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Michigan cosmetology license — 1 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($245–$265), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Cosmetology
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
81% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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
$63–$83
Application fee range varies based on license type and processing
Exam Fee
$182
Written exam ($91) + practical exam ($91)
License Fee
Included in the $63.00 application fee (described as 'Application Fee + 2 year license fee')
The application fee covers the initial license issuance
Education / Training Cost
$8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Michigan requires 1,500 hours, and program costs vary by institution.
Renewal Fee
$48.00
Every 2 years
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$48.00
Be at least 17 years old with a valid SSN and at least a 9th grade education
Complete 1,500 hours of coursework at a LARA-approved cosmetology school (or 2-year/1,920-hour apprenticeship)
Submit license application and $63–$83 fee to LARA
Schedule and pass the written examination ($91) through PSI Services
Schedule and pass the practical examination ($91, approximately 3 hours) through PSI Services
Bring your own supplies and mannequin head to the practical exam
Receive your cosmetology license from LARA
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Education equivalent to the completion of the ninth grade
Residency
No residency requirement; reciprocity available for out-of-state licensees
Background Check
Michigan requires a criminal background check as part of the cosmetology license application process. Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Michigan or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Michigan.
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Cosmetology services include hair care services (cutting, styling, coloring, perming, relaxing, shampooing), manicuring services, skin care services (facials, makeup application), electrology, and natural hair cultivation.
Michigan Cosmetology Written Examination
Computer-based multiple-choice exam covering sanitation, hair treatments, chemical services, and state regulations.
Michigan Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of key cosmetology services. Candidates must bring their own supplies and mannequin head. The exam lasts approximately 3 hours.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
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 Application fee range varies based on license type and processing | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($91) + practical exam ($91) | |
License Fee The application fee covers the initial license issuance | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($63–$83) + written exam ($91) + practical exam ($91) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Michigan requires 1,500 hours, and program costs vary by institution.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires August 31 biennially)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$48.00
Continuing Education
Not required
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Michigan offers reciprocity for applicants who hold an active license in good standing from a state with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants must hold or have held in good standing a cosmetologist license in another state for at least 1 of the 3 years immediately preceding the application date.
Additional Requirements: If license has lapsed less than 3 years, can apply for relicensure ($83 fee) without retaking exams if licensure was maintained elsewhere.
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
Michigan has one of the lowest education requirements in the nation (9th grade only), yet requires 1,500 training hours and a minimum age of 17. The state does not require continuing education for renewal, making maintenance straightforward. Michigan's combined exam fees ($182 total) are among the higher costs nationally, and candidates must supply their own equipment including a mannequin head for the practical exam.
Michigan only requires a 9th grade education, which is lower than most states that require 10th grade or a GED.
Michigan does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal.
The minimum age is 17, which is higher than many states that allow 16-year-olds.
A 2-year (1,920-hour) apprenticeship alternative is available.
Candidates must bring their own supplies and mannequin head to the practical exam.
Renewal notices are mailed approximately 60 days before the August 31 expiration date.
If license has lapsed less than 3 years, relicensure ($83) is possible without retaking exams.
Cosmetologist Schools in Michigan
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Michigan compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Michigan
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
Moving to Michigan? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Michigan →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Michigan to: Indiana → | Ohio → | Wisconsin →