Nebraska Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Nebraska Licensing Requirements

Nebraska’s cosmetology licensing process blends strong educational foundations with strict state oversight to assure high-quality professional standards. With training only permitted through a board-approved cosmetology school or apprentice salon, the state of Nebraska prioritizes a structured and supportive path for aspiring cosmetologists.

Unlike some states, Nebraska requires continuing education to renew one’s license, reflecting its dedication to up-to-date health and safety practices in every licensed cosmetology salon. The inclusion of a jurisprudence exam, a written examination, and practical examinations emphasizes both legal knowledge and hands-on skills.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Nebraska, offering insights into how to meet the Nebraska Board’s regulations and launch a successful beauty career in the Cornhusker State.

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

In Nebraska, the journey to becoming a licensed cosmetologist is guided by clearly defined steps designed to uphold the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology and Esthetics health and safety standards. Whether you’re aiming to work in a professional salon or open your own business, understanding these licensure requirements is important.

Licensing Criteria

To legally provide cosmetology services in the state of Nebraska, individuals must fulfill the following qualifications, in accordance with state laws and department regulations:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
• Completion of high school education or holding a high school diploma (or its equivalent) is required.
• Applicants must enroll in and successfully complete training at a board-approved cosmetology school located within the state.
• Applicants must pass the written licensing examination administered by the National Interstate Council (NIC)
• A complete application, including all required supporting documentation, must be submitted to the department.
• Payment of all applicable fees is required.

Students who wish to explore career flexibility can also train in nail technology or esthetics through board-approved schools.

Examination Requirements

To be eligible for Nebraska’s cosmetology licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training from a board-approved school in Nebraska.
• Pass a three-part exam that includes a written examination, a jurisprudence exam focused on Nebraska laws and health standards, and a hands-on practical exam.
• Meet the Nebraska Board’s passing criteria for each section.
• Applicants who do not pass may reapply and retake the exam.
• Once the exam is passed, applicants must pay the required fee to obtain their license.

Continuing Education

Nebraska requires licensed cosmetologists to complete eight hours of continuing education every two years through board-approved providers.

Apprenticeship Programs

Aspiring cosmetologists who choose the apprenticeship path must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have the required number of supervised training hours as set by the Nebraska Board.
• Complete structured education including health, sanitation, and business practices, along with technical skills.

License Reciprocity

Nebraska offers reciprocity for licensed professionals from other states under specific conditions:

• The out-of-state credential must be active, unrestricted, and issued by a state with comparable requirements.
• The out-of-state credential must be active, unrestricted, and issued by a state with comparable licensing requirements. Additional training or examination may be required if the applicant’s qualifications do not meet Nebraska’s standards.
• If qualifications do not meet Nebraska’s standards, applicants must complete additional training or pass Nebraska’s cosmetology exam.

Instructor Licensing

To become a cosmetology instructor in Nebraska, individuals must:

• Hold a valid Nebraska cosmetology license.
• Complete a 600-hour instructor training program from a board-approved school and hold a valid Nebraska cosmetology license.
• Pass a designated instructor exam.

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Estheticians

Licensing Criteria

Anyone in Nebraska wishing to perform skin care services such as facials, hair removal, and makeup application must first receive an esthetician license through the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. The Nebraska Board sets clear requirements for licensure:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• A high school diploma or equivalent level of education is required.
• Candidates must enroll in and successfully complete a board-approved esthetician training program.
• Applicants must pass the NIC written examination administered by PSI.
• A completed application with all required documents and the applicable fee must be submitted to the department.

Training must be completed at a board-approved esthetics school in Nebraska.

Examination Requirements

To take the licensing exam in Nebraska, esthetician candidates must:

• Complete 600 hours of training from a board-approved cosmetology or esthetics school.
• Pass a written examination and a practical exam based on Nebraska's regulatory standards.
• Achieve passing scores determined by the board.
• Reapply and retake the exams if scores are not sufficient.
• Pay the licensing fee once all exams are passed.

Continuing Education

Nebraska estheticians must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years through board-approved providers.

License Reciprocity

Estheticians licensed in another state may apply for reciprocity in Nebraska under the following conditions:

• The out-of-state credential must be current, valid, and unrestricted.
• The out-of-state credential must be active, unrestricted, and issued by a state with comparable licensing requirements. Additional training or examination may be required if the applicant’s qualifications do not meet Nebraska’s standards.
• If the original training or licensure does not meet Nebraska’s standards, applicants may need to complete additional training or examinations to receive Nebraska licensure.

