Idaho Cosmetology State Requirements

Step-by-Step Idaho Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Idaho’s cosmetology licensure process is straightforward yet firmly rooted in high standards. From challenging practical exams to clearly outlined age and education benchmarks, the state confirms that all applicants meet professional qualifications before stepping into the field.

While Idaho does not require continuing education to renew a license, the state maintains its credibility through strong ties to the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. It also offers flexible apprenticeship programs for those who prefer hands-on experience over traditional classroom routes.

This guide breaks down the step-by-step process of getting your Idaho cosmetology license, with details on age, training, exams, and renewal, plus what sets Idaho’s standards apart. Whether you're aiming to be a licensed cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, or licensed barber, you'll find the path to success clearly laid out here.

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

In Idaho, becoming a licensed cosmetologist includes meeting specific qualifications set by the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. These requirements make sure each professional entering the field is well-prepared to offer safe and effective cosmetology services. Here’s what you need to know to receive a cosmetologist license in Idaho:

Licensing Criteria

To legally work as a cosmetologist in Idaho, applicants must follow the guidelines outlined in the Idaho Statutes. The following qualifications must be met:

• Applicants must be at least 16 and a half years old.
• Completion of the 10th grade or its equivalent is required.
• Applicants must graduate from an Idaho Board-approved cosmetology program or complete 4,000 hours as an apprentice.
• Applicants must successfully pass both the theory and practical exams through the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
• Submission of a complete application with all required documents is mandatory.
• All required licensing fees must be paid.

While Idaho doesn’t offer a formal crossover program like some states, licensed barbers may pursue additional training and licensure to practice cosmetology if they meet the full set of qualifications.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the Idaho cosmetology state board exams, applicants must:

• Complete either 2,000 hours of training at a licensed school or 4,000 apprenticeship hours.
• Pass both the cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
• Meet or exceed the minimum passing score set by the board.
• Pay any associated exam and license fees after passing.

Continuing Education

Idaho does not require continuing education for license renewal. However, licensed professionals must renew their license annually by paying the annual renewal fee.

Apprenticeship Programs

For those choosing the hands-on route, Idaho’s cosmetology apprenticeship option allows candidates to:

• Begin training at 16.5 years of age, after completing the 10th grade.
• Complete 4,000 hours of practical instruction in a licensed facility under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
• Make sure all training records and instruction logs are maintained daily by the establishment.

License Reciprocity

Idaho does not offer direct license reciprocity. However, individuals licensed in other states can apply through endorsement if they:

• Hold a current license in good standing.
• Completed training under substantially equivalent requirements to Idaho’s standards.
• Have worked under that license for at least three of the past five years.
• Submit an endorsement application and pay all required fees.

If these qualifications are not met, additional training and testing may be required to obtain a license in Idaho.

Instructor Licensing

To become a cosmetology instructor in Idaho, an applicant must:

• Hold a valid Idaho cosmetologist license.
• Complete either a 6-month teacher training program at a licensed school or have 2 years of licensed experience along with a 3-month course.
• Alternatively, 5 years of full-time experience as a licensed cosmetologist may also qualify.
• Successfully pass the instructor examination approved by the Idaho Board and pay the necessary fees.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone who wants to perform skin care services in Idaho must have a licensed esthetician credential through the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 16.5 years old.
• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent education.
• Graduate from a Board-approved esthetics program or complete an apprenticeship.
• Successfully pass the written and practical examinations through the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
• Submit an application with all required documentation and fees.

Examination Requirements

To move forward with licensure, candidates must:

• Complete either 600 hours of classroom training at an approved esthetics school or 1,200 hours as an apprentice.
• Pass both the cosmetology theory exam and a practical demonstration.
• Submit payment for all required licensing fees after passing the exams.

Apprenticeship Programs

For aspiring estheticians who prefer hands-on learning, Idaho offers a structured apprenticeship pathway. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 10th grade.
• Complete 1,200 hours of esthetics instruction under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
• Ensure that all training hours and instructions are logged daily by the establishment.
• Work only in Board-approved facilities.

License Reciprocity

Idaho does not offer traditional license reciprocity. However, estheticians licensed in another state may apply through endorsement if they:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Possess a current esthetician license in good standing.
• Have completed training that meets or exceeds Idaho cosmetology state requirements.
• Have worked under that license for at least three of the last five years.
• Pay all applicable endorsement and licensing fees.

If these conditions aren’t met, additional training and testing will be required to receive a license in Idaho.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Idaho, hairstyling and barbering are governed by the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, under DOPL. To work as a licensed barber or hairstylist in the state, individuals must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 16.5 years old.
• Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
• Graduate from an approved barbering program with the required hours of training, or complete an apprenticeship.
• Successfully complete both the written and practical exams administered by the Board.
• Submit a completed application with all necessary documentation and pay the required fees.

Although Idaho doesn’t offer a formal crossover course, licensed cosmetologists may pursue barbering licensure by meeting the barber-specific qualifications and completing any required additional training.

Examination Requirements

To take the Idaho barbering examination, applicants must:

• Complete 900 hours of training at a licensed barber school.
• Pass both the written examination and a practical demonstration based on Idaho's exam standards.
• Submit payment for all applicable exam and licensing fees after passing.

Apprenticeship Programs

Idaho currently does not offer barber apprenticeship programs. Individuals must complete training through a licensed school to qualify for licensure.

License Reciprocity

Idaho does not offer traditional license reciprocity. However, licensed barbers from another state may apply for licensure through an endorsement application if they:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Are of good moral character.
• Have completed at least 2 years of high school or the equivalent.
• Hold a valid license earned through requirements equal to or greater than those in Idaho.
• Have worked under that license for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Pay all necessary fees.

If these conditions are not met, the applicant must undergo additional training and pass the Idaho state boards.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering instructor in Idaho, applicants must:

• Hold a current Idaho barber license.
• Be of good moral character.
• Complete a 6-month course in barber instruction at an approved school.
• Have at least 1 year of licensed barber experience or 1 year as a barber apprentice instructor.
• Successfully pass the Board-approved instructor examination and pay all required fees.
• Must complete 20 hours of continuing education within the 12 months prior to renewal.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally perform nail care services in Idaho, individuals must meet the Idaho cosmetology state requirements for nail technology and have a valid license. Applicants must:

• Be at least 16.5 years old.
• Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
• Graduate from a Board-approved nail technology program or complete an approved apprenticeship.
• Successfully pass both the practical exam and the written theory examination through the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
• Submit a complete application with all required documentation and pay the appropriate fees.

Examination Requirements

To take the licensing exam and receive a license in nail technology, applicants must:

• Complete either 400 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology or nail tech school, or 800 hours as an apprentice.
• Pass both the written exam and a practical demonstration of core skills.
• Submit all exam and licensing fees after passing.

Apprenticeship Programs

For applicants choosing the apprenticeship route in Idaho, the following conditions apply:

• Must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 10th grade.
• Complete a minimum of 800 hours of supervised training under a licensed instructor.
• All hours and instructions must be documented daily by the licensed establishment.
• The program must take place in an approved training environment.

License Reciprocity

Idaho does not offer standard reciprocity for nail technicians. However, licensure by endorsement may be available for those who:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Possess a current, active nail technician license from another state in good standing.
• Completed requirements equal to or exceeding Idaho’s standards.
• Have worked under that license for at least 3 of the past 5 years.
• Submit an endorsement application and all required fees.

If these qualifications are not met, the applicant must complete additional training and pass Idaho’s licensing exams.

Instructor Licensing

To teach nail technology in Idaho, applicants must:

• Hold a current nail technician license.
• Complete 12 semester college credit hours (or Board-approved equivalent); or
• Successfully pass the Idaho instructor exam and submit all licensing fees.

In addition, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Complete a 6-month teacher training course in an approved cosmetology school; or
• Have 2 years of licensed experience as a nail technician and complete a 3-month teacher training course; or
• Have 5 years of licensed experience immediately before applying for the instructor license.

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Makeup Artists

In Idaho, makeup artists are not licensed as a separate profession. Instead, individuals offering makeup services must be licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the scope of the services provided.

Those who perform makeup in combination with skin care or facial services must have an esthetician license, while those offering full cosmetology services, including hair styling, nail care, and makeup, must be licensed as a cosmetologist.

For details specific to your professional goals, contact the Idaho Board of Cosmetology or refer to the requirements for licensed estheticians and licensed cosmetologists in the state.

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