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Nebraska Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Cosmetologist License

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art · Application information

Reinstatement from disciplinary status
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete application, applicable fees, lawful-presence evidence and required conviction/discipline disclosures.
Board Discretion
Under section 38-149(2), the Board may require diagnostic evaluation, an unspecified written/oral/practical examination, additional education, practice-site inspection, or combinations. The unnamed examination slot is a condition. Board approval may restore fully or impose probation or limitations; the medical diagnostic examination belongs to another profession.
Continuing Education
Eight hours in the preceding 24 months, at least four within the applicable practice scope.
Expiration
December 31 of even-numbered years.
Instructor Education
No instructor-specific additional hours for the cosmetologist license.
Optional Jurisprudence
The jurisprudence exam is an optional source of two CE hours. The licensee may instead satisfy all CE through other acceptable activities; the exam leaf records that offered option and does not make it mandatory.
Prior Status
The previous license was suspended or limited, revoked at least two years earlier, or voluntarily surrendered for a permitted period; permanent surrender is ineligible.
Reinstatement
Complete reinstatement application and continuing competency before applying; pay renewal/reinstatement fees. Hours earned for reinstatement may also count for the next renewal.
Statutory Examination Text
(c) Require the applicant to pass a written, oral, or practical examination or any combination of such examinations at the expense of the applicant; (d) Require the applicant to successfully complete additional education at the expense of the applicant; (e) Require the applicant to successfully pass an inspection of his or her practice site; or (f) Take any combination of the actions in this subsection.
Reinstatement from expired status
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete application, applicable fees, lawful-presence evidence and required conviction/discipline disclosures.
Continuing Education
Eight hours in the preceding 24 months, at least four within the applicable practice scope.
Expiration
December 31 of even-numbered years.
Instructor Education
No instructor-specific additional hours for the cosmetologist license.
Optional Jurisprudence
The jurisprudence exam is an optional source of two CE hours. The licensee may instead satisfy all CE through other acceptable activities; the exam leaf records that offered option and does not make it mandatory.
Prior Status
The previous license expired; applicant seeks return to active practice.
Reinstatement
Complete reinstatement application and continuing competency before applying; pay renewal/reinstatement fees. Hours earned for reinstatement may also count for the next renewal.
Reinstatement from inactive status
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete application, applicable fees, lawful-presence evidence and required conviction/discipline disclosures.
Continuing Education
Eight hours in the preceding 24 months, at least four within the applicable practice scope.
Expiration
December 31 of even-numbered years.
Instructor Education
No instructor-specific additional hours for the cosmetologist license.
Optional Jurisprudence
The jurisprudence exam is an optional source of two CE hours. The licensee may instead satisfy all CE through other acceptable activities; the exam leaf records that offered option and does not make it mandatory.
Prior Status
The previous license was placed on inactive status; applicant seeks reactivation.
Reinstatement
Complete reinstatement application and continuing competency before applying; pay renewal/reinstatement fees. Hours earned for reinstatement may also count for the next renewal.
Biennial renewal with continuing competency
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete application, applicable fees, lawful-presence evidence and required conviction/discipline disclosures.
Continuing Education
Eight hours in the preceding 24 months, at least four within the applicable practice scope.
Expiration
December 31 of even-numbered years.
Instructor Education
No instructor-specific additional hours for the cosmetologist license.
Optional Jurisprudence
The jurisprudence exam is an optional source of two CE hours. The licensee may instead satisfy all CE through other acceptable activities; the exam leaf records that offered option and does not make it mandatory.
Renewal with full continuing competency waiver: first credentialed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application and required documentation; pay applicable fee unless also waived.
Examination
This waiver route requires no profession examination; no optional CE exam is included in the waived continuing competency.
Waiver Eligibility
First credentialed within the 24 months immediately before renewal; continuing competency is waived.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • nac10

    Continuing competency waiver, first-credentialed

  • nac10

    172 NAC 10-004, renewal application

Renewal with full continuing competency waiver: hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application and required documentation; pay applicable fee unless also waived.
Examination
This waiver route requires no profession examination; no optional CE exam is included in the waived continuing competency.
Waiver Eligibility
Department-approved complete waiver based on documented circumstances beyond the licensee's control; a partial waiver still requires the remaining CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with full continuing competency waiver: military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete renewal application and required documentation; pay applicable fee unless also waived.
Examination
This waiver route requires no profession examination; no optional CE exam is included in the waived continuing competency.
Waiver Eligibility
Actively engaged in military service; renewal fee and continuing competency are waived, subject to audit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • nac10

    Continuing competency waiver, military-service

  • nac10

    172 NAC 10-004, renewal application

Licensure following training in a foreign country
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 17 years of age; examination applicants must reach that age on or before the examination begins.
Application
Complete the Department application, submit required supporting documents and applicable fee or fee-waiver evidence.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions, disciplinary action, prior credential denials, and other jurisdictions in which credentials are or were held.
Education
United States high school education or equivalent.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 permits an equivalent examination approved by the Board; an unidentified approved equivalent is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Foreign Qualification
Current foreign-country licensure or equivalent official right to practice, or at least five years of practice during the eight years before application, establishes training equivalency to the Department.
Language
The NIC test is administered in English; non-English application documents require a notarized or equivalent translation by someone other than the applicant.
Lawful Presence
Submit documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence under the application and 172 NAC 10.
Passing Score
Submit a scaled score of at least 75 on the required license examination.
Version Notice
PSI Nebraska General Information states: "NE Cosmetology Theory Examination – English – proposed live date 7/23/26" for an updated NIC outline. The notice says proposed and does not establish an effective replacement of the frozen registered version. The supplied current registered NIC Theory version is referenced without researching or revising its national outline.
Waiver
Section 38-1067 requires examination in all cases except the military-spouse temporary-license provision of section 38-129.01.
Licensure by examination
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 17 years of age; examination applicants must reach that age on or before the examination begins.
Application
Complete the Department application, submit required supporting documents and applicable fee or fee-waiver evidence.
Authorization
The Department must accept the license application and issue approval to test before scheduling with PSI.
Barber Credit
Nebraska-licensed barbers attending a school of cosmetology may receive 1,000 hours of course credit under section 38-10,107(1).
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions, disciplinary action, prior credential denials, and other jurisdictions in which credentials are or were held.
Education
United States high school education or equivalent.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 permits an equivalent examination approved by the Board; an unidentified approved equivalent is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Language
The NIC test is administered in English; non-English application documents require a notarized or equivalent translation by someone other than the applicant.
Lawful Presence
Submit documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence under the application and 172 NAC 10.
Passing Score
Submit a scaled score of at least 75 on the required license examination.
Training
Graduate from a cosmetology school or apprentice salon with a minimum of 1,800 hours.
Version Notice
PSI Nebraska General Information states: "NE Cosmetology Theory Examination – English – proposed live date 7/23/26" for an updated NIC outline. The notice says proposed and does not establish an effective replacement of the frozen registered version. The supplied current registered NIC Theory version is referenced without researching or revising its national outline.
Licensure by reciprocity
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 17 years of age; examination applicants must reach that age on or before the examination begins.
Application
Complete the Department application, submit required supporting documents and applicable fee or fee-waiver evidence.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions, disciplinary action, prior credential denials, and other jurisdictions in which credentials are or were held.
Education
United States high school education or equivalent.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 permits an equivalent examination approved by the Board; an unidentified approved equivalent is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Language
The NIC test is administered in English; non-English application documents require a notarized or equivalent translation by someone other than the applicant.
Lawful Presence
Submit documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence under the application and 172 NAC 10.
Other License
Current cosmetologist license in another jurisdiction, without discipline or revocation under section 38-1066(1)(a).
Passing Score
Submit a scaled score of at least 75 on the required license examination.
Prior Examination
Show the examination and result on which the other jurisdiction issued its license. The NIC examination is required if that license was not examination-based; passage of a prior examination is an applicant condition unless the source identifies a current registered examination.
Statutory Priority
Section 38-1066(1)(b) says "If an examination was not required for licensure in the other jurisdiction, the applicant shall take the Nebraska examination"; the Board application says "If a written examination was not required for licensure in another jurisdiction, you must take the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination." The statute governs the route and the Board states it will seek evidence of a written examination.
Training
Complete 1,800 training hours; each month of full-time licensed practice in the five preceding years may provide 100 hour-equivalents.
Version Notice
PSI Nebraska General Information states: "NE Cosmetology Theory Examination – English – proposed live date 7/23/26" for an updated NIC outline. The notice says proposed and does not establish an effective replacement of the frozen registered version. The supplied current registered NIC Theory version is referenced without researching or revising its national outline.

Temporary Cosmetology Practitioner License

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art · Application information

Temporary practice pending the licensing examination
National Cosmetology Theory Examination
Age
At least 17 years of age; examination applicants must reach that age on or before the examination begins.
Application
Complete the Department application, submit required supporting documents and applicable fee or fee-waiver evidence.
Application Accepted
The Department has accepted the complete regular-license application.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions, disciplinary action, prior credential denials, and other jurisdictions in which credentials are or were held.
Duration
Expires eight weeks after issuance or on receipt of examination results, whichever occurs first; the Department may extend another eight weeks.
Education
United States high school education or equivalent.
Employment
Accepted for work in a licensed cosmetology establishment, with supervision at all times by a cosmetologist or cosmetology instructor.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 permits an equivalent examination approved by the Board; an unidentified approved equivalent is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Exam Timing
This temporary credential allows supervised work while waiting for the NIC examination; passing the examination is not a prerequisite to the temporary license.
Language
The NIC test is administered in English; non-English application documents require a notarized or equivalent translation by someone other than the applicant.
Lawful Presence
Submit documentation of United States citizenship or lawful presence under the application and 172 NAC 10.
Passing Score
Submit a scaled score of at least 75 on the required license examination.
Prior Failure
Applicant has not failed any portion of the licensure examination.
Version Notice
PSI Nebraska General Information states: "NE Cosmetology Theory Examination – English – proposed live date 7/23/26" for an updated NIC outline. The notice says proposed and does not establish an effective replacement of the frozen registered version. The supplied current registered NIC Theory version is referenced without researching or revising its national outline.

Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination

Format
Open-book online multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50
Passing score
75%
Examination outline
  • 172 NAC Chapter 36 — Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology
  • 172 NAC Chapter 34 — Sanitation and Safety Relating to Cosmetology, Esthetic, and Nail Technology Services
  • 172 NAC Chapter 37 — Cosmetology, Esthetic, and Nail Technology Schools, Satellite Classrooms, and Apprentice Salons
  • 172 NAC Chapter 5 — Mandatory Reporting by Health Care Professionals, Facilities, Peer Review Organizations, Professional Associations, and Insurers
  • 172 NAC Chapter 9 — Business Credentials Issued under the Uniform Credentialing Act
  • 172 NAC Chapter 10 — Credentials Issued under the Uniform Credentialing Act
  • 172 NAC Chapter 1 — Rules of Practice and Procedure Governing Reinstatement of a Health Professional License
  • Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act
  • Uniform Credentialing Act
  • Administrative Procedure Act
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