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Idaho Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Conditional licensure (cosmetology)

One-year conditional form under § 67-9411(3) instead of denial based on a criminal conviction.

Licensing authority: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board · Application information

Maintenance during military service and six months afterward
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Service
Qualifying service in United States armed forces, allied or auxiliary services, or prisoner-of-war status within § 67-2606.
Status
License remains in good standing without renewal during service and for six months after discharge; fee exemption and original license restrictions remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following nonrenewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Document compliance with timely renewal requirements, applicable reinstatement fee and other division conditions (§ 67-2614(9)); existing restrictions remain applicable.
Lapse
Canceled for nonrenewal within the preceding five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew before expiration with the approved application, required fee and confirmation of applicable renewal conditions; § 54-5821 and § 67-2614 govern the biennial transition.
Restrictions
Renewal does not remove or extend individual Board-imposed limited or conditional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conditional cosmetologist issuance after criminal conviction review

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Criminal Review
Board may issue one-year conditional licensure instead of denying licensure for a prior conviction; comply with probationary conditions.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Initial Qualifications
Otherwise satisfy the applicable ordinary school, apprenticeship or cross-training qualifications and NIC examinations.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.

Cosmetologist License

Ordinary individual license for cosmetology under Idaho Code § 54-5802(8).

Licensing authority: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board · Application information

Licensure through an applicable apprenticeship program

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Training
Complete a paid on-the-job apprenticeship adopted by Idaho, the United States Department of Labor or a recognized standards recognition entity; meet non-training criteria and the standard examination passing score (§ 67-9412).
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensure by examination after cosmetology apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Out Of State Training
Rule 150.02.g requires a certified record or summary of outside-Idaho apprenticeship operations and hours.
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Training
Complete at least 3,200 hours, with Board registration and licensed-instructor supervision; Rule 150.02.a.iii sets 104 weeks, subject to the statutory good-cause extension.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensed barber seeking cosmetologist licensure

All of the following:

Additional Training
700 hours of instruction in chemical hair work, nail technology, esthetics, cosmetology theory and hairstyling.
Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Licensed barber seeking cosmetologist licensure
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensed barber stylist seeking cosmetologist licensure

All of the following:

Additional Training
300 hours of instruction in nail technology, esthetics, cosmetology theory and hairstyling.
Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Licensed barber-stylist seeking cosmetologist licensure
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Conditional cosmetologist conversion
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Completion
Successfully complete Board probationary conditions; the statute then requires a full unrestricted license without a new examination. Failure causes revocation and denial.
Prior Status
Hold the one-year conditional license under § 67-9411(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintenance during military service and six months afterward
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Service
Qualifying service in United States armed forces, allied or auxiliary services, or prisoner-of-war status within § 67-2606.
Status
License remains in good standing without renewal during service and for six months after discharge; fee exemption and original license restrictions remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New cosmetologist application after cancellation exceeding five years

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Competency
Division determines competency; may require education, supervised practice or examination and consider practice in another jurisdiction. Eligible reinstatement candidates submit Board Verification of Eligibility to Prov.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Lapse
Submit all new-license forms and fees and amounts owed or an approved payment arrangement after cancellation lasting more than five years.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Reinstatement following nonrenewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Document compliance with timely renewal requirements, applicable reinstatement fee and other division conditions (§ 67-2614(9)); existing restrictions remain applicable.
Lapse
Canceled for nonrenewal within the preceding five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew before expiration with the approved application, required fee and confirmation of applicable renewal conditions; § 54-5821 and § 67-2614 govern the biennial transition.
Restrictions
Renewal does not remove or extend individual Board-imposed limited or conditional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement based on equivalent standards

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Exam Discretion
§ 54-5816 permits endorsement without examination; the Board C-37 application exercises review discretion and states: INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION BY ENDORSEMENT. Applicants must hold a current license in good standing from a state whose standards are equal to Idaho standards (hours and examination) OR hold a current license in good standing from another state and have at least one (1) year (12 months) of work experience in the last three (3) years. The Board will review the information you submit. In accordance with Idaho laws and rules, you may be required to submit additional materials, pay additional fees, and/or take all or part of the licensure examination. The NIC leaves identify examinations the route may involve; they do not assert that every endorsement applicant must retake both tests.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
License or certificate issued by the proper authority of another United States jurisdiction or a foreign country; Board C-37 instructions ask for a current license in good standing.
Qualification
Provide official documentation that the standards under which the prior license was issued are not lower than Idaho standards.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Endorsement based on recent practice

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Exam Discretion
§ 54-5816 permits endorsement without examination; the Board C-37 application exercises review discretion and states: INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION BY ENDORSEMENT. Applicants must hold a current license in good standing from a state whose standards are equal to Idaho standards (hours and examination) OR hold a current license in good standing from another state and have at least one (1) year (12 months) of work experience in the last three (3) years. The Board will review the information you submit. In accordance with Idaho laws and rules, you may be required to submit additional materials, pay additional fees, and/or take all or part of the licensure examination. The NIC leaves identify examinations the route may involve; they do not assert that every endorsement applicant must retake both tests.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
License or certificate issued by the proper authority of another United States jurisdiction or a foreign country; Board C-37 instructions ask for a current license in good standing.
Qualification
Provide official documentation of at least one year of practice during the last three years immediately preceding application.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensed esthetician or nail technician — apprenticeship cross training

All of the following:

Additional Training
2,800 hours as a cosmetology apprentice.
Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Currently licensed esthetician or nail technician.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensed esthetician or nail technician — school cross training

All of the following:

Additional Training
1,400 hours of cosmetology instruction.
Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Currently licensed esthetician or nail technician.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Conversion of universal limited cosmetologist license to full license

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Conversion
Satisfy Board-specified education, training and other qualifications; existing NIC exams or portions may be required under subsection (4).
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Hold the limited license authorized by § 67-9409(6).
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Military endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Qualifying military member, former member discharged honorably, veteran or spouse; validate current, valid and unrestricted licensure in another United States jurisdiction or a military branch.
Examination
§ 67-9406(4) prohibits taking all or part of an examination as part of the condensed military application.
Processing
Condensed application; intended issuance within fifteen business days after qualification validation; disclose all disciplinary proceedings.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with licensed work experience training credit

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants receive Board Verification of Eligibility for submission to Prov.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Current license outside Idaho; applicant does not qualify for endorsement.
Training Credit
200 student hours or 400 apprentice hours per six months of licensed cosmetology experience; provide remaining qualifying training and direct verification.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Licensure by examination after approved school training

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Training
Graduate from a minimum 1,600-hour approved cosmetology course (§ 54-5810(2)(c)(i)); subsection (6) permits students to take the exam at 80% of required education hours, but licensure requires completed training.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Universal licensure

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Competency
Board-determined competency methods, supporting materials and the same background checks as other applicants.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Exam Discretion
§ 67-9409(4) permits all or part of an existing application examination as necessary to show competence; the Board may accept prior examination or other competency evidence. The statute prohibits establishing a jurisprudence examination for this route.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Current, valid, unrestricted license in a United States state, district or territory.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.
Universal work recognition

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Examination
§ 67-9414 applies the standard examination passing score; submit supporting materials and standard background checks.
Experience
At least four years of work in a United States jurisdiction or the military where no license was required, with a similar scope of practice.
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.

Limited license (cosmetology)

Limited scope form authorized by military endorsement or universal licensure when prior licensed scope is narrower.

Licensing authority: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board · Application information

Maintenance during military service and six months afterward
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Service
Qualifying service in United States armed forces, allied or auxiliary services, or prisoner-of-war status within § 67-2606.
Status
License remains in good standing without renewal during service and for six months after discharge; fee exemption and original license restrictions remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following nonrenewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Document compliance with timely renewal requirements, applicable reinstatement fee and other division conditions (§ 67-2614(9)); existing restrictions remain applicable.
Lapse
Canceled for nonrenewal within the preceding five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew before expiration with the approved application, required fee and confirmation of applicable renewal conditions; § 54-5821 and § 67-2614 govern the biennial transition.
Restrictions
Renewal does not remove or extend individual Board-imposed limited or conditional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited cosmetologist military endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Qualifying military member, former member discharged honorably, veteran or spouse; validate current, valid and unrestricted licensure in another United States jurisdiction or a military branch.
Examination
§ 67-9406(4) prohibits taking all or part of an examination as part of the condensed military application.
Processing
Condensed application; intended issuance within fifteen business days after qualification validation; disclose all disciplinary proceedings.
Scope
Board may restrict practice to narrower previously authorized scope pending additional education, training or other qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited cosmetologist universal licensure

All of the following:

