Iowa Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Iowa Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Iowa’s licensing requirements process for receiving a cosmetology license is structured, state-regulated, and emphasizes both education and ethical practice. Governed by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, the state requires that each applicant meet specific qualifications through classroom instruction, national testing, and adherence to Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards.

Unlike states with flexible apprenticeship models, Iowa requires all education to be completed through a Board-approved school of cosmetology arts and sciences apprenticeships are not allowed under current rules for licensing boards. Candidates must also pass the NIC national exam and fulfill application procedures laid out by the board of cosmetology, including payment of fees and submission of official documentation.

What makes Iowa distinct is its integration of state-specific law into every license cycle. Continuing education is not only encouraged, it’s required. Licensees must complete continuing education hours that cover sanitation, professional practice, and core safety standards, including the items for self inspection checklist for barbering and cosmetology establishments. This guide outlines every step, from enrolling in your first course to helping you confidently enter the field of barbering and cosmetology arts across the state.

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

In Iowa, earning a cosmetology license means meeting the education, testing, and legal standards established by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. All applicants must follow the rules outlined in the Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards and complete formal training through a board-approved school. Apprenticeship pathways are not allowed in Iowa, and all education must be delivered through institutions authorized by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Iowa, individuals must earn a license under the Iowa Administrative Code 481 and other chapters applicable to licensing. The following criteria must be met:

• Applicants shall be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent diploma.

• Applicants shall complete 2,100 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology arts and sciences school.

• Applicants shall submit a completed application for licensure with all supporting documentation as required by the Board of Cosmetology.

• Applicants shall pass the NIC (National Interstate Council) examination as prescribed by the board.

• All required fees must be paid in full.

Note: Iowa does not currently offer a crossover program for individuals licensed in barbering. Separate training and testing must be completed for each barbering and cosmetology license.

Examination Requirements

Applicants seeking to take the licensing examination in Iowa must:

• Successfully complete 2,100 hours of education at a school approved by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

• Pass both the NIC written and practical exams.

• Earn a minimum passing score.

• Submit exam registration and payment directly to PSI, the state’s designated testing service.

• Examinations are administered according to Iowa cosmetology state requirements, which are governed by Iowa Code administrative rules and enforced by the board.

Continuing Education

Iowa requires continuing education for legacy (CE) for all licensed cosmetologists seeking renewal. Licenses must be renewed biennially by March 31st of odd-numbered years.

To remain in good standing, the following CE requirements must be met:

• 6 total hours of continuing education are required for each renewal cycle.

• 4 hours must be focused on technical instruction directly related to the practice of cosmetology.

• 2 hours must be dedicated to Iowa law and sanitation, in compliance with items for laws and rules and the rules for continuing education maintained by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Licensees renewing for the first time are exempt from completing CE hours for their initial renewal but may begin collecting eligible hours for future cycles. Iowa currently allows unlimited online continuing education, provided the coursework is offered by approved providers and meets the standards recognized across legacy HHS boards and multiple licensing boards.

Apprenticeship Programs

Iowa allows registered apprenticeship programs for cosmetology under specific conditions as outlined in the administrative code 481 chapters . These apprenticeships must be formally registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and meet the Iowa administrative code requirements. Unlike informal or salon-based training, apprenticeships must follow structured curriculum standards and be supervised in accordance with Iowa cosmetology state requirements.

Apprenticeship hours that are not part of a registered program will not be accepted toward licensure. All training must occur through either a board-approved school of cosmetology arts and sciences or a registered apprenticeship program that is explicitly recognized by the state.

License Reciprocity

Iowa does not provide traditional reciprocity. However, individuals currently licensed in another state or country may qualify for licensure by endorsement if their original license was earned through substantially equivalent training. To qualify, applicants must:

• Applicants shall have held a valid, active license for at least 12 months in the past 2 years.

• Submit an Endorsement Application to the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

• Complete 1 hour of Iowa-specific continuing education focused on sanitation and administrative rules.

• Provide documentation showing education and exam equivalency, along with payment of applicable fees.

All applications are reviewed by the Iowa Practitioner Review Committee (IPRC). The IPRC reviews self-reports and licensing histories when necessary.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Iowa, the following requirements must be met:

• Hold an active Iowa cosmetology license in good standing.

• Applicants shall complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at a board-approved institution, or provide proof of two years of active practice within the last six years.

• Complete a 16-hour instructor methods course.

• Pass the NIC instructor theory and practical exams.

• Applicants shall submit a completed instructor application along with payment of the required fees to the Iowa Board.

