Cosmetologist
Missouri
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
$201
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe 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
Basic Requirements
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
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (licensed Missouri school) or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Missouri allows a 3,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist as an alternative to the 1,500-hour school program. The apprenticeship hours are double the school hours.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a licensed Missouri cosmetology school or through an apprenticeship
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedPractice 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Missouri Cosmetology Written Examination
- Administered by
- Prov (testing organization)
- Questions
- 110
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $88
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.
Practical Exam
Missouri Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- Prov (testing organization)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $58
Hands-on practical examination. Must score 75% or higher. Both written and practical exam fees are paid directly to Prov.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License application fee | $25 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($88) + practical exam ($58). Fees paid directly to Prov testing organization. | $146 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee | $30 |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($25) + exam fees ($146) + initial license fee ($30) | $201 |
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.
License & Renewal
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
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedMissouri 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.
Related Licenses in Missouri
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Statutory requirements for cosmetology training hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms training hour requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Prov candidate information bulletin
Accessed 2026-02-24
Application fee $25
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official fee schedule page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official renewal regulation
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Missouri
Missouri requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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