Application
Authorized application, documentation under oath, identification and applicable current fees. The old C-37 fees are superseded by Rule 400 effective July 1, 2026.
Education
At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent, including nonpublic school education (§ 54-5810(1)(b)); § 67-9419 recognizes nonpublic high-school diplomas for applicants eighteen or older.
Exam Discretion
Existing NIC examinations or portions may be required to show competence under § 67-9409(4).
Fitness
No conduct warranting discipline under § 54-5823; convictions receive a current-relevance evaluation under § 67-9411.
Military Benefits
Relevant military training, education and service receive credit under § 67-9404; qualifying applicants receive expedited processing under § 67-9405.
Minimum Age
At least sixteen and one-half years at application (§ 54-5810(1)(a)).
Practical Services
The Idaho bulletin tests NIC core practical sections, eyebrow hair removal and manicure within the practical examination; these are not separate examinations.
Prior License
Current, valid, unrestricted United States state, district or territorial license.
Scope
Board finds Idaho scope broader, limits practice to prior authorized scope, and determines additional qualifications.
Waiver Petition
§ 67-9415 permits a petition for Board waiver or variance with conditions but subsection (6) prohibits an initial license without statutory initial qualifications.

National Cosmetology Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Hands-on practical examination in timed sections performed on a model or mannequin according to state guidelines, with more than one client represented; candidates bring their own supply kit and are evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; NIC also offers additional practical sections that states may require
Examination sources

National Cosmetology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question has four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (35% of items) (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify cause/transmission of diseases and infections
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify the purpose and differentiate among the categories of infection control: Sanitation; Disinfection; Sterilization
    • Infection control and safety practices — Recognize how cross-contamination occurs and how it can be prevented (e.g., single use and multi-use items)
    • Infection control and safety practices — Apply blood exposure procedures
    • Infection control and safety practices — Identify requirements of government agencies: OSHA; EPA
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify function and structure of the: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Recognize signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to: Hair and scalp; Skin; Nails
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify muscles and joints and their functions related to: Head and face; Arms and hands; Legs and feet
    • Human anatomy and physiology — Identify functions of: Nervous system; Circulatory system
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize purpose and effects of ingredients
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize interactions between chemicals
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize chemical reactions (e.g., overexposure, chemical burn)
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology — Recognize the values of the pH scale
  • Hair Care and Services (45% of items) (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s hair and scalp
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Utilize preliminary tests (e.g., predisposition and strand tests)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, workstation); Implements (e.g., razors, shears, combs/brushes); Supplies and materials (e.g., towels, drapes, neck strips); Electrical tools (e.g., irons, blow dryers, clippers)
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services — Demonstrate safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate shampooing and conditioning
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate scalp treatments and scalp massage
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Demonstrate draping (e.g., chemical, shampoo, cutting, styling)
    • Hair care principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair care principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair cutting and shaping
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Demonstrate hair styling: Wet styling; Thermal styling; Natural hair styling (e.g., braiding)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove hair enhancements: Wigs and hairpieces; Hair additions (e.g., taping, bonding, fusion, linking)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Apply principles of balance and hair design (e.g., facial shape, physical structure)
    • Hair design principles and procedures — Recognize differences in hair design principles and procedures based on various hair types and textures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform hair color services (e.g., virgin, retouch, lightening, foiling, balayage, color formulation, color correction)
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical hair relaxer/restructurizer and curl reduction (e.g., hydroxide, thio, keratin) service
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Perform chemical waving/texturizing (e.g., alkaline, acid, non-thio) services
    • Chemical services principles and procedures — Understand the chemical products used for the various hair texture types
  • Skin Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate client’s skin: Type; Condition
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., chair, steamer); Implements (e.g., tweezers, brushes, extractors); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., creams, masks, towels, wax, head coverings)
    • Tools used for skin care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic facial
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of hair removal
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of makeup application
    • Skin care principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of electrical equipment
  • Nail Care and Services (10% of items) (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Evaluate condition of client’s nails
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (i.e., contraindications)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Recommend services or products based on client needs
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation — Establish/Maintain client records (e.g., service history, client card, medical history)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Identify purpose, function, and infection control procedures of items: Equipment (e.g., workstation, pedicure basin); Implements (e.g., nippers, file); Supplies, products, and materials (e.g., towels, creams, polish)
    • Tools used for nail care services — Demonstrates safe practices: Tools/Implements; Ergonomics
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply knowledge of a basic manicure and pedicure
    • Nail care service principles and procedures — Apply, maintain, and remove nail enhancements
Examination sources