship programs. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Meet all general student eligibility requirements for cosmetology professions.
• Complete at least 350 hours of supervised apprentice instruction.
• Train under a board-approved school or establishment.
• Follow the credit hour to clock hour conversion formula if participating in a credit-based program.

This flexible path offers hands-on training while meeting the board of cosmetology licensing standards.

License Reciprocity

Kansas offers license reciprocity for nail technicians who meet certain qualifications. Applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old with a high school education.
• Hold a current license in good standing in the same profession for at least 10 years.
• Pass both a written exam and a practical exam issued by the Kansas Board.
• Have completed the training hours equivalent to Kansas’s standards.
• Submit a reciprocity application and pay the required reciprocal fee.

Applicants must also confirm they have read and understand all statutes and regulations related to nail technology in Kansas.

Instructor Licensing

To teach nail technology in Kansas, individuals must:

• Hold a valid Kansas cosmetology license or nail technologist license.
• Complete at least 350 clock hours of instructor training at a board-approved cosmetology school or through a credit-based program that follows a recognized conversion formula.
• Be trained under a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved body.
• Submit a complete application, pass the required written examination, and pay all fees.

Becoming a licensed cosmetology profession instructor ensures the continued growth of Kansas’s beauty industry through knowledgeable, skilled educators.

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Makeup Artists

In Kansas, makeup artists are licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the services they provide. Individuals offering services such as makeup application, basic facials, or skincare must meet the licensing requirements set by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology for the appropriate field.

Whether you're working in bridal makeup, editorial looks, or everyday beauty services, you’ll need to be licensed as a cosmetologist or esthetician through a cosmetology profession school and pass the required written and practical exams.

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