Mississippi Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Mississippi Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Mississippi’s cosmetology licensing process is rooted in structure, discipline, and professional integrity. From its classroom-based training model to its clear rules for instructor licensure and state board examinations, Mississippi emphasizes educational foundations and strong safety standards for every aspiring cosmetologist.

Unlike states with alternative tracks like apprenticeships, Mississippi requires formal training at an accredited school, along with successful completion of both practical and written exams. Continuing education is only required for master-level licensure, keeping standard renewals straightforward.

This guide outlines every step of the Mississippi cosmetology state requirements, so you know what to expect, what to complete, and how to stay licensed. Whether you're training in a local Gulf Coast beauty school or applying from out of state, this overview will help you meet all qualifications and start your career strong.

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

In Mississippi, becoming a licensed cosmetologist means following a clear and structured pathway set by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The state’s licensing process reflects a strong emphasis on education, public safety, and standardized testing. If you’re ready to start your career in a Mississippi salon, here’s what you need to know:

Licensing Criteria

To legally perform cosmetology services in Mississippi, you must meet the following Mississippi cosmetology state requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Hold a high school education or its equivalent, or show enrollment in a community college.
• Complete 1,500 hours of training in an accredited school of cosmetology over a period of no less than 9 months.
• Submit a fully completed application with two passport photos.
• Pay all applicable licensing and examination fees.

Once these requirements are fulfilled and you’ve passed your exams, you’ll be issued a Mississippi cosmetology license and be legally allowed to practice.

Examination Requirements

Licensing examinations in Mississippi are administered by a professional testing service such as Pearson VUE. To qualify, candidates must:

• Complete the full 1,500-hour cosmetology course at a state-approved school.
• Submit a formal application and required documents to the state board.
• Score at least 70% or higher on both the written and practical portions of the exam to pass.
• Pay all testing and license application fees upon passing.

The state board maintains strict examination standards to assure public safety, skill, and professionalism in cosmetology services.

Continuing Education

Mississippi does not require standard continuing education for basic cosmetologist license renewal. However, to become a master cosmetologist, you must:

• Be licensed in Mississippi for at least 12 months.
• Complete a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education approved by the state board during the current licensing period.
• Pay the applicable fee for the upgraded license.

Apprenticeship Programs

Mississippi does not allow apprenticeship programs as a substitute for traditional cosmetology school training. All students must complete classroom instruction and hands-on training in a board-approved environment.

License Reciprocity

Mississippi allows license reciprocity for cosmetologists who are currently licensed in other states that have a reciprocal agreement with Mississippi. Applicants must:

• Submit a completed Application for Licensure by Reciprocity.
• Present proof of certification or an affidavit from their current state board.
• Appear for an Application Eligibility Interview.
• Pay the required reciprocity fee.

The board will determine if your existing license and training meet Mississippi’s licensure qualifications.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Mississippi, applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate from a licensed cosmetology school.
• Hold a current Mississippi cosmetologist license.
• Complete 1,000 hours of instructor training at an accredited school.
• Complete 6 semester hours of college coursework approved by the board.
• Have either one year of practical cosmetology experience or complete an additional 1,000 hours of instructor training in lieu of that experience.

Protect your artistry with cosmetology insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay covered where it matters most.

Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone hoping to perform professional skin care services in Mississippi must obtain an esthetician license. According to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Have completed the 12th grade or hold an equivalent level of education.
• Successfully complete 600 hours of training in esthetics at an accredited school licensed by the state board.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Submit a complete application, including two recent passport photos taken within 90 days, all required documents, and payment of fees.

After the successful completion of training and testing, you may obtain your Mississippi esthetician license and begin practice legally.

Examination Requirements

To receive your esthetician certification, you must:

• Complete a 600-hour esthetics course, which includes 100 hours of theory and 500 hours of hands-on skill development.
• Submit an exam application on the state board’s approved form.
• Pass both a written and practical exam as defined by Mississippi regulations.
• Score at least 70% on both exams to pass.
• Pay all applicable examination and licensing fees once you pass.

The exams are typically administered by testing agencies such as Pearson VUE, following guidelines set by the Mississippi Board.

Continuing Education

While standard estheticians in Mississippi do not need continuing education to renew their license, those aiming to become master estheticians must:

• Hold a valid esthetician, cosmetologist, or manicurist license in Mississippi for at least 12 months.
• Complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education, as approved by the board, within the licensing period prior to application.

Proof of continuing education must be on file with the board before approval.

License Reciprocity

Estheticians who are licensed in another state may apply for license reciprocity in Mississippi, provided:

• Their current license is from a state with a reciprocal agreement with Mississippi.
• They submit a completed Application for Licensure by Reciprocity using the state board’s official form.
• They appear for an Application Eligibility Interview.
• All required fees and documentation (including license verification and certification from the original board) are submitted in full.

Licensure is only granted once the Mississippi board confirms all qualifications are met under state law.

Secure your studio and your skincare expertise with esthetician insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay covered where it matters most.

Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria

In Mississippi, hairstylists are typically licensed under cosmetology, while barbers fall under the Board of Barber Examiners. To legally practice barbering or hairstyling, individuals must meet the following state board licensing criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old to enter a barbering school, but 17 to become a hairstylist.
• Provide proof of high school education or pass an ability-to-benefit test.
• Graduate from a state board-approved school of barbering with no fewer than 1,500 training hours.
• Pass both the written and practical exams.
• Submit a completed application along with a criminal background check performed within 30 days of applying.
• Pay all associated licensure and examination fees.

Barbering in Mississippi is regulated separately from cosmetology, and licensed cosmetologists must meet barber-specific requirements to cross over.

Examination Requirements

To obtain a Mississippi barbering certificate, candidates must:

• Complete 1,500 hours of classroom training at a licensed barber school.
• Pass both practical and written/oral exams conducted by the Board of Barber Examiners.
• Demonstrate skills typically used in a Mississippi barber shop.
• Score high enough to meet board-approved standards.
• Pay the examination fee once eligibility is confirmed.

Passing the exam allows individuals to receive a certificate of registration to practice barbering professionally in Mississippi.

Continuing Education

Mississippi does not require continuing education for barbers to renew their license. However, instructors must meet higher educational standards and undergo additional instructor training so it is highly recommended to keep educating yourself!

License Reciprocity

Mississippi does offer license reciprocity for barbers from other states or countries, provided the applicant:

• Is at least 18 years old.
• Has good moral character and temperate habits.
• Holds a valid license or certificate from a state or country with similar licensing requirements, or can prove five years of lawful experience.
• Alternatively, applicants may qualify with two years of military service in which they performed barber duties.

Applicants must also:

• Submit a completed Application for Reciprocity and pay a $150 fee.
• Provide the required documentation, such as sworn affidavits or license verification.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering instructor in Mississippi, individuals must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hold a current Mississippi barber license.
• Complete 2 years of active experience as a registered barber.
• Successfully finish 600 hours of instructor training in a board-approved school.
• Pass a board-administered exam to prove fitness to teach.

Shield your salon and your craft with hairstylist and barber insurance. Get instant coverage today and stay protected where it matters most.

Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

In Mississippi, individuals must hold a manicurist license to legally offer nail care services. The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering outlines the following licensure requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Have a high school education or its equivalent.
• Complete a minimum of 350 hours of manicuring and pedicuring training at an accredited cosmetology school over at least nine weeks.
• Submit a completed application along with two recent passport photos, documentation, and payment of all required fees.

Once training is completed and all qualifications are met, applicants can receive their Mississippi manicurist license and begin their career.

Examination Requirements

To receive licensure as a nail technician, candidates must:

• Be at least 17 years old and meet all educational and training requirements.
• Successfully complete the approved 350-hour nail tech course.
• Submit an exam application to the state board using the required form.
• Pass both the written and practical exams, demonstrating skills and knowledge based on Mississippi board-approved standards.
• Provide proof of training and pay the associated examination and license fees.
• Score at least 70% on each section to pass.

The Pearson VUE testing service or another board-approved provider typically administers the exams.

Continuing Education

While Mississippi does not require continuing education for standard license renewal, those seeking to become a master manicurist must:

• Be licensed as a cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician in Mississippi for at least 12 months.
• Complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education within the current licensing period.
• Ensure proof of education is on file before applying for the upgraded certificate.

License Reciprocity

Manicurists licensed in other states may apply for reciprocity in Mississippi. To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a valid, active license from a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Mississippi.
• Submit a completed Application for Licensure by Reciprocity to the state board.
• Appear for an Application Eligibility Interview.
• Provide all required documentation and pay the appropriate fee.

Approval is based on whether the other state’s licensing standards meet or exceed Mississippi’s.

Instructor Licensing

To become a nail tech instructor in Mississippi, candidates must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hold a valid Mississippi manicurist license.
• Complete 600 hours of instructor training in an accredited school focused on manicuring.
• Finish 12 semester hours of college coursework approved by the state board.
• Have two years of active experience as a manicurist or, in lieu of experience, complete 1,000 hours of instructor training.

Protect your nail artistry and your career with nail technician insurance. Get instant coverage today and keep your craft safe where it matters most.

Makeup Artists

In Mississippi, makeup artists must be licensed under either cosmetology or esthetics, depending on the types of services they perform. Those providing skincare, facial treatments, or makeup application for clients must meet the training and licensing requirements of a licensed cosmetologist or licensed esthetician.

There is no separate license for makeup artistry alone. Individuals interested in offering makeup services should follow the Mississippi cosmetology state requirement or esthetician license pathway, as outlined by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology. For detailed guidance on which license best suits your career goals, contact the state board directly or visit their official website.

Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?

Don’t let the details of licensure hold you back. With Elite Beauty Society, you gain a partner dedicated to safeguarding your professional journey. Secure your policy today and make a move towards a flourishing and protected career in the beauty industry.

Over 500+ Beauty & Wellness Services Protected: Including design, cut, color, thermal styling, men's grooming, facials, micro-current toning, eyelash extensions, manicures, pedicures, instruction, body contouring, hair treatments, and microblading. See all the modalities we cover.

For any questions about our insurance offerings or to learn how we can help protect your professional journey, contact us. Join Elite Beauty Society now and gain the peace of mind that comes with top-tier liability insurance tailored for beauty professionals.