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Arkansas cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($175), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health – Cosmetology Section (operating under the Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
52% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$50
License application fee
Exam Fee
$125
Written exam (~$60) + practical exam (~$65); paid directly to Prov
License Fee
$0
Included in the application fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Arkansas cosmetology schools range from community college programs to private institutions.
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires on practitioner's birthday)
Complete 1,500 clock hours at a state-approved cosmetology school
Submit pre-licensure criminal background check petition
Register and pass the written theory exam through Prov (score 75% or higher)
Register and pass the practical skills exam through Prov (score 75% or higher)
Submit license application with $50 fee and required documentation to the Arkansas Department of Health Cosmetology Section
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
Completion of at least 2 years of high school (10th grade)
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Applicants must submit a pre-licensure criminal background check petition. Must have no disqualifying conviction of a felony or misdemeanor.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (state-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Arkansas is one of only 12 states that refuses apprenticeship credit entirely. Every training hour must come from a state-approved cosmetology school.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Arkansas or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Arkansas.
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Cosmetologists in Arkansas may perform hairdressing, manicuring, nail extensions, and aesthetics. The scope of practice must include all four areas for a full cosmetologist license. Services include hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, nail care, skin care, and makeup application.
Written Theory Exam
Written exams available daily (Monday-Friday) at Prov testing centers statewide. Schedule at least 3 business days in advance.
Practical Skills Exam
Practical exam evaluates hands-on cosmetology skills. If you fail one portion, you only retake that specific exam.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License application fee | |
Exam Fee Written exam (~$60) + practical exam (~$65); paid directly to Prov | |
License Fee Included in the application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($50) + written exam ($60) + practical exam ($65). Approximate total. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Arkansas cosmetology schools range from community college programs to private institutions.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (biennial, expires on practitioner's birthday)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires on practitioner's birthday)
Renewal Fee
Varies
Continuing Education
Not required
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Arkansas allows reciprocity for applicants currently licensed in another state. Must contact the licensing board in the state of current licensure to send certification to Arkansas. If the applicant has passed a written and practical national or Department-approved examination, only the Arkansas state law exam is required. If not, the applicant must pass written, practical, and state law exams.
Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for reciprocity; scope of practice must include hairdressing, manicuring, nail extensions, and aesthetics; must pass Arkansas state law exam; must submit pre-licensure criminal background check petition
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Arkansas is one of only about 12 states that refuses apprenticeship credit entirely. The state also underwent temporary fee reductions (2024-2025) under Act 114 of 2023, with fees restored to original amounts starting January 1, 2026. The age requirement for reciprocity applicants (18) is higher than for in-state exam applicants (16).
Act 114 of 2023 mandated temporary fee reductions effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, renewal fees are restored to pre-reduction amounts.
Arkansas does not accept apprenticeship credit -- all training must be from a state-approved school
Background check is required as part of the application process
Reciprocity applicants must be at least 18 (vs. 16 for in-state exam applicants)
Beginning January 1, 2026, the cosmetology licensure renewal fee amount will be restored to the original amount before the initiation of reduction. Reduction applied Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2025 per Act 114 of 2023.
Cosmetologist Schools in Arkansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
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Other professional licenses in Arkansas
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
Moving to Arkansas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Arkansas →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Arkansas to: Louisiana → | Mississippi → | Missouri → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee → | Texas →