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Hairstylists/Barbers

Licensing Criteria for Hair Design

In Nebraska, hairstylists and barbers are licensed separately under the Department of Health and Human Services, with each profession requiring distinct training and licensure. To legally perform hairstyling or barbering services in the state of Nebraska, individuals must:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Have completed a high school diploma or equivalent education.
• Graduate from a board-approved barber or cosmetology school with the required hours of training.
• Successfully complete both the written examination and practical examinations.
• Submit a completed application and all supporting documentation to the Nebraska Board, along with the necessary fee.

Individuals seeking licensure in both cosmetology and barbering must complete the full training requirements for each license separately, as Nebraska does not offer a crossover training program.

Examination Requirements

To sit for Nebraska’s barbering license exam, candidates must:

• Complete 2,100 hours of training at a board-approved barber school.
• Pass a written examination and a practical exam that tests safety, technique, and sanitation.
• Meet the passing standards set by the Nebraska Board.
• Reapply to retake the exam if they do not pass initially.
• Pay the applicable licensing fee upon successful completion.

Continuing Education

Nebraska does not mandate continuing education for barbers to renew their licenses.

License Reciprocity

Nebraska offers licensure by credentials for barbers licensed in other states, provided they have completed equivalent training and passed a comparable examination. Additional requirements may apply if the original state's standards differ.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barber instructor in Nebraska, candidates must hold a valid Nebraska barber license, complete a board-approved instructor training program, and pass the instructor examination administered by the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners.

• Hold a valid Nebraska barber or cosmetologist license.
• Complete a board-approved instructor training course.
• Pass an instructor exam to demonstrate teaching and technical ability.

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Nail Technicians/Manicurists

Licensing Criteria

In Nebraska, anyone who wants to legally perform nail care services such as manicures, pedicures, nail art, and artificial nail application must first have a nail technology license. The Nebraska Board outlines the following requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• Completion of a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
• Candidates must graduate from a board-approved cosmetology school or nail technology program.
• Applicants must pass both the written examination and the practical examination.
• A complete application with all supporting documents and the required fee must be submitted to the department.

Training must be completed at a board-approved nail technology or cosmetology school within the state of Nebraska.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for licensure as a nail technician, applicants must:

• Complete 300 hours of nail technology training from a board-approved school.
• Pass the NIC written examination, which assesses both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of nail technology.
• Meet the minimum passing scores as defined by the Nebraska Board.
• Reapply to retake the exam if necessary.
• Pay the licensing fee once examinations are successfully completed.

Continuing Education

To renew, licensees must complete eight hours of board-approved continuing education. Licenses in Nebraska must be renewed biennially, with expiration on December 31 of odd-numbered years. 

License Reciprocity

Nebraska offers reciprocity to licensed nail technicians from other states, provided:

• The license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.
• Applicants must also pass the Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination, which tests knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to nail technology.
• The applicant’s training and experience are substantially equivalent to Nebraska’s requirements.
• If discrepancies exist, the Nebraska Board may require applicants to complete additional training or take the Nebraska jurisprudence exam to receive licensure.

Instructor Licensing

To teach nail technology in Nebraska, individuals must:

• Hold a valid Nebraska license as a cosmetologist or nail technician.
• Complete an additional 300 hours of instructor training beyond the standard nail technician program at a board-approved school.
• Pass a designated instructor examination demonstrating teaching competence

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Makeup Artists

In Nebraska, the practice of makeup artistry is regulated depending on the scope of services offered:

• Licensure Requirements: Individuals who perform makeup application as part of cosmetology or esthetics services must obtain the appropriate license:
  • Cosmetologist License: Required for those providing a broad range of beauty services, including hair, skin, and nail care.
  • Esthetician License: Required for those focusing on skin care services, which may include makeup application.

• Training Requirements:

• Cosmetologist: Completion of 1,800 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school.

• Esthetician: Completion of 600 hours of training at a board-approved esthetics school.

• Examination Requirements: Applicants must pass the National Interstate Council (NIC) written examination and the Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination.

• Continuing Education: Licensed professionals are required to complete continuing education as mandated by the DHHS for license renewal.

• Unlicensed Practice: Individuals who solely apply makeup for events, photography, or similar purposes, and do not perform other regulated services, may not require licensure. However, appropriate licensure is necessary if these services are offered within a licensed salon or as part of a broader range of beauty services.

Note: It is recommended to contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services directly to determine the specific licensure requirements applicable to your intended scope of practice.

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