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Iowa 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.

Barbering and Cosmetology License

The combined individual barbering and cosmetology practice license; survey validity begins at the evaluation date, not the license identity creation date.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — graduation after 2000
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Graduation and exams
For graduation after January 1, 2000, document passage of a national theory examination in the discipline; passage may precede the Iowa application.
License history
Hold or have held a license in another jurisdiction, active for at least 12 of the previous 24 months; submit direct license verification.
Reciprocal waiver
Iowa Code 157.3(2) waives the examination requirement upon evidence of a license from a state with a reciprocal agreement under sections 147.44, 147.48 and 147.49; the waiver is an applicant condition.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Licensure by endorsement — graduation before 2000
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Graduation and exams
For graduation before January 1, 2000, document the written and practical examinations required by the original licensing state. Those other-state examinations are applicant conditions. The general national-examination rule 940.3(1) remains applicable; 940.3(2) does not expressly waive it.
License history
Hold or have held a license in another jurisdiction, active for at least 12 of the previous 24 months; submit direct license verification.
Reciprocal waiver
Iowa Code 157.3(2) waives the examination requirement upon evidence of a license from a state with a reciprocal agreement under sections 147.44, 147.48 and 147.49; the waiver is an applicant condition.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Initial licensure — registered apprenticeship
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Education
Direct the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship registered apprenticeship program to submit the completion certificate.
High school
High school graduation or its equivalent is required under Iowa Code 157.3(1).
Other licenses
Provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, including license dates, status and disciplinary history.
Scope
The combined barbering and cosmetology license covers the discipline in Iowa Code 157.1(1). Electrology, esthetics and nail technology are separately defined practice disciplines under 157.1(2) and rule 940.4(1); school and establishment licenses authorize facilities rather than this individual profession.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Initial licensure — establishment training program
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Program
The establishment must be registered; before providing supervised services the participant completes two hours of Iowa law, rules and sanitation education.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Supervised practice
Submit satisfactory proof signed by supervising licensees of 2,000 hours of supervised practice in the establishment training program under Iowa Code 157.12D. This statutory alternative replaces the ordinary school requirement.
Initial licensure — education outside the United States
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Education
Attach an original evaluation from an accredited evaluation service and an official transcript establishing equivalent required education.
High school
High school graduation or its equivalent is required under Iowa Code 157.3(1).
Other licenses
Provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, including license dates, status and disciplinary history.
Scope
The combined barbering and cosmetology license covers the discipline in Iowa Code 157.1(1). Electrology, esthetics and nail technology are separately defined practice disciplines under 157.1(2) and rule 940.4(1); school and establishment licenses authorize facilities rather than this individual profession.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Initial licensure — Iowa licensed school
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Education
Direct the school to send a diploma or transcript stating graduation and required hours. A qualifying legacy barbering or cosmetology curriculum is accepted.
High school
High school graduation or its equivalent is required under Iowa Code 157.3(1).
Other licenses
Provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, including license dates, status and disciplinary history.
Scope
The combined barbering and cosmetology license covers the discipline in Iowa Code 157.1(1). Electrology, esthetics and nail technology are separately defined practice disciplines under 157.1(2) and rule 940.4(1); school and establishment licenses authorize facilities rather than this individual profession.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Initial licensure — school not licensed by Iowa
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Education
Direct the school to submit an official transcript and curriculum meeting rule 941.14 for Board review; the course must satisfy the statutory minimum of 1,550 hours or equivalent credit.
High school
High school graduation or its equivalent is required under Iowa Code 157.3(1).
Other licenses
Provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, including license dates, status and disciplinary history.
Scope
The combined barbering and cosmetology license covers the discipline in Iowa Code 157.1(1). Electrology, esthetics and nail technology are separately defined practice disciplines under 157.1(2) and rule 940.4(1); school and establishment licenses authorize facilities rather than this individual profession.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Initial licensure — work experience from a jurisdiction without licensing
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Experience
At least three years of substantially similar practice in the four years before application replaces education and training.
Residency
Relocated to Iowa from a jurisdiction that did not license this profession; supply proof of Iowa residency, work experience and substantially similar scope.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Veteran and active duty military spouse reciprocity
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Provide forms, applicable fees, criminal and disciplinary disclosures and any required background check; processing is expedited.
Exam credit
Required licensure examinations remain involved; previously passed examinations receive credit when consistent with Iowa law. The statutory reciprocal-agreement waiver remains an applicant condition.
License
Hold an unrestricted professional license from another jurisdiction; submit reciprocal-licensure materials and evidence of veteran or active-duty spouse status.
Scope
The Board compares scope of practice and determines any additional education or training.
Full licensure after military temporary license training
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
The ordinary-license application remains pending while required training is completed.
