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Mississippi Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Cosmetology license

License to practice cosmetology. Separately defined barber, esthetician and nail-technician practitioner identities are distinct professions; cosmetology teaching and permits are retained below. Master cosmetologist issuance was repealed by SB 2566 section 23 effective April 1, 2026.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering · Application information

Initial licensure after apprenticeship
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 at application.
Application
Complete the Board application, required supporting documents and fee; provide social security number and the two recent passport-style photographs required by section 73-7-13. Board approval is required before scheduling.
Apprenticeship Program
Board approval and Department of Labor or Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship registration; required curriculum, related instruction, supervised practice, records and completion documentation under Chapter 9.
Education
Completed tenth grade or successfully enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university, under section 73-7-13(1). Board Rule 5.3 and the April 2026 application additionally ask for proof of tenth-grade completion.
Retakes
Wait at least 14 days after a failed examination. After three failures complete remedial training of 10% to 15% of the theory hours; each later failure requires further remedial education.
Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination. Passing scores can be used for licensure for three years.
Training
At least 3000 hours in a Board-certified cosmetology apprenticeship; at least 70 in training. The mentor must be a licensed cosmetology instructor or cosmetologist with at least 15 years of experience, with no more than two apprentices per mentor and two mentors per salon.
Cosmetology licensure for a licensed barber
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 at application.
Application
Complete the Board application, required supporting documents and fee; provide social security number and the two recent passport-style photographs required by section 73-7-13. Board approval is required before scheduling.
Education
Completed tenth grade or successfully enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university, under section 73-7-13(1). Board Rule 5.3 and the April 2026 application additionally ask for proof of tenth-grade completion.
Existing License
Current valid barber license following at least 1500 hours in a licensed barber school.
Retakes
Wait at least 14 days after a failed examination. After three failures complete remedial training of 10% to 15% of the theory hours; each later failure requires further remedial education.
Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination. Passing scores can be used for licensure for three years.
Training
Complete 600 hours in a licensed cosmetology school with at least 70; the Board application does not require a crossover applicant to attach proof of tenth grade.
Cosmetology licensure with esthetician training credit
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 at application.
Application
Complete the Board application, required supporting documents and fee; provide social security number and the two recent passport-style photographs required by section 73-7-13. Board approval is required before scheduling.
Education
Completed tenth grade or successfully enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university, under section 73-7-13(1). Board Rule 5.3 and the April 2026 application additionally ask for proof of tenth-grade completion.
Existing License
Licensed esthetician pursuing cosmetology licensure.
Retakes
Wait at least 14 days after a failed examination. After three failures complete remedial training of 10% to 15% of the theory hours; each later failure requires further remedial education.
Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination. Passing scores can be used for licensure for three years.
Training
Qualifying prior training hours may be credited toward the cosmetology examination hours; the remaining cosmetology training and application requirements must be met.
Cosmetology licensure with nail technician training credit
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 at application.
Application
Complete the Board application, required supporting documents and fee; provide social security number and the two recent passport-style photographs required by section 73-7-13. Board approval is required before scheduling.
Education
Completed tenth grade or successfully enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university, under section 73-7-13(1). Board Rule 5.3 and the April 2026 application additionally ask for proof of tenth-grade completion.
Existing License
Licensed nail technician pursuing cosmetology licensure.
Retakes
Wait at least 14 days after a failed examination. After three failures complete remedial training of 10% to 15% of the theory hours; each later failure requires further remedial education.
Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination. Passing scores can be used for licensure for three years.
Training
Qualifying prior training hours may be credited toward the cosmetology examination hours; the remaining cosmetology training and application requirements must be met.
2026 renewal exemption for experienced licensees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
On renewal complete courses in human/labor trafficking and domestic violence under section 73-7-19(4).
Experience
At least ten years of experience under the license.
Expiration
License expired for no more than ten years.
Fees
Required renewal fees and adjudicated fines; statutory exemption overrides a general retest demand.
Period
April 1 through December 31, 2026.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01 through 2026-12-31.

