Indiana Cosmetology License Information

In order to obtain a license in Barbering, Cosmetology, Nail Technology, or Esthetics in the state of Indiana, individuals must complete the requirements listed below. Other requirements may apply.

Cosmetologist: 1500 hours
Esthetician: 700 hours
Nail Technician: 450 hours
Barber: 1500 hours

Licensing Fee Schedule: (Fees subject to change)

Examination Fee: $59 (Payable to exam service. Do not send with examination application.)
Individual License Fee (by exam): $40
Individual License Fee (by reciprocity): $100
Renewal Fee (individual & salon): $40
Restoration Fee (all license types): $50
Duplicate License Fee: $10

Continuing Education Requirements:

Applicants will need 16 hours of continuing education in order to renew their license. Individuals are required to take classes that fall under their license training. All applicants are required to do the mandatory classes. Cosmetologists can choose from most of the electives. Estheticians and Manicurists must choose from their field. Mandatory Required Classes: Four necessary 2-hour courses are specified by the Board as State License Law (2 hours); OSHA (2 hours); Communicable Disease (2 hours); and Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization (2 hours). Elective Required: includes long hair (4 hours); hair coloring and cutting (4 hours); skin care and makeup (8 hours); artificial nails (8 hours); and advanced spa manicure and pedicure (8 hours).

Reciprocity:

Individuals that have been licensed as a cosmetologist in another state may obtain a license in Indiana as long as the state in which they were originally licensed has requirements equal to those of Indiana. In the cases where training is less than Indiana’s requirements, the applicant will receive 100 hours of credit for each one (1) year period of practical work experience. Every applicant, regardless of length of time licensed in another state, must take an examination regarding the Rules and Regulations of Indiana pertaining to the profession in which they are applying for licensure. If the issuing state did not require the applicant to take a practical examination, they will be required to do so to become licensed in Indiana.

Contact Information:

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
State Board of Cosmetology Examiners
302 W. Washington St., Rm. EO-34
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-2980