Prior examination
The licensure examination required before issuance of the temporary license remains a prior-passing-score condition; no new sitting is asserted.
Training
Submit records proving completion of the additional education or training identified for the temporary license.
Initial licensure — military education, training or service credit
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the online application and the nonrefundable $60 fee.
Education
Request credit for verified military education, training or service toward education or experience requirements; supply military transcripts or verification. Credit does not replace an examination requirement.
High school
High school graduation or its equivalent is required under Iowa Code 157.3(1).
Other licenses
Provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, including license dates, status and disciplinary history.
Scope
The combined barbering and cosmetology license covers the discipline in Iowa Code 157.1(1). Electrology, esthetics and nail technology are separately defined practice disciplines under 157.1(2) and rule 940.4(1); school and establishment licenses authorize facilities rather than this individual profession.
Score
Submit a passing score of at least 75 percent on the Board-approved theory examination.
Expedited licensure by verification — veteran or active duty military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee, license attestation, scope statement and relevant scope-of-practice laws.
Compact
An Iowa compact privilege does not qualify for verification; this license grants no interstate compact privileges.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history; disclose criminal records and submit fingerprints if required.
Discipline
No revoked or surrendered license while under investigation; unresolved discipline or pending complaints delay a decision.
Education and experience
The original jurisdiction verifies its minimum education and applicable experience or clinical-supervision requirements were met.
License
Current license with substantially similar scope, in good standing in every issuing jurisdiction.
Military status
Document veteran status or marriage to an active-duty United States service member; processing is expedited.
Prior exam
Document the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable; the statute names no identifiable currently offered exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal during the 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Six hours each biennium: four in the practice discipline and two in Iowa law, rules and sanitation. First renewal is exempt; approved out-of-state practice and military exemptions apply.
Deadline
Complete ordinary renewal requirements and pay the late fee within the 30-day grace period; thereafter the license is inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — over five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reactivation application and fee.
Competence
Inactive more than five years: verify the most recent other-jurisdiction license and 12 qualifying continuing-education hours within two years.
Instructor education
No instructor qualification applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — up to five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reactivation application and fee.
Competence
Inactive no more than five years: verify the license held where most recently licensed/practicing and provide six qualifying continuing-education hours within two years, or verify at least 2,080 hours active practice elsewhere during those two years.
Instructor education
No instructor qualification applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation, suspension or voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board order
Follow the disciplinary order; permanent revocation precludes reinstatement. If the order specifies no conditions, or the license was surrendered, wait at least one year. Prove the original grounds no longer exist and reinstatement serves the public interest.
Case specific conditions
The Board may impose case-specific conditions. No currently offered identifiable licensure examination is named by the reinstatement provisions.
Cross reference
Rule 940.10 still references 506.31; the current reinstatement provision is 506.32, effective March 28, 2025.
Reactivation
After Board reinstatement, separately obtain reactivation under rule 940.9 before practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Six hours each biennium: four in the practice discipline and two in Iowa law, rules and sanitation. First renewal is exempt; approved out-of-state practice and military exemptions apply.
Legacy conversion
On successful renewal, a pre-July 1, 2024 cosmetologist or barber license converts to the combined barbering and cosmetology license.
Renewal
Submit the completed online renewal application, fee and continuing-education certificates before expiration; the cycle is April 1 through March 31 two years later.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by verification under Iowa Code 272C.12
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee, license attestation, scope statement and relevant scope-of-practice laws.
Compact
An Iowa compact privilege does not qualify for verification; this license grants no interstate compact privileges.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history; disclose criminal records and submit fingerprints if required.
Discipline
No revoked or surrendered license while under investigation; unresolved discipline or pending complaints delay a decision.
Education and experience
The original jurisdiction verifies its minimum education and applicable experience or clinical-supervision requirements were met.
License
Current license with substantially similar scope, in good standing in every issuing jurisdiction.
Prior exam
Document the examination required by the issuing jurisdiction, if applicable; the statute names no identifiable currently offered exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Barbering and Cosmetology License — Veteran or Active-Duty Military Spouse

Temporary authorization while completing additional education or training to address different out-of-state scope of practice.

Licensing authority: Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences · Application information

Military reciprocal temporary license — training deficiencies
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Applicability
Iowa Code 272C.12A(2) directs temporary issuance for the training deficiency; rule 7.3(5) states the additional examination and public-protection conditions the Board applies.
Eligibility
Veteran or active-duty military spouse holding another-jurisdiction professional license whose scope is not substantially equivalent; additional education or training is needed.
Exam
Rule 7.3(5)(a) requires passage of the required licensure examination before a temporary license is issued; prior passing scores are conditions even though no new sitting may be necessary.
Temporary period
The Board specifies the time and protective conditions; good-cause extensions are case-specific.

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