Cosmetologist
Indiana
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) - State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
4 years (expires August 1)
Renewal Cycle
$139
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 18 years old (or 17 with high school diploma/GED) and have completed at least 10th grade education
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a state-approved beauty culture school (or qualifying DOL apprenticeship program)
Register with PSI Exams to schedule written and practical examinations
Pass the written examination (110 questions, 75% passing score)
Pass the practical examination (haircutting, chemical waving, hair coloring)
Submit license application and $40 fee through the Indiana PLA online portal
Disclose any criminal conviction records as required
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent (8th grade for manicurists only)
Residency
No residency requirement; reciprocity available for out-of-state licensees with 1,500+ training hours or equivalent experience
Background Check
Applicants must disclose any criminal convictions on their application and include a copy of the conviction record indicating the disposition. Fingerprints for background checks may be required. Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or legal work authorization and no disqualifying criminal history.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (state-approved beauty culture school)
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
Indiana HB1135 (2024) established that individuals who complete a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program to practice cosmetology may take the cosmetologist licensure examination. The apprenticeship program requires 2,000 hours and is overseen by the U.S. DOL rather than the state board.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a state-approved beauty culture school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedHair cutting and styling, chemical services (perming, relaxing, coloring), skin care, nail care, sanitation procedures, and salon management. The Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners defines the scope of practice for cosmetology professionals.
Examination
Written Exam
Indiana Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Exams
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $59
110 multiple-choice questions covering sanitation, hair care, chemical services, skin, nails, and Indiana state law. Must score 75% or higher to pass. Unlimited retakes within one year of graduation; each retake requires full exam fee payment.
Practical Exam
Indiana Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Exams
- Passing Score
- 75%
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills including haircutting, chemical waving, and hair coloring performed under timed conditions. Candidates must bring a complete, sanitized kit and mannequin. Timing is strict with no extra minutes. If you pass the written but fail the practical (or vice versa), you only retake the failed section.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Nonrefundable application fee submitted through the Indiana PLA online portal | $40 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to PSI; covers both written and practical exams | $59 |
License Fee Individual license fee | $40 |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($40) + exam fee ($59) + license fee ($40) | $139 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $15,000–$25,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Tuition for 1,500-hour cosmetology programs in Indiana.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
4 years
Renewal Cycle
4 years (expires August 1)
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedIndiana grants reciprocity for applicants with at least 1,500 training hours (or equivalent work experience) from another state. One year of licensed practice equals 100 hours of education for those with 1,000+ hours already completed. The originating state must have required at least a 70% passing score on exams.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must pass an exam on Indiana regulations. Reciprocity license fee is $100.
Related Licenses in Indiana
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Indiana has one of the longest renewal cycles at 4 years (vs. the typical 2 years in most states), with all licenses expiring on August 1st. The state recently added an apprenticeship pathway via HB1135 that increases training hours to 2,000 (vs. 1,500 for school) and shifts oversight to the U.S. Department of Labor. Indiana uses a unique reciprocity formula where one year of licensed practice equals 100 hours of education.
Indiana requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training, which typically takes 10-12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time.
Indiana has a 4-year license renewal cycle, longer than most states.
Licenses expire on August 1st every four years.
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
HB1135 (2024) established a new apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours through a U.S. DOL registered program.
Exam results allow partial retakes: if you pass one section but fail the other, you only retake the failed section.
After one year from graduation, candidates who haven't passed must restart the entire application process.
Sources
Official state licensing agency website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official training hour requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
Details on HB1135 apprenticeship pathway, 2,000 hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Register with PSI Exams to schedule
Accessed 2026-02-24
Application fee $40
Accessed 2026-02-24
Indiana cosmetology licenses expire on August 1st every four years
Accessed 2026-02-24
Reciprocity requirements: 1,500 hours or equivalent experience plus Indiana regulations exam
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Indiana
Indiana requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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