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Missouri cosmetology license — 1,500 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($201), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (also referred to as Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners / COSBAR)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 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
$25
License application fee
Exam Fee
$146
Written exam ($88) + practical exam ($58). Fees paid directly to Prov testing organization.
License Fee
$30
Initial license issuance fee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Cosmetology programs in Missouri range in cost depending on institution and program length.
Renewal Fee
$30
Every 2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$30
Be at least 17 years old with at least 10th grade education or GED
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed Missouri school (or 3,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist)
Register with Prov testing organization for written and practical examinations
Pass the written examination (110 questions, 75% passing score, fee $88)
Pass the practical examination (75% passing score, fee $58)
Submit license application and $25 application fee to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Pay the $30 initial license fee
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or GED
Residency
No residency requirement; reciprocity available for out-of-state licensees with substantially equal requirements or 2+ years of consecutive practice
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (licensed Missouri school) or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a licensed Missouri cosmetology school or through an apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Missouri or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Missouri.
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Practice of cosmetology including hair cutting, styling, and chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing); skin care; nail care; hairdressing; and manicuring. Licensed cosmetologists may perform all beauty culture services regulated by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Missouri Cosmetology Written Examination
110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions mixed in at random). Must score 75% or higher. Administered through Prov testing organization. Time limit not specified in available sources.
Missouri Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on practical examination. Must score 75% or higher. Both written and practical exam fees are paid directly to Prov.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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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 License application fee | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($88) + practical exam ($58). Fees paid directly to Prov testing organization. | |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($25) + exam fees ($146) + initial license fee ($30) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Cosmetology programs in Missouri range in cost depending on institution and program length.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$30
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$45
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Missouri grants reciprocity for applicants who hold a current license in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia that has substantially equal requirements, or who have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another jurisdiction.
Additional Requirements: Applicants must submit an affidavit completed by the state licensing agency verifying the type of license held and that it is current and in good standing. Two color passport-type photographs (taken within last 2 years) are required. Applicants must pass a Missouri state law test with a grade of 75% or higher. Reciprocity fee is $100.
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
Missouri uses Prov as its testing organization rather than PSI or NIC, which most other states use. The state offers one of the most accessible apprenticeship alternatives at 3,000 hours (double school hours), and all licenses expire on the same date (September 30 of odd-numbered years) rather than on the licensee's birthday. Missouri's reciprocity requires a specific state law test even for experienced practitioners from other states. The written exam fee ($88) and practical exam fee ($58) are paid separately to Prov.
Missouri requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology school training or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship (double the school hours).
All licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when the license was issued.
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
Reciprocity applicants must pass a Missouri state law test with a 75% or higher score.
Missouri uses Prov as its testing organization (not PSI or NIC like many other states).
Online renewal incurs additional vendor processing fees ($1.25-$2.15 depending on fee amount).
The Board also licenses permanent makeup technicians (300 hours apprenticeship) and massage therapists (500 hours).
The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners oversees both cosmetology and barbering under a single entity.
Cosmetologist Schools in Missouri
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Missouri 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 Missouri
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Missouri.
Official renewal regulation
Accessed 2026-02-24
Moving to Missouri? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Missouri →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Missouri to: Arkansas → | Illinois → | Iowa → | Kansas → | Kentucky → | Nebraska → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee →