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Montana 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.

Cosmetologist

Individual license to practice cosmetology. Premises licenses under 37-31-302 and 37-31-311 are separate operational identities, not individual practice credentials. Registration-only practice under 37-1-144(5) and 10-3-118 does not issue a Montana credential.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Early testing
The Registered Apprenticeship Program may approve testing after 90 percent completion when 37-31-304(1)(a) is met.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Complete a 3000-hour cosmetology apprenticeship, including at least 200 theory hours and the ARM 24.121.621 curriculum, through the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program with its completion certificate.
DPHHS certified training exemption for a person with a physical disability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Person with a physical disability trained by DPHHS, with DPHHS certification of successful completion of the required school training.
Exemption period
Exempt from examination and fees for one year immediately following graduation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement without examination under 37 31 304(1)(c)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, and verifications.
Course hours
The other state course-of-study hour requirement equals or exceeds Montana, as determined by the Board.
Other license
Current license elsewhere; no pending or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Source priority
The statute expressly requires issuance without examination. The lower-ranked Cosmetologist Checklist states: 4. Passed the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Cosmetology theory and practical exams with at least a 75% (ARM 24.121.611).  If you apply for a license and meet all the requirements except having passed the theory and/or practical exam, department staff will approve you to register to take the exam(s) through our exam administration contractor, Prov.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application, fee, license verification and applicable history disclosures.
Board determination
The Board applies its adopted equivalency publication. Education, examination, and experience are routine under ARM 24.121.615; other issues may be nonroutine. No other jurisdiction is researched here.
Exemption
No new examination is required when 37-31-304(1)(c) without-examination criteria are satisfied.
Other license
Active license in good standing from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent current qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expired license reactivation within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal requirements
Submit renewal, current renewal fee and late penalty within two years; meet accrued certification or education requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with foreign education

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
Foreign documents
Certify all foreign documents through a credential-evaluating service; it must deliver evaluations directly to the Department. Applicant pays evaluation costs.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Fulfill all cosmetology licensing requirements.
Reactivation within 45 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal requirements
Submit completed renewal, current renewal fee and late penalty within 45 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military member, spouse, or veteran reciprocity with equivalent qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military-status evidence, application and license verification.
Eligibility
Meet military, spouse, veteran and relocation/transfer circumstances in 37-1-147; hold an out-of-state license in good standing.
Equivalence
Board determines substantial equivalency. Pending charges or final discipline for unprofessional conduct or impairment disqualify the applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement from a non equivalent jurisdiction using qualifying training

All of the following:

Application
Submit application, fee, verifications and history disclosures.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
Other license
Active license in good standing from a jurisdiction not substantially equivalent.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Statutory exception
Where 37-31-304(1)(c) course-hour equivalence is met, use its without-examination route. This route covers applicants outside that exemption.
Training
Qualify through the 37-31-304 course or ARM 24.121.621 apprenticeship. Work-hour attestation is required only if neither training route is met.
Endorsement from a non equivalent jurisdiction using work experience

All of the following:

Application
Submit application, fee, verifications and history disclosures.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
Experience
Attest to at least 3000 hours as a licensed cosmetologist.
Other license
Active license in good standing from a non-equivalent jurisdiction.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Training deficiency
Neither the course of study under 37-31-304 nor apprenticeship under ARM 24.121.621 is completed.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal requirements
Submit completed renewal and fees by March 1 in the applicable biennial cycle.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive status during activated reserve service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Activation
Submit federal orders for at least 90 consecutive days of active duty and request inactive status.
Protection
No licensing or CE fees, CE completion/reporting, or lapse for their nonpayment/noncompletion during active duty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after activated reserve service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
Board may fully restore, impose conditions, suspend or revoke. A hearing may be requested within 90 days of a conditional or adverse decision.
Discharge
Submit discharge documents; Board evaluates military duties, position and duration against profession requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Early testing
A Montana school may approve examination eligibility after 90 percent of educational requirements.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Complete a 1500-hour cosmetology course and receive a diploma from an authorized school.
New original license after termination

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Termination
Not renewed within two years; license terminates and cannot be reactivated. Complete current new-application requirements including examination if applicable.
Training
Meet current education/apprenticeship requirements; statutory endorsement or disability exemptions apply when their criteria are met.

Provisional license — Cosmetologist

Discretionary provisional licensure for an otherwise eligible cosmetology applicant pending the examination, experience, or verification conditions in 37-1-144.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Provisional license pending examination after apprenticeship training

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Department discretion
Department initially determines eligibility except pending examination and may grant provisional licensure. Validity/inactivation follows 37-1-144(3)-(4).
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Complete registered cosmetology apprenticeship requirements under ARM 24.121.621.
Provisional endorsement pending verification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department discretion
Department may issue provisionally; statutory terminating events render the license inactive without appeal.
Eligibility
Otherwise eligible for statutory no-examination endorsement, except pending verification of licensure in good standing or absence of relevant charges/actions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional license pending examination after school training

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old.
Application
Submit application and fee. Adopted 2025 rule sets the original practice-license fee at $100; the 2024 checklist still prints $80.
Character
Good moral character.
Department discretion
Department initially determines eligibility except pending examination and may grant provisional licensure. Validity/inactivation follows 37-1-144(3)-(4).
Equivalent examinations
ARM 24.121.611 permits equivalents aligning with the license sought. This unnamed equivalent slot is an applicant condition, not an invented alternative exam.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on both NIC Cosmetology theory and practical examinations.
License verification
Official verification from every jurisdiction where any professional license is or was held.
Personal history
Explain affirmative history responses and provide originating agency/court documents.
Practical services
Montana Prov CIB page 5 specifies Core Practical Sections, Hair Removal of the Eyebrows, and Manicure. These are services within the practical examination, not separate examination identities.
Secondary education
High-school diploma or recognized equivalent, subject to the Board exception under 37-31-304 and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Meet authorized 1500-hour cosmetology school education requirements.

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