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Missouri 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.

Cosmetology Apprentice License

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Apprentice course/location change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Classification
Selected Class CA, CH, MO or E apprentice program.
Enrollment
Apply within three days with apprentice license, application fee and interim 20-day certificate; changing supervisor requires termination and new enrollment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Apprentice continuation beyond license expiry
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Classification
Selected Class CA, CH, MO or E apprentice program.
Enrollment
Submit a new enrollment application to continue training beyond expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extended apprentice registration pending examination — Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring

All of the following:

Classification
Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring
Extension
After completed training the Board may extend supervised practice to ten days following the first available licensure examination; the extension carries that upcoming operator examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
None: supplied NIC Cosmetology examinations.
Extended apprentice registration pending examination — Class CH — hairdresser
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Classification
Class CH — hairdresser
Extension
After completed training the Board may extend supervised practice to ten days following the first available licensure examination; the extension carries that upcoming operator examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination
Initial cosmetology apprentice registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Classification
Selected Class CA, CH, MO or E apprentice program.
Enrollment
Apply through establishment at least 14 days before training, submit fee, tenth-grade proof, age proof, character references, photos, applicant and supervisor signatures. Supervisor/establishment approval and posted licenses must precede credited training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination after apprenticeship

All of the following:

Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Complete 3000 apprentice hours under an approved supervisor; school and apprentice hours are not interchangeable.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
General one year reciprocity under section 324.009
State Law Test (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Nonresident military or law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Source priority
Section 324.009.3(2) mandates waiver of any examination; the Board’s general form demand is disclosed as an implementation condition.
Spouse category
Nonresident military/law-enforcement spouse as defined in section 324.009.1; meet subsection 2’s valid-license and one-year requirements; mandatory issuance within 30 days.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with outside state or foreign training credit

All of the following:

Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Board assesses licensed out-of-state/foreign school or apprentice training for substantial equivalence. Provide verified subject-by-subject hours and any Board-required additional training; foreign-language documents require an approved evaluation.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation
Hold the inactive classification; submit Board reactivation form and current renewal fee before resuming practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Signed renewal and fee before September 30 of odd-numbered years; do not practice after expiry.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident military or law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Source priority
Section 324.009.3(2) mandates waiver of any examination; the Board’s general form demand is disclosed as an implementation condition.
Spouse category
Resident military/law-enforcement spouse as defined in section 324.009.1; meet subsection 2’s valid-license and one-year requirements; mandatory issuance within 30 days.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Expiration
License expired more than two years. Complete practical portion only; submit license number, form, renewal/late fees, recent passport photos and examination fee at least 14 days before examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
None: the required NIC Cosmetology Practical version is supplied.
Restoration within two years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Expired no more than two years; submit reinstatement form, renewal and late fees. Restoration is expressly without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Complete 1500 (1220 in a public vocational/technical school) school hours or the statutory equivalent-credit-hour formula where authorized. Statutory curricula and approved-school requirements apply.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Licensure with examination score endorsement

All of the following:

Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Prior score and discretion
Applicant does not qualify for reciprocity and otherwise meets Missouri requirements. Board may waive the examination on written request if the applicant previously passed the examination currently administered in Missouri or its equivalent, at the Board passing score. Score endorsement is applicant discretion/waiver, so currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Reciprocity under section 329.130: equivalent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Eligibility
Hold a current license from another state, US territory or District of Columbia whose licensing requirements are similar to Missouri’s at application; the Board rule uses at least 95% of Missouri training hours.
Source priority
Section 329.130 expressly requires issuance without examination; the lower-ranked Board State Law Test demand above is preserved as an applicant condition under the contract.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity under section 329.130: two year practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Eligibility
Have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another state, US territory or District of Columbia.
Source priority
Section 329.130 expressly requires issuance without examination; the lower-ranked Board State Law Test demand above is preserved as an applicant condition under the contract.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion from crossover to corresponding individual cosmetology operator license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conversion
Existing crossover license with the corresponding cosmetology classification; apply at renewal or submit Board individual-license request and fee; surrender crossover license, which terminates. For operators, Class CA here is the destination classification; other classifications have their own corresponding conversions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring permit

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Temporary supervised practice pending examination

All of the following:

Eligibility
Qualified and approved to sit the corresponding classification’s examination; application and fee filed. Practice only under a current licensee in that occupation. Permit ends on failure, nonappearance or expiry and no additional permit is issued.
Unregistered nationwide exam
None: both NIC Cosmetology versions are supplied.

Class CH — hairdresser

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination after apprenticeship
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Complete 3000 apprentice hours under an approved supervisor; school and apprentice hours are not interchangeable.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination remains required; no matching version is supplied. Other registered exams shown here do not replace it.
General one year reciprocity under section 324.009
State Law Test (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Nonresident military or law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Source priority
Section 324.009.3(2) mandates waiver of any examination; the Board’s general form demand is disclosed as an implementation condition.
Spouse category
Nonresident military/law-enforcement spouse as defined in section 324.009.1; meet subsection 2’s valid-license and one-year requirements; mandatory issuance within 30 days.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with outside state or foreign training credit
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Board assesses licensed out-of-state/foreign school or apprentice training for substantial equivalence. Provide verified subject-by-subject hours and any Board-required additional training; foreign-language documents require an approved evaluation.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination remains required; no matching version is supplied. Other registered exams shown here do not replace it.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation
Hold the inactive classification; submit Board reactivation form and current renewal fee before resuming practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Signed renewal and fee before September 30 of odd-numbered years; do not practice after expiry.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident military or law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Existing license
Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level, issued by another state, branch or unit of the military, US territory or District of Columbia, for at least one year; submit verification. Section 324.009.3(1) requires verification of the issuing jurisdiction’s minimum education and applicable work-experience/clinical-supervision requirements.
Source priority
Section 324.009.3(2) mandates waiver of any examination; the Board’s general form demand is disclosed as an implementation condition.
Spouse category
Resident military/law-enforcement spouse as defined in section 324.009.1; meet subsection 2’s valid-license and one-year requirements; mandatory issuance within 30 days.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement more than two years after expiration
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Expiration
License expired more than two years. Complete practical portion only; submit license number, form, renewal/late fees, recent passport photos and examination fee at least 14 days before examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination
Restoration within two years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Expired no more than two years; submit reinstatement form, renewal and late fees. Restoration is expressly without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Training
Complete 1500 (1220 in a public vocational/technical school) school hours or the statutory equivalent-credit-hour formula where authorized. Statutory curricula and approved-school requirements apply.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination remains required; no matching version is supplied. Other registered exams shown here do not replace it.
Licensure with examination score endorsement
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Age and education
At least 17 years of age and successful tenth-grade-equivalent education; documented Board-approved training. Submit the sworn application; the statutory disqualifying offenses and Board qualification review apply.
Contractual fees
School applicants must satisfy the certification of payment of contractual school fees required by section 329.040.17.
Passing scores
Minimum 75 on written and 75 on practical portions. Retesting and required additional training after three failures follow 20 CSR 2085-7.010(3).
Prior score and discretion
Applicant does not qualify for reciprocity and otherwise meets Missouri requirements. Board may waive the examination on written request if the applicant previously passed the examination currently administered in Missouri or its equivalent, at the Board passing score. Score endorsement is applicant discretion/waiver, so currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Training window
Training recognized for five years; complete application and all hours within the applicable five-year period. Examination application and fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the desired examination.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination remains required; no matching version is supplied. Other registered exams shown here do not replace it.
Reciprocity under section 329.130: equivalent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Eligibility
Hold a current license from another state, US territory or District of Columbia whose licensing requirements are similar to Missouri’s at application; the Board rule uses at least 95% of Missouri training hours.
Source priority
Section 329.130 expressly requires issuance without examination; the lower-ranked Board State Law Test demand above is preserved as an applicant condition under the contract.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity under section 329.130: two year practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Eligibility
Have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another state, US territory or District of Columbia.
Source priority
Section 329.130 expressly requires issuance without examination; the lower-ranked Board State Law Test demand above is preserved as an applicant condition under the contract.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of crossover operator license to individual CH classification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conversion
Existing crossover license already authorizing this classified occupation; request corresponding individual license at renewal or with Board form/fee and surrender crossover license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Class CH — hairdresser permit

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Temporary supervised practice pending examination
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Eligibility
Qualified and approved to sit the corresponding classification’s examination; application and fee filed. Practice only under a current licensee in that occupation. Permit ends on failure, nonappearance or expiry and no additional permit is issued.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination

Crossover Operator License

Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information

Current barber crossing to Class CH
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Eligibility
Active good-standing Missouri barber; 500 Class-CH school hours, reduced by 250 for two years or all 500 for three years continuous licensed experience, or 1000 apprentice hours (500 with two years experience).
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination remains required and is absent from the supplied context.
New crossover operator applicant — Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring

All of the following:

Barber assessment
The Prov Missouri CIB identifies NIC Barber Styling Written and Barber Styling Practical assessments. These are another profession’s examinations, so they are conditions only under this contract.
Classification
Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring
Eligibility
Not currently Missouri licensed as barber/cosmetologist; satisfy both professions’ training, application and licensing requirements. Barber examinations are another profession’s assessments and are applicant conditions.
Crossover operator reinstatement after more than five years — Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring

All of the following:

Barber assessment
The Prov Missouri CIB identifies NIC Barber Styling Written and Barber Styling Practical assessments. These are another profession’s examinations, so they are conditions only under this contract.
Classification
Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring
Eligibility
Expired more than five years; meet all new-license training/examination requirements for both occupations; barber assessments remain conditions.
Crossover reinstatement more than two and less than five years — Class CA — hairdressing and manicuring
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Expiration
More than two but less than five years expired; take practical portions of both occupations. The barber practical is another profession’s assessment and a condition. Submit reinstatement form, fees, photos and required examination scheduling information.
Unregistered nationwide exam
None for cosmetology: the registered NIC Cosmetology Practical is retained.
New crossover operator applicant — Class CH — hairdresser
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Barber assessment
The Prov Missouri CIB identifies NIC Barber Styling Written and Barber Styling Practical assessments. These are another profession’s examinations, so they are conditions only under this contract.
Classification
Class CH — hairdresser
Eligibility
Not currently Missouri licensed as barber/cosmetologist; satisfy both professions’ training, application and licensing requirements. Barber examinations are another profession’s assessments and are applicant conditions.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination
Crossover operator reinstatement after more than five years — Class CH — hairdresser
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Barber assessment
The Prov Missouri CIB identifies NIC Barber Styling Written and Barber Styling Practical assessments. These are another profession’s examinations, so they are conditions only under this contract.
Classification
Class CH — hairdresser
Eligibility
Expired more than five years; meet all new-license training/examination requirements for both occupations; barber assessments remain conditions.
Unregistered nationwide exam
NIC National Hair Design Theory Examination
Crossover reinstatement more than two and less than five years — Class CH — hairdresser
National Cosmetology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Expiration
More than two but less than five years expired; take practical portions of both occupations. The barber practical is another profession’s assessment and a condition. Submit reinstatement form, fees, photos and required examination scheduling information.
Unregistered nationwide exam
None for cosmetology: the registered NIC Cosmetology Practical is retained.
Crossover general one year reciprocity
State Law Test (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Disqualifiers
Section 324.009.4 excludes revoked licenses, pending investigation/complaints or unresolved discipline, licenses not in good standing, disqualifying criminal records and licenses not valid when received. Corrected discipline may be considered; occupation-specific denial grounds, fees, bonds, insurance and fingerprint requirements remain. Licenses obtained through another state’s interstate compact are excluded, and the Missouri license cannot confer compact eligibility.
Eligibility
Existing corresponding crossover/both-profession license(s) and at least one year at the same practice level; establish both professional qualifications under 13.090.
Crossover nonresident military/law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board form demand
4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)
Eligibility
Corresponding nonresident spouse under 324.009.1, valid one-year corresponding outside license and subsection 4 exclusions; apply with proof.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial crossover renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditions
Signed renewal and fee by September 30 in odd-numbered years; instructors also satisfy approved seminar and operator/instructor renewal obligations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crossover resident military/law enforcement spouse reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board form demand
4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)
Eligibility
Corresponding resident spouse under 324.009.1, valid one-year corresponding outside license and subsection 4 exclusions; apply with proof.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crossover restoration within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditions
Application and renewal/late fees; expressly without examination. Instructor seminar and supporting information obligations remain.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Crossover reciprocity under profession specific exemptions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed notarized Board form, licensing-agency affidavit sent directly by that agency, two color passport photographs taken within two years, proof of age, email address, fee and required citizenship/criminal-history disclosures. The form requires the existing license to be active and in good standing.
Eligibility
Meet both barber and requested cosmetology/instructor reciprocity requirements; the respective licenses held elsewhere are conditions.
Source priority
Cosmetology statutory without-examination/equivalent issuance rules control the cosmetology requirement; any barber assessment is another profession’s condition.
State law implementation
The current Board reciprocity application, instruction 4, states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

State Law Test

Practice scope

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

  • Revised Statutes of Missouri, Chapter 328 — Barbers
  • Revised Statutes of Missouri, Chapter 329 — Cosmetologists, Hairdressers and Manicurists
  • 20 CSR 2085-2 — Public Complaint Handling and Disposition Procedures
  • 20 CSR 2085-4 — General Rules Applicable to All Licensees/Registrants
  • 20 CSR 2085-5 — Barber Licensing
  • 20 CSR 2085-6 — Barber Instructors
  • 20 CSR 2085-7 — Cosmetology Licensing
  • 20 CSR 2085-8 — Cosmetology Instructors and Instructor Trainees
  • 20 CSR 2085-9 — Apprenticeships—Barber and Cosmetology
  • 20 CSR 2085-10 — Establishments (Shops)—Barber and Cosmetology
  • 20 CSR 2085-11 — Sanitation Rules—Barber and Cosmetology
  • 20 CSR 2085-12 — Schools and Student Rules—Barber and Cosmetology
  • 20 CSR 2085-13 — Crossover Licenses
Examination sources