Renewal after at least three years expired without a statutory exemption
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Continuing Education
On renewal complete courses in human/labor trafficking and domestic violence under section 73-7-19(4).
Expiration
At least three years expired; the experienced-licensee statutory exemption does not apply.
Score
70 scaled score minimum; pay required renewal fees and fines.
Testing
Retake cosmetology theory; current Board application waives a repeat training transcript and tenth-grade proof for a former Mississippi license holder.
Registration in inactive licensure status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At renewal submit Inactive Licensure Status Request and required inactive fee.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize active practice.
Qualification
Hold an active license in good standing but do not actively practice in Mississippi.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Military Family Freedom Act licensure based on license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
This application is available for active members of the military, spouses, and/or dependents of an active member of the military who have held a license issued by another state/US Territory/US Military for at least one (1) year. There is no fee for this application. Instructions: This form must be completed and accompanied by the following attachments: 1. Two (2) passport style color photograph taken within the last ninety (90) days of application date; 2. Two (2) current forms of identification of which at least one (1) must be a government issued identification with photograph; 3. A color copy of the applicant’s current and valid, out-of-state (or US Territory) practitioner or instructor license; 4. Certified letter/Certification/Verification/Affidavit with proof of good standing from the out- of-state’s (or US Territory) licensing board; 5. Proof of active membership in the military OR proof of marriage or dependency on an active member of the Military; and 6. Service Order Requesting Relocation.
Conduct
Satisfy statutory good-standing, misconduct, criminal-record, surrender and unresolved-complaint requirements.
Decision
The Board will issue or deny within 120 days. Rule 5.7 permits a temporary practice permit for 120 days.
Fee
The cosmetology statute section 73-7-29 exempts Military Family Freedom Act applicants from the application fee.
Military Status
Military member, spouse or dependent located in Mississippi.
Qualification
At least one year holding a current valid license in another state with similar scope of practice, under section 73-50-1(3)(b).
Statutory Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination; Rule 5.7 defines military issuance without requiring a named examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Military Family Freedom Act licensure based on military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
This application is available for active members of the military, spouses, and/or dependents of an active member of the military who have held a license issued by another state/US Territory/US Military for at least one (1) year. There is no fee for this application. Instructions: This form must be completed and accompanied by the following attachments: 1. Two (2) passport style color photograph taken within the last ninety (90) days of application date; 2. Two (2) current forms of identification of which at least one (1) must be a government issued identification with photograph; 3. A color copy of the applicant’s current and valid, out-of-state (or US Territory) practitioner or instructor license; 4. Certified letter/Certification/Verification/Affidavit with proof of good standing from the out- of-state’s (or US Territory) licensing board; 5. Proof of active membership in the military OR proof of marriage or dependency on an active member of the Military; and 6. Service Order Requesting Relocation.
Conduct
Satisfy statutory good-standing, misconduct, criminal-record, surrender and unresolved-complaint requirements.
Decision
The Board will issue or deny within 120 days. Rule 5.7 permits a temporary practice permit for 120 days.
Fee
The cosmetology statute section 73-7-29 exempts Military Family Freedom Act applicants from the application fee.
Military Status
Military member, spouse or dependent located in Mississippi.
Qualification
Military occupational specialty, completed military training and testing or equivalent training/experience, and occupational practice under section 73-50-1(3)(a).
Statutory Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination; Rule 5.7 defines military issuance without requiring a named examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Military Family Freedom Act licensure based on work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Application
This application is available for active members of the military, spouses, and/or dependents of an active member of the military who have held a license issued by another state/US Territory/US Military for at least one (1) year. There is no fee for this application. Instructions: This form must be completed and accompanied by the following attachments: 1. Two (2) passport style color photograph taken within the last ninety (90) days of application date; 2. Two (2) current forms of identification of which at least one (1) must be a government issued identification with photograph; 3. A color copy of the applicant’s current and valid, out-of-state (or US Territory) practitioner or instructor license; 4. Certified letter/Certification/Verification/Affidavit with proof of good standing from the out- of-state’s (or US Territory) licensing board; 5. Proof of active membership in the military OR proof of marriage or dependency on an active member of the Military; and 6. Service Order Requesting Relocation.
Conduct
Satisfy statutory good-standing, misconduct, criminal-record, surrender and unresolved-complaint requirements.
Decision
The Board will issue or deny within 120 days. Rule 5.7 permits a temporary practice permit for 120 days.
Fee
The cosmetology statute section 73-7-29 exempts Military Family Freedom Act applicants from the application fee.
Military Status
Military member, spouse or dependent located in Mississippi.
Qualification
At least three years in a similar lawful occupation in a state that does not license it, under section 73-50-1(4).
Statutory Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination; Rule 5.7 defines military issuance without requiring a named examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Removal of inactive licensure status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Removal of Inactive License Status application, fee and required supporting documents.
Fees
Pay the applicable processing fee and outstanding fines.
Qualification
Practitioner statute allows written reasons and Board-approved continuing education, or satisfactory evidence of active good-standing practice elsewhere with no disqualifying conduct. Instructors must document at least 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Biennial renewal and delinquent renewal before retesting threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
On renewal complete courses in human/labor trafficking and domestic violence under section 73-7-19(4).
Elapsed Time
License has not been expired for the three-year retesting threshold.
Photos
Any submitted passport-style renewal photographs must have been taken in the last 90 days.
Renewal
Renew biennially; 60-day grace period; required renewal and applicable delinquent fees and all fines must be paid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Senior licensure renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 70 at renewal; active Mississippi license in good standing.
Continuing Education
On renewal complete courses in human/labor trafficking and domestic violence under section 73-7-19(4).
Fee
No renewal fee; renewal form still due biennially and late fees may apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-04-01.

Universal recognition based on license
Cosmetology UROLA Law & Sanitation (practice unavailable)
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or misconduct; no surrender due to negligence or intentional misconduct; pending complaints must be resolved or otherwise satisfy the Board; pay applicable fees.
Examination Timing
Pass the Mississippi Laws and Sanitation Examination within one year of application approval. First complete the universal application and obtain the temporary work permit to register.
Implementation Condition
Applicants for a Mississippi license who have (1) held a license issued by another state or US Territory for at least one (1) year and (2) established residency in Mississippi may complete this application to sit for the Mississippi Law and Sanitation Examination.
Qualification
Hold a current valid license in good standing for at least one year in another state with similar scope of practice and satisfy section 73-50-2(3)(b)-(f).
Residency
Establish Mississippi residency under section 73-50-2(6).
Temporary Practice
A temporary practice permit may precede the examination; it expires after 365 days and cannot be renewed or extended.
Universal recognition based on work experience
Cosmetology UROLA Law & Sanitation (practice unavailable)
Conduct
No disqualifying criminal record or misconduct; no surrender due to negligence or intentional misconduct; pending complaints must be resolved or otherwise satisfy the Board; pay applicable fees.
Examination Timing
Pass the Mississippi Laws and Sanitation Examination within one year of application approval. First complete the universal application and obtain the temporary work permit to register.
Implementation Condition
Applicants for a Mississippi license who have (1) held a license issued by another state or US Territory for at least one (1) year and (2) established residency in Mississippi may complete this application to sit for the Mississippi Law and Sanitation Examination.
Qualification
At least three years working in an occupation with a similar scope in a state that does not license that occupation; satisfy section 73-50-2(3)(c)-(f).
Residency
Establish Mississippi residency under section 73-50-2(6).
Temporary Practice
A temporary practice permit may precede the examination; it expires after 365 days and cannot be renewed or extended.
Licensure by reciprocity
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Board Application
*Licensees who were licensed in 2025 or later from some states/US Territories are not required to take the Mississippi Theory Exam but may, upon application approval, proceed to submission of the License Form.
Documents
Two recent passport-style photographs; identification, color copies of licenses, certifications of active practice and good standing, disciplinary history, required reciprocity fee.
Existing License
Current license in good standing in another state or United States territory; education requirements similar to Mississippi.
Similar Examination
Section 73-7-23 requires passage of an examination similar to that required by the Board. Examinations of another state are applicant conditions, not Mississippi exam leaves.
Testing
Applicants without an acceptable similar examination may sit the required cosmetology theory examination after approved application. A qualifying prior NIC passing score is still a currently offered exam leaf; waiver of a new sitting is an applicant condition.
Waiver
Applicants must successfully pass the examination as per Chapter 6. However, if the applicant passed a nationally developed written/theory exam in their home licensing state and such state license is reciprocal with Mississippi, then the applicant once their application is approved may request a license without sitting for the exam as per Chapter 6.
Initial licensure after cosmetology school
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 at application.
Application
Complete the Board application, required supporting documents and fee; provide social security number and the two recent passport-style photographs required by section 73-7-13. Board approval is required before scheduling.
Education
Completed tenth grade or successfully enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university, under section 73-7-13(1). Board Rule 5.3 and the April 2026 application additionally ask for proof of tenth-grade completion.
Retakes
Wait at least 14 days after a failed examination. After three failures complete remedial training of 10% to 15% of the theory hours; each later failure requires further remedial education.
Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination. Passing scores can be used for licensure for three years.
Training
At least 1500 hours over at least nine months in a licensed cosmetology school; at least 70 in the course of study.

Cosmetology UROLA Law & Sanitation

Passing score
70 scaled score
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 7 — Cosmetologists
  • Mississippi Code sections 73-50-1 and 73-50-2 — Military Family Freedom Act and Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 3: Declaratory Opinions
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 5: Licensure and Permits
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 7: Continuing Education
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 8: Schools
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 9: Apprenticeship
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 10: Establishments: Salons/Shops
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 11: Health and Safety
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 12: Hearings and Discipline
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 13: Establishments: Mobile Salon / Barber Shop
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