All instructor licenses fall under the purview of the Iowa Administrative Code 481, the legacy HHS boards, and the Board of Cosmetology. Instructors must also adhere to the guidelines for continuing education and fulfill the checklist for barbering, cosmetology schools, and training centers.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Individuals wishing to provide skincare services in Iowa must get an esthetician license by the Iowa cosmetology state requirement and the Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards. Licensure is granted through the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, and the following requirements apply:

• Applicants shall be at least 17 years of age.

• Applicants shall have completed high school or equivalent education.

• Applicants shall graduate from a Board-approved school of cosmetology arts and sciences with the required training hours.

• Applicants shall pass both written and practical exams approved by the Iowa Board.

• Applicants shall submit a completed licensure application with all necessary documents and pay the required fees.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for the licensing exam in Iowa, candidates must:

• Complete 600 hours of esthetician training through an approved cosmetology arts and sciences program.

• Pass both the NIC written and practical exams as outlined by the Board of Cosmetology.

• Achieve a minimum score of 75% on both portions.

• Submit exam registration and pay associated fees directly to PSI, Iowa’s designated testing agency.

Continuing Education

Estheticians in Iowa must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. The following conditions must be met:

• 8 hours of continuing education are required for renewal.

• 4 hours must cover esthetics-specific technical training.

• 2 hours must address Iowa law and sanitation, as required by the items for laws, rules, and regulations for continuing education.

• CE hours may be completed online, and Iowa currently allows unlimited online continuing education hours for licensees.

Licensees renewing for the first time are exempt but may begin accruing hours for future use immediately after initial licensure. Courses must align with education for legacy HHS boards and the standards across multiple licensing boards.

Apprenticeship Programs

Unlike California, Iowa does not permit apprenticeships for esthetician training. The Iowa Board requires education to be acquired solely through a Board-approved school.

License Reciprocity

Iowa does not offer traditional reciprocity. However, estheticians licensed in another U.S. state or country may apply for licensure by endorsement if the following criteria are met:

• Applicants shall hold an active esthetician license in good standing.

• The license must have been active for at least 12 months during the past 2 years.

• The license must have been obtained through training and exams substantially equivalent to Iowa’s.

• Applicants shall submit an Endorsement Application along with all documentation, license history, and required fees.

• Completion of 1 hour of continuing education in Iowa law, sanitation, and administrative rules is mandatory.

Applications are reviewed by the Practitioner Review Committee (IPRC), and in some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a self-report to IPP (Iowa Practitioner Program) if there are concerns regarding disciplinary history or equivalency.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Iowa, hairstylists fall under barbering and cosmetology licensure, with specific regulations for each pathway. To legally practice hairstyling or barbering, individuals must meet the Iowa cosmetology state requirement and be licensed through either the Iowa Board of Barbering or the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, depending on the discipline.

To qualify:

• Applicants shall be at least 17 years old.

• Applicants shall have completed at least the 10th grade or its equivalent.

• Applicants shall graduate from a Board-approved barbering school and complete the required training hours.

• Applicants shall pass both written and practical exams prescribed by the state board.

• Applicants shall submit a completed application along with the required documentation and fees.

Iowa does not offer crossover training between cosmetology and barbering licenses. Each license must be earned independently under Iowa administrative rules for licensing.

Examination Requirements

To take the Iowa barbering exam, applicants must:

• Complete 2,100 hours of education at a licensed barbering school approved by the Iowa Board of Barbering.

• Pass both the NIC written and practical examinations.

• Achieve a minimum passing score of 70%, as outlined in Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards.

• Pay all examination and licensure fees directly to PSI, the designated testing service.

While appeals are not formally listed in the administrative code, retakes are allowed, and procedures are managed through PSI.

Continuing Education

Barber licenses in Iowa must be renewed every even-numbered year by June 30th, and licensees are required to complete continuing education as follows:

• 3 hours of total CE for each renewal cycle.

• 1 hour must cover Iowa law and sanitation in accordance with the items for laws, rules, and regulations for continuing education.

• Barber instructors must complete 4 hours in teaching methodology in addition to the standard CE.

First-time licensees are exempt from CE for their initial renewal but may begin collecting hours to apply toward future cycles. Iowa currently permits unlimited online continuing education hours, provided the content meets approval from legacy HHS boards and is recognized across multiple licensing boards.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship is not allowed as a licensing route for barbers or hairstylists in Iowa. All education must be completed through a formal, Board-approved school.

• Apprenticeship hours completed outside Iowa will not count toward licensure.

• Training within barbering cosmetology establishments must be formalized through approved education providers, not on-the-job apprenticeships.

• The self-inspection checklist for barbering cosmetology applies only to licensed establishments, not student environments.

This rule reflects Iowa’s commitment to consistent, standardized education within the scope of barbering and cosmetology licensure laws.

License Reciprocity

Iowa does not offer direct reciprocity. However, barbers licensed in another jurisdiction may apply for licensure through endorsement, provided:

• Applicants shall hold a current, active, and unrestricted barber license.

• The license must have been held for at least 12 months within the last 2 years.

• Applicants shall submit proof of substantially equivalent training and examination to the Iowa Board of Barbering.

• Applicants shall complete 1 hour of Iowa-specific CE focused on law, sanitation, and administrative rules.

• All fees must be paid, and records submitted for board review.

Out-of-state applications are reviewed by the Practitioner Review Committee (IPRC). In some cases, individuals may be required to submit a self-report to IPP (Iowa Practitioner Program) if there are concerns involving past violations or legal issues.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed barbering instructor in Iowa, individuals must meet the following criteria outlined in the Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards:

• Applicants shall hold a valid Iowa barber license in good standing for a minimum of two years.

• Applicants shall have completed 2,100 hours of training at a licensed barbering school or have held an active barber license for at least 12 of the past 24 months.

• Applicants shall pass the NIC instructor theory and practical examinations with a minimum score of 70%, as required by the Board of Barbering.

• Submit all required documentation, including proof of training and teaching qualifications.

• Applicants shall submit a completed application along with payment of all applicable instructor licensing fees.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

To legally perform nail care services in Iowa, individuals must meet the qualifications set by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, as outlined in the Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards. Licensure falls under barbering and cosmetology licensure and includes the following requirements:

• Applicants shall be at least 17 years old.

• Applicants shall have completed high school or the equivalent.

• Applicants shall complete the required hours of instruction at a Board-approved school of cosmetology arts and sciences.

• Applicants shall pass both written and practical examinations prescribed by the Board of Cosmetology.

• Applicants shall submit a completed application with all necessary documentation and pay the appropriate fees.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for the Iowa nail technology licensing exam, candidates must:

• Complete 325 hours of education at a licensed school of cosmetology, arts sciences.

• Pass both the NIC written and practical examinations.

• Achieve a minimum passing score.

• Submit required documentation and pay all applicable exam and licensing fees to PSI, Iowa’s testing service provider.

There is no formal appeals process listed in the Iowa administrative code related to licensing, but candidates may retake the exam as needed, following PSI's guidelines.

Continuing Education

Nail technician licenses in Iowa must be renewed every two years by March 31st, and licensees must complete continuing education hours for renewal:

• 8 total hours of continuing education are required.

• 4 hours must relate to nail care practices.

• 2 hours must cover Iowa law and sanitation, in line with items for laws, rules, and rules for continuing education.

Apprenticeship Programs

Iowa does not permit apprenticeship programs for nail technicians under barbering cosmetology licensure . All education must take place in a board-approved cosmetology school.

• No credit is awarded for salon-based or informal training.

• Students may not log hours through employment at barbering cosmetology establishments.

• Compliance with the self-inspection checklist for barbering cosmetology applies only after licensure, not during training.

License Reciprocity

Iowa does not offer traditional reciprocity. However, licensed nail technicians from other states may apply for licensure by endorsement if they meet specific requirements:

• Applicants shall hold an active license in good standing, with no disciplinary history.

• The license must have been active for at least 12 of the past 24 months.

• Applicants shall demonstrate that their training and examination were substantially equivalent to Iowa standards.

• Applicants shall submit an Endorsement Application, pay all required fees, and complete 1 hour of continuing education on Iowa law and sanitation.

Instructor Licensing

To instruct in nail care in Iowa, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants shall hold a valid Iowa nail technician license.

• Applicants shall complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at a Board-approved school, or have two years of active nail practice within the past six years.

• Applicants shall complete a 16-hour instructor methods course.

• Pass the NIC national instructor exam, both theory and practical.

• Applicants shall submit a completed instructor application with documentation and payment to the Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

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Makeup Artists

In Iowa, makeup artists are licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the scope of services provided. Individuals applying makeup professionally must meet the Iowa cosmetology state requirement by holding a valid license in one of these two categories.

Makeup services that involve skincare, facials, or other treatments fall under the domain of cosmetology arts and sciences or esthetics, each governed by its own rules within the Iowa administrative code chapters applicable to licensing boards. Apprenticeships are not allowed, and all training must be completed through a Board-approved school.

To determine the correct pathway for your services, contact the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences or consult with barbering and cosmetology licensure guidelines published by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

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