Missouri Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Missouri are issued and regulated by the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. This page covers what it takes to get licensed, what renewal costs, how the board handles license transfers, and how to reach it.
Training Hours
1,500 hrs
Minimum Age
16 years old
Exam Provider
Prov, Inc.
Application Fee
$40
Renewal Fee
$60
Renewal Period
2 years (expires Sept 30, odd years)
CE Hours Required
None
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Phone
(573) 751-1052Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
3605 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, closed state holidays.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗Missouri regulates barbering under Chapter 328, RSMo and cosmetology under Chapter 329, RSMo, but one board — the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — administers both. The board licenses and disciplines cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, barbers, instructors, and establishments and schools in each field, plus a crossover license for people who qualify in both barbering and cosmetology.
The board's office is at 3605 Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City, with a separate mailing address of PO Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102, for correspondence and paper applications. As of January 2025, Missouri moved licensing statewide to a new online system called MOPRO, and every licensee — even those with an account under the old system — must register a new MOPRO account to apply, renew, change contact information, or check a license.
Phone support is available at 573-751-1052 (or toll-free at 866-762-9432) during the Division of Professional Registration's standard business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, closed on state holidays. Licensees and consumers can also reach the board by email at cosbar@pr.mo.gov.
Missouri recognizes four cosmetology license classes — Class CA (hairdressing and manicuring), Class CH (hairdressing only), Class E (esthetics), and Class MO (manicuring only) — along with a separate Barber license, Instructor licenses for both fields, and a Crossover license. All personal licenses run on the same two-year cycle, expiring September 30 of every odd-numbered year, and Missouri does not require continuing education for renewal except for cosmetology instructors, who must complete a teacher-training seminar every two years.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Missouri
Earning a Missouri cosmetology license (Class CA – Hairdressing & Manicuring) requires 1,500 hours of approved training followed by NIC written and practical examinations. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Enroll in a board-approved cosmetology school. You must be at least 16 years old and have completed a twelfth-grade education (diploma or GED). Submit the Student Enrollment Application (form MO 375-1182) with the $5 enrollment fee. Alternatively, Missouri allows a 3,000-hour apprenticeship program under a board-approved supervisor.
- Complete 1,500 hours of training. Your school tracks hours and certifies completion. Missouri's curriculum covers hair services, skin care, nail care, sanitation, and state law.
- Register with Prov and submit your state application. Register at provexam.com and submit the Application for Examination/Temporary Permit to the Board at P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The Board reviews your training and approves you for testing.
- Schedule and pass both NIC examinations. Once approved, schedule your theory exam ($88) and practical exam ($58) through Prov. The theory exam is computer-based at one of nine Missouri testing centers. The practical exam is held at four locations on Mondays. Both must be passed.
- Receive your license. Official scores are sent to the Board within 2–3 business days. Once approved, the Board automatically issues your license. You may then legally practice cosmetology in Missouri.
Training Requirements
Missouri cosmetology schools must be licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and follow a curriculum covering all areas required for the Class CA (Hairdressing & Manicuring) license. The 1,500-hour program includes:
- Hair design: Haircutting, thermal curling, chemical waving, hair color (virgin and retouch applications), highlighting with foil, and chemical relaxer application
- Skin care: Basic facials, client preparation, and makeup application
- Nail technology: Manicure, polish application, nail tip application and blending, sculptured nails, and nail removal
- Safety and infection control: Blood exposure procedures, proper disinfection, EPA-registered disinfectant usage, and sanitation protocols
- Missouri state law: Chapters 328 and 329 RSMo, Board rules (20 CSR 2085), scope of practice, and professional conduct
Missouri also offers an apprenticeship pathway: 3,000 hours under a board-approved apprentice supervisor (who must apply separately with a $75 fee and meet supervisor requirements including a twelfth-grade education). Apprentices log hours on monthly and weekly timesheets submitted to the Board.
Out-of-state applicants may have training hours evaluated through the Cosmetology Training Affidavit form. Contact the Board at (573) 751-1052 for credit evaluation.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Missouri exclusively uses National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations, administered by Prov, Inc. Candidates must pass both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam.
Written Theory Exam — $88
The computer-based theory exam is available at nine Prov testing centers across Missouri (Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Kirksville, Springfield, Joplin, St. Louis, Webb City, West Plains, and Warrensburg). Testing is available Monday through Thursday at most locations. Register and schedule at provexam.com or call Prov at (877) 228-3926. Scores are reported using NIC-established scaled scoring (not a simple percentage). Unofficial results are emailed within minutes of completing the exam.
Practical Skills Exam — $58
The NIC practical exam is held at four Missouri locations: Independence (Kansas City area), Jefferson City, Springfield, and St. Louis. Exams are administered on Mondays. You must bring your own kit with supplies in sanitary condition and a mannequin with clamp. The Class CA/CH practical includes:
- Work area and client preparation (15 minutes)
- Thermal curling (10 minutes)
- Haircutting (30 minutes)
- Chemical waving (20 minutes)
- Predisposition test and strand test (10 minutes)
- Highlighting with foil (15 minutes)
- Hair color retouch (10 minutes)
- Virgin hair relaxer application (untimed)
- Blood exposure procedure (10 minutes)
Practical results are emailed within 2–3 business days. You have three attempts per eligibility; after three failures you must reapply with the Board. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with two forms of valid ID.
How to Renew Your Missouri Cosmetology License
$60
Renewal Fee
2 years (Sept 30, odd years)
Renewal Period
All Missouri cosmetology licenses renew biennially and expire on September 30 of each odd year. Renewal opens July 1. Missouri does not require continuing education (CE) hours for renewal.
Renewal Fee
The cosmetology operator renewal fee is $60. Additional processing fees apply for online payments. Crossover operators pay $120. Instructors pay $60.
How to Renew Online
- Log into your MOPRO account at mopro.mo.gov.
- Find your license and click the three dots at the end of the row.
- Click "renewal application" and follow the prompts.
- You will need your license number, registered email, and Social Security number.
Paper Renewal
Request a paper form by emailing cosbar@pr.mo.gov. Mail completed forms with payment (cashier's check, money order, or personal check) to: Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Allow processing time of 3–5 business days from receipt.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license expires, you must pay the renewal fee plus a $30 late fee ($80 total for reinstatement). Practicing with an expired license is a violation of state law and may result in disciplinary action. After two years of non-renewal, reinstatement requires a new application and re-examination.
Does Missouri Take Part in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Not a member stateMissouri has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, and a state has to pass it into law before its licensees can take part.
In practical terms, that means a Missouri license cannot be converted into a multistate license, and a multistate license issued elsewhere will not authorize you to work in Missouri. If you are moving into or out of Missouri, you will go through the normal reciprocity or endorsement route: applying directly to the receiving state's board, documenting your training hours, and meeting whatever additional requirements that state sets.
It is worth noting that even in the 12 states that have enacted the compact, multistate licenses are not being issued yet — the Commission is still building the system that will administer them. So at the moment, a Missouri licensee is not at a practical disadvantage compared with one in a member state.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist (Class CA – Hairdressing & Manicuring) |
1,500 hrs | — | $60 |
|
Hairdresser (Class CH) |
1,500 hrs | — | $60 |
|
Esthetician (Class E) |
750 hrs | — | $60 |
|
Manicurist (Class MO) |
400 hrs | — | $60 |
|
Barber |
1,000 hrs | $20 | $60 |
|
Instructor (Cosmetology) |
— | $30 | $60 |
|
Instructor (Barber) |
— | $20 | $60 |
|
Crossover License (Barber & Cosmetology) |
— | $100 | $150 |
|
Establishment License (Salon or Barbershop) |
— | $100 | $75 |
|
School License (Cosmetology or Barber) |
— | $500 | $500 |
|
Hair Braiding Certificate of Registration |
— | $20 | — |
Notes
Cosmetologist (Class CA – Hairdressing & Manicuring): Full scope: hair and nails. A $150 exam fee ($90 written + $60 practical) is paid separately to the testing vendor.
Hairdresser (Class CH): Hair services only — no nail work.
Barber: Reinstatement fee of $90 applies after the November 30 grace period; not renewable after two years lapsed.
Instructor (Cosmetology): Requires 3+ years licensed as a cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician plus a passing instructor exam score; renewal also requires a teacher-training seminar every two years.
Crossover License (Barber & Cosmetology): Dual license for those who meet licensure requirements in both barbering and cosmetology.
Establishment License (Salon or Barbershop): Covers full-service salons/shops and single-chair rental stations.
Hair Braiding Certificate of Registration: Registration-only credential; does not require a licensing exam.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Missouri
The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues the following individual license types, each with distinct training requirements:
| License Class | Title | School Hours | Apprenticeship Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class CA | Hairdressing & Manicuring (Cosmetologist) | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Class CH | Hairdresser | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Class E | Esthetician | 750 | 1,500 |
| Class MO | Manicurist | 400 | 800 |
| Instructor | Cosmetology/Barber Instructor | 600 (if licensed <3 years) | N/A |
| Barber | Barber Operator | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Crossover Licenses
- Barber to Cosmetology: Hold a current Missouri barber license and complete 500 hours of training. Must pass the Manicuring Theory and Practical exams. Two years of experience substitutes for 250 hours; three years substitutes for 500 hours.
- Cosmetology to Barber: Hold a current Missouri cosmetology or hairdresser license and complete at least 45 hours of training. If licensed less than 1 year, must take the full Barber Theory and Practical exams. If licensed more than 1 year, only the shaving portion of the practical is required.
Reciprocity
If you hold a license in another state, Missouri offers reciprocity. The reciprocity fee is $100 for operators and instructors. Contact the Board at (573) 751-1052 for eligibility requirements.
File a Complaint
The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners investigates written complaints alleging a violation of Chapters 328 or 329, RSMo — the state's barbering and cosmetology practice acts — against any licensee, registrant, or unlicensed person or business. Complaints must be submitted in writing and signed; the board may require the complaint be sworn before a notary. Oral, phone, or unsigned complaints cannot be processed as formal complaints, though a caller can be sent a form to complete and return.
Complaint forms are available on the board's website or by calling 866-762-9432, and completed forms are mailed to the board office. A complaint should identify the licensee involved, the date of the incident, and any supporting documentation or witnesses. The board cannot pursue monetary compensation, order a refund, or resolve billing disputes — its authority is limited to violations of the licensing law.
The board reviews complaints at its regular meetings, held about six times a year, and investigations are completed in about 120 days on average, though the full review and decision process can take up to six months. Investigation reports are closed records under Missouri law and are not released to the public, but complainants are notified in writing once the board decides whether to investigate and, later, whether the case is dismissed or results in discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a Missouri cosmetology license? +
The Class CA license requires 1,500 hours in a board-approved school, or 3,000 hours in a board-approved apprenticeship program.
Who administers the Missouri cosmetology exam? +
Missouri uses NIC examinations administered by Prov, Inc. You must pass both a theory exam ($88) and a practical exam ($58). Register at provexam.com.
Can I transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Missouri? +
Yes. Missouri offers reciprocity for $100. Submit an out-of-state license verification and the Reciprocity application to the Board.
Does Missouri require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal? +
No. Missouri does not require CE hours. Renewal requires only the $60 fee paid before September 30 of each odd year through the MOPRO system.
What is the difference between Class CA and Class CH licenses? +
Class CA covers full cosmetology (hair and nails). Class CH covers hair only. Both require 1,500 school hours, but Class CA holders can perform nail services without a separate license.
Is Missouri part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
No. Missouri has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. 12 states have enacted it so far.
Can I get a multistate cosmetology license right now? +
Not yet. 12 states have passed the compact into law, but the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission has not started issuing multistate licenses. Until it does, transferring a license between states still goes through each state board's reciprocity or endorsement process.
How do I transfer a cosmetology license to Missouri today? +
Through the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners's reciprocity or endorsement process, not the compact. You will typically need proof of licensure in good standing from your current state, documentation of your training hours, and the application fee set by Missouri. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a Missouri cosmetology or barber license? +
Most personal licenses — cosmetologist, hairdresser, esthetician, manicurist, barber, and instructor — renew for $60 every two years. A higher reinstatement fee applies if you renew after the grace period following the September 30 expiration date.
When does my Missouri cosmetology or barber license expire? +
All personal licenses run on a two-year cycle and expire on September 30 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of when the license was first issued.
How do I renew my Missouri cosmetology or barber license? +
Renewals are submitted through MOPRO, the state's online licensing portal (mopro.mo.gov/license/s/). Register or log into a MOPRO account using the email address on file with the board; paper renewals by mail are also accepted but take longer to process.
How do I contact the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners? +
Call (573) 751-1052 (toll-free 866-762-9432) Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or email cosbar@pr.mo.gov. The board's office is at 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO.
How do I file a complaint against a Missouri salon, barbershop, or licensee? +
Complaints must be in writing and signed — the board does not act on anonymous, verbal, or unsigned complaints. Download the complaint form from the board's website or request one by calling 866-762-9432, then mail it to the board office.
What license types does the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulate? +
The board licenses four cosmetology classes (Class CA hairdressing/manicuring, Class CH hairdressing, Class E esthetics, and Class MO manicuring), barbers, cosmetology and barber instructors, a crossover license for both fields, plus salons, barbershops, and schools.
Helpful Resources
Missouri Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Missouri Esthetician license.
Learn more →Missouri Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Missouri Nail Technician license.
Learn more →Missouri Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Missouri Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Missouri.
Learn more →Missouri Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Missouri license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Missouri and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Missouri or line up with it on training hours or the exam you would sit — useful whether you are planning a move or weighing where to train.