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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
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get the Nebraska Cosmetologist Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20Application Fee
$30
Application fee; reduced to $25 after 180 days if initial application not processed
Exam Fee
$53
Exam fee paid directly to PSI; exact amount not confirmed from official sources
License Fee
$0
Included in the application fee
Education / Training Cost
$8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Nebraska cosmetology schools include SOHO Hair Academy, Xenon Academy, and others.
Renewal Fee
$118
Every 2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
CE Hours Required
8 hours
Per 2 years (biennial, expires december 31 of even-numbered years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
CE Details
8 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle; 4 hour...
8 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle; 4 hours must be learning how to perform skills or services. Nebraska offers a free 50-question open book online exam covering cosmetology and esthetic practice that counts for 2 hours of CE.
Renewal Fee
$118
Complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a board-approved school (or equivalent apprenticeship)
Submit application with $30 fee to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Receive approval to test letter from DHHS
Schedule NIC written exam and jurisprudence exam through PSI and pay exam fee directly to PSI
Pass both exams with 75% or higher
Receive cosmetology license
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
2,100 hours
Board-approved cosmetology school or apprenticeship
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 Nebraska.
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Cosmetologists in Nebraska may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments (perming, relaxing), nail care (manicures, pedicures), skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and waxing. The practice of cosmetology is defined by Nebraska statute 38-1062.
NIC Written Examination
NIC written examination administered as a computer-based test by PSI. Includes a separate jurisprudence exam focused on Nebraska laws and health standards. Nebraska does NOT require a hands-on practical exam.
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
Practice exams built for the Cosmetologist licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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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: 50/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
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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NIC Written Examination
Passing Score
75%
Administered By
PSI
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $53Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NIC Written Examination.
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; reduced to $25 after 180 days if initial application not processed | |
Exam Fee Exam fee paid directly to PSI; exact amount not confirmed from official sources | |
License Fee Included in the application fee | |
Total Government Fees Application ($30) + exam fee (paid to PSI, amount unknown). Nebraska has relatively low government fees. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Nebraska cosmetology schools include SOHO Hair Academy, Xenon Academy, and others.
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
Expires December 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$118
Continuing Education
8 hours — 8 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle; 4 hours must be learning how to perform skills or services. Nebraska offers a free 50-question open book online exam covering cosmetology and esthetic practice that counts for 2 hours of CE.
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Nebraska offers reciprocity for licensed professionals from other states under specific conditions. The out-of-state credential must be active, unrestricted, and issued by a state with comparable requirements. Applicants must have a current license, equal number of hours as Nebraska requirements (1,800), and/or work experience within five years (valued at 100 hours per month).
Additional Requirements: Must have current license with equal or greater hours, or work experience within 5 years (100 hours per month credit)
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
Nebraska is one of the relatively few states that does NOT require a practical (hands-on) exam for cosmetology licensure. The state recently reduced training hours from 2,100 to 1,800. Nebraska also offers a free 50-question open book online exam that counts toward continuing education requirements. The $118 renewal fee is notably higher than most states.
Nebraska does NOT require a practical (hands-on) exam, only written and jurisprudence exams
Training hours were reduced from 2,100 to 1,800 hours
DHHS offers a free 50-question open book online exam that counts for 2 hours of continuing education
Preliminary conviction review available for $100 per license type for applicants with criminal history
Renewal fee of $118 is higher than many states
Cosmetologist Schools in Nebraska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska
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Cosmetologist requirements in Nebraska verified against Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), April 2026.
Moving to Nebraska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Nebraska →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Nebraska to: Colorado → | Iowa → | Kansas → | Missouri → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →