Mississippi Cosmetology License Requirements

Getting a cosmetology license in Mississippi requires completing a state-approved training program, passing three licensing examinations, and submitting an application to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The process applies to new applicants; out-of-state licensees may apply for reciprocity or through UROLA (Uniform Reciprocal Occupational Licensing Act).

Step 1: Complete Required Training

Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a board-licensed school, or complete a 3,000-hour board-certified apprenticeship. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed 10th grade or be enrolled in a college or university. A list of licensed Mississippi cosmetology schools is available at msbcb.ms.gov/rules-and-regulations.

Step 2: Apply to the Board

Download the Application to Test for Practitioner License from msbcb.ms.gov/licensure-renewals. Submit the completed application with a 2×2 inch passport-style photograph, your social security number, and the application fee. Once approved, you will be authorized to schedule your examinations.

Step 3: Pass Three Examinations

Mississippi requires three separate exams for a cosmetology license:

1. NIC Written Theory Examination — covers cosmetology theory, science, and technical knowledge
2. Law and Sanitation Examination — covers Mississippi board laws, rules, regulations, and sanitation standards
3. NIC Practical Examination — hands-on skills test across the cosmetologist scope of practice

All exams are scheduled through the board's portal at ms.gov/msbc/exam-registration. NIC theory study aids are available at msbcb.ms.gov/examination.

Step 4: Receive Your License

After passing all three examinations, submit the License Request Form with payment. Upon approval, your Mississippi cosmetology license is issued and valid for two years. Renew biennially through the portal at ms.gov/msbc/online_licensure for $50. No continuing education is required for practitioner renewal as of April 1, 2026.

Reciprocity and UROLA

Licensed cosmetologists from other states may apply for a Mississippi license through reciprocity or UROLA. Download the reciprocity application from msbcb.ms.gov/licensure-renewals. The application fee under reciprocity is $55. Active-duty military personnel and recent veterans have additional options under Mississippi's military licensing provisions.

Mississippi sets minimum training hour requirements for each license type, which may be fulfilled through a board-licensed school or a board-certified apprenticeship program.

Required Training Hours by License Type

School Training

The 1,500-hour cosmetology program must be completed at a school licensed by the MSBCB. The board publishes a list of licensed schools at msbcb.ms.gov/rules-and-regulations. School programs must follow the board-approved curriculum, which covers hair science, skin science, nail science, infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and business skills.

Apprenticeship Training

Mississippi allows apprenticeships as an alternative to school training. Apprenticeships must be board-certified and mentored by a licensed instructor or a practitioner with at least 15 years of experience. No mentor may supervise more than two apprentices at a time, and no salon or barber shop may have more than two active apprentice mentors operating simultaneously. Students complete training within the licensed salon or barber shop rather than a school setting.

Minimum Age and Education

Cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology applicants must be at least 16 years old and must have completed the 10th grade or be enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university.

Mississippi requires applicants to pass three separate examinations before a cosmetology license is issued. All exams are administered through the board's online scheduling portal at ms.gov/msbc/exam-registration.

1. NIC Written Theory Examination

The NIC (National-Interstate Council) written theory exam tests knowledge of cosmetology science, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, infection control, and technical theory applicable to the specific license type. Mississippi provides NIC theory study aids for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and instructor candidates at msbcb.ms.gov/examination. A Theory Examination Manual and candidate handbook are also available on the board's website.

2. Law and Sanitation Examination

The Law and Sanitation exam covers Mississippi's cosmetology and barbering statutes (Title 73, Chapter 7), board rules and regulations, and sanitation standards for practitioners and establishments. A Law & Sanitation Examination Handbook is available at msbcb.ms.gov/examination. This exam is unique to Mississippi — most states incorporate law content into their general theory exam, but Mississippi administers it separately.

3. NIC Practical Examination

The NIC practical examination evaluates hands-on technical skills. For cosmetology candidates, the practical tests competencies across hair, skin, and nail services within the cosmetologist scope of practice. Candidates must demonstrate proper safety, sanitation, and technical execution throughout the practical exam. Passing all three examinations is required before a license is issued.

Temporary Permit

After completing required training hours and paying the applicable fee, applicants may receive a temporary permit to practice while awaiting their examination results. Temporary permits are valid until the next exam date but not longer than six months. Only one temporary permit is issued per applicant.

Mississippi cosmetology and barbering licenses renew every two years. The practitioner renewal fee is $50. Instructor renewal is $80. Licensees age 70 or older are exempt from renewal fees.

How to Renew

Renew online through the board's portal at ms.gov/msbc/online_licensure. You will need your license number and payment information. Paper renewal forms are also available at msbcb.ms.gov/licensure-renewals for mail-in renewal. Each renewal application must include a current passport-style photograph.

No CE Required for Practitioners

Effective April 1, 2026, Mississippi eliminated mandatory continuing education for cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and nail technician licensees when S.B. 2566 repealed Miss. Code Ann. § 73-7-14. No CE hours are reported at renewal for these practitioners. Instructors must still complete 12 clock hours of board-approved CE biennially before renewing their instructor license.

Delinquent Renewal

Renewing after your license expiration date incurs a $50 delinquent renewal penalty on top of the standard renewal fee, for a total of $100 at renewal. A license cannot be renewed while any outstanding fines assessed by the board remain unpaid. Contact the board at (601) 359-1820 if your license has been expired for an extended period.

Inactive Status

Licensees not currently practicing may place their license in inactive status. Inactive licensees may not perform cosmetology services. To reactivate, submit the Removal of Inactive Licensure Status Request Form available at msbcb.ms.gov/licensure-renewals.

The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates the following license and establishment types. Each has distinct training requirements and scope of practice.

Practitioner Licenses

Instructor License

Instructors must hold a current Mississippi practitioner license, be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 600 hours of instructor training at a licensed school. Instructors must renew biennially ($80) and complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal cycle.

Establishment Licenses

• Salon/Barber Shop — Any establishment where cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nail services are performed for compensation must hold a salon/barber shop license. Application and initial inspection fee: $85; annual renewal: $60.
• School — Institutions offering cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nail technology programs must be licensed by the board before enrolling students. School application and inspection fee: $300; annual renewal: $75.

Crossover Licensure

Licensed cosmetologists may obtain a barber license (and vice versa) through a crossover program. Crossover applicants must hold an active license in good standing in the originating profession. Specific additional training and examination requirements apply. Contact the board for current crossover requirements.