Loading...
Loading...
Iowa cosmetology license — 2,100 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($225–$260), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
67% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 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
Get your personalized Iowa Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$60
Application fee for cosmetology licensure, endorsement, or reciprocity
Exam Fee
$83+
Written exam $83 paid to Prov; practical exam fee additional (total estimated $150-$200)
License Fee
$0
License fee appears to be included in the $60 application fee
Education / Training Cost
$9,000–$26,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Iowa School of Beauty ~$9,172; Capri College ~$19,180; SOHO Hair Academy ~$22,131. Average around $12,000.
Renewal Fee
$60
Every 2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years)
CE Hours Required
6 hours
Per 2 years (biennial, by march 31 of odd-numbered years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years)
CE Details
6 hours per renewal cycle: 4 hours of technical instructi...
6 hours per renewal cycle: 4 hours of technical instruction and 2 hours of Iowa law and sanitation
Renewal Fee
$60
Complete 2,100 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed cosmetology school in Iowa
Pass the NIC Written (Theory) Exam administered by Prov
Pass the NIC Practical Exam administered by Prov
Submit application with required documentation (transcripts, identification, official test scores) and $60 fee to the Iowa Board of Cosmetology
Receive license (processing takes approximately 4-8 weeks after exam passage)
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
2,100 hours
Cosmetology school program at a licensed school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Limited; some theory instruction may be offered online but practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Iowa or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Iowa.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Hair cutting and styling, chemical treatments (coloring, perming, straightening), nail services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails), makeup application, basic facials, waxing, and scalp treatments. Advanced services require additional certifications. Services outside of an establishment must be within scope and may not include chemicals, lasers, or other machines.
NIC Written (Theory) Exam
NIC national theory examination; computer-based test administered at Prov testing centers
NIC Practical Exam
NIC practical examination; approximately 3 hours in duration. Candidates demonstrate skills on mannequins and/or live models.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 50/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Cosmetology State Board Exam practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for cosmetology licensure, endorsement, or reciprocity | |
Exam Fee Written exam $83 paid to Prov; practical exam fee additional (total estimated $150-$200) | |
License Fee License fee appears to be included in the $60 application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($60) + exam fees (~$165–$200). Estimated range. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $9,000–$26,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Iowa School of Beauty ~$9,172; Capri College ~$19,180; SOHO Hair Academy ~$22,131. Average around $12,000.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
Biennial (expires March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
6 hours — 6 hours per renewal cycle: 4 hours of technical instruction and 2 hours of Iowa law and sanitation
Late Renewal Fee
$60
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Iowa does not offer traditional reciprocity. Licensure by endorsement is available for those currently licensed in another state or country with substantially equivalent training. Requires active out-of-state license for at least 12 months, passing the NIC national exam, and completing Iowa-specific continuing education on sanitation and administrative rules.
Additional Requirements: Must hold an active out-of-state license for at least 12 months; must pass the NIC exam; must complete Iowa-specific CE; application fee of $60
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
Iowa requires 2,100 training hours for cosmetology, one of the highest requirements in the country. The state also offers a unique Blow-Dry Stylist credential that doesn't exist in many other states. All licenses renew on the same biennial cycle (March 31 of odd-numbered years) rather than individual expiration dates.
Iowa also offers a Blow-Dry Stylist credential as a limited-scope license
Iowa requires 2,100 training hours, which is among the highest in the nation
License renewal deadline is March 31 of odd-numbered years for all cosmetology licensees
Reactivation fee for lapsed cosmetology license is $120
Cosmetologist Schools in Iowa
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Iowa compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure cosmetologist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Iowa compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Other professional licenses in Iowa
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-03-08
Official licensing information
Accessed 2026-03-08
Moving to Iowa? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Iowa →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Iowa to: Illinois → | Minnesota → | Missouri → | Nebraska → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →