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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get the Mississippi Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$85
Application fee and two-year license fee combined for a cosmetologist
Exam Fee
$160
Written/theory exam ($65) + practical/skills exam ($95)
License Fee
Included in $85 application fee
Application and initial two-year license are combined
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Mississippi cosmetology schools range from community college programs to private institutions.
Renewal Fee
$50 (Item A: Practitioner license/renewal)
Every 2 years
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50 (Item A: Practitioner license/renewal)
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an accredited school over a minimum of 9 months
Submit application with $85 fee (includes application and two-year license) to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Schedule and pass the theoretical (written) exam ($65) with a score of 70% or higher
Schedule and pass the practical (skills) exam ($95) with a score of 70% or higher
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent, or enrollment in a community college
Residency
Must be able to read, write, and speak English
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Accredited school of cosmetology
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Mississippi.
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Cosmetologists in Mississippi may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, nail care (manicures, pedicures), skin care, facial treatments, and makeup application. Manicurists and estheticians cannot practice outside their specific scope of practice.
Theoretical (Written) Exam
Theoretical exam covering cosmetology knowledge. Retake fee is $93 per exam.
Skills (Practical) Exam
Practical skills examination. Retake fee is $93.
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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
Browse study guides
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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Theoretical (Written) Exam
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $65Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Theoretical (Written) Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — National Cosmetology Written Examination
Prepare for your National Cosmetology Written Examination with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee and two-year license fee combined for a cosmetologist | |
Exam Fee Written/theory exam ($65) + practical/skills exam ($95) | |
License Fee Application and initial two-year license are combined | |
Total Government Fees Application + license ($85) + written exam ($65) + practical exam ($95) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Mississippi 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.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50 (Item A: Practitioner license/renewal)
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$50 (Item E: Delinquent renewal penalty – practitioner and instructor)
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Mississippi allows reciprocity for individuals holding a current license from another state with a reciprocal agreement. Applicants must complete a reciprocity application, cause an affidavit or certification to be issued by the licensing board from their training state, and appear for an application eligibility interview with documents.
Additional Requirements: $55 (Item D: Application under reciprocity or UROLA)
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Mississippi requires a minimum 9-month training period in addition to the 1,500 hour requirement. The state also waives renewal fees for licensees 70 years of age or older. The Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates both professions under one entity, though they are separate license types. Mississippi requires an in-person eligibility interview for reciprocity applicants.
Training must be completed over a minimum of 9 months
Curriculum must include at least 230 hours of theory and 1,200 hours of practical training
No renewal fee for any licensee 70 years of age or older
Duplicate license costs $10
No apprenticeship programs are available in Mississippi
$10 (Item P: Duplicate license)
Cosmetologist Schools in Mississippi
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi
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Official Sources
Cosmetologist requirements in Mississippi verified against Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, April 2026.
Moving to Mississippi? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Mississippi →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Mississippi to: Alabama → | Arkansas → | Louisiana → | Tennessee →