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Minnesota cosmetology license — 1,550 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($190), 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.
62% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 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
$40
Application fee portion of initial license cost
Exam Fee
$60
General Section ($35) + State Section ($25). Practical exam fee not separately confirmed.
License Fee
$90
License fee portion of initial license cost
Education / Training Cost
$15,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Includes tuition, student kit, and supplies.
Renewal Fee
$75
Every 3 years
CE Hours Required
4 hours
Per 3 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
3 years
CE Details
4 hours of board-approved continuing education required p...
4 hours of board-approved continuing education required per 3-year renewal cycle, covering infection control, state law, and industry-specific training. Some sources indicate 8 hours; the discrepancy may be due to recent changes.
Renewal Fee
$75
Be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED
Complete 1,550 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school
Submit your application through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology website
Pass the MCE General Section (155 questions, 3 hours, $35) with 75% or higher
Pass the MCE State Section (35 questions, 1 hour, $25) with 75% or higher
Pass the practical exam with 75% or higher
Pay the initial license fee ($130 = $90 license + $40 application)
Receive your Minnesota cosmetologist license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,550 hours
Cosmetology school (board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a board-approved school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Minnesota or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Minnesota.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetologists in Minnesota are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, chemical treatments, shampooing, conditioning, basic skincare, nail services, and makeup application. Estheticians are separately licensed for cosmetic skin care services only and cannot perform hair services without a cosmetology license.
Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (MCE) - General Section
The MCE General Section has 155 multiple-choice questions with 3 hours to complete. Additionally, there is a State Section with 35 multiple-choice questions on Minnesota laws and rules (1 hour, $25 fee). Both must be passed with 75% or higher.
Minnesota Cosmetology Practical Exam
Practical exam covering hands-on cosmetology skills. Passing score of 75% required.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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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: 38/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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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 portion of initial license cost | |
Exam Fee General Section ($35) + State Section ($25). Practical exam fee not separately confirmed. | |
License Fee License fee portion of initial license cost | |
Total Government Fees Application ($40) + License ($90) + Written exams ($60). Practical exam fee unknown. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $15,000-$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Includes tuition, student kit, and supplies.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
3 years
Renewal Cycle
3 years
Renewal Fee
$75
Continuing Education
4 hours — 4 hours of board-approved continuing education required per 3-year renewal cycle, covering infection control, state law, and industry-specific training. Some sources indicate 8 hours; the discrepancy may be due to recent changes.
Late Renewal Fee
$45
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Minnesota offers licensure by reciprocity for individuals holding a valid out-of-state cosmetology license that is active and in good standing without disciplinary actions. The license must have been active for at least three of the past five years.
Additional Requirements: Active out-of-state license in good standing for 3 of past 5 years; no pending disciplinary actions
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
Minnesota is unusual in having a two-part written exam (General + State Section) and a 3-year renewal cycle rather than the more common 2-year cycle. The state also requires a higher minimum age of 17 compared to 16 in most states.
Minnesota requires a minimum age of 17, which is higher than most states (typically 16).
The state exam has two written sections: a General Section (155 questions) and a State Section (35 questions on MN laws).
Minnesota has a 3-year renewal cycle, which is longer than the standard 2-year cycle in most states.
If a license is not renewed within 6 months of expiration, the holder must apply for a completely new license.
Minnesota does not accept out-of-state licenses automatically; licensure by reciprocity requires meeting specific criteria.
If not renewed within 6 months of expiration, must apply for a new license and meet all current requirements.
Cosmetologist Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | $190 | 58–96 wks | |
| Iowa | $225–$260 | 76–123 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $170 | 66–108 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $120 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $418–$427 | 58–96 wks | → |
See how Minnesota compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare cosmetologist requirements across all states →
Cosmetologist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Minnesota 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.
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Other professional licenses in Minnesota
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
Moving to Minnesota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Minnesota →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →