How to become a cosmetologist in Arkansas
Arkansas cosmetologists are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section (Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed cosmetologist in Arkansas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Arkansas law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a cosmetologist in Arkansas?
- At least 16 years old
- Completed two years of high school (10th grade) or equivalent
- Registered as a student with the Department of Health (student permit) before hours count
Arkansas cosmetologist license requirements
| Licensed by | Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section (Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee) |
|---|---|
| License name | Cosmetologist |
| Education or training | 1,500-hour cosmetology program at an Arkansas-licensed school (school term in Ark. Code 17-26-412 and the board curriculum rule). Note: Ark. Code 17-26-304, as amended, lists 1,200 training hours as the exam prerequisite; confirm with the Cosmetology Section. No apprenticeship route is provided. |
| Exam | Written exam through Prov, Inc. plus the official Arkansas practical exam given at a licensed cosmetology school; 75 is passing on the practical. Out-of-state applicants also take an Arkansas state law exam. |
| License term | 2 years; expires on the licensee's birthday on a biennial basis (renewal fee reduction under Act 114 of 2023 ended Dec. 31, 2025) |
| Continuing education | No CE requirement for practitioners appears in the Cosmetology and Body Art rules; licensed instructors need 8 hours per renewal. |
| Reciprocity | Out-of-state licensees with at least one year of licensure in good standing can transfer (or get automatic licensure if Arkansas residents) with a $50 application, a certified record sent directly from their current board and a passed Arkansas state law exam; those with under a year must also pass the written exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Written examination (fee schedule) | $60 |
|---|---|
| Written examination fee paid directly to Prov (per FAQ) | $78.00 |
| Practical examination | $65 |
| Renewal (biennial) | $50 |
| Reciprocity (one-time) | $50 |
| Out-of-state/automatic licensure application (non-refundable) | $50.00 |
| Duplicate license | $10 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a cosmetologist in Arkansas
- Confirm you are 16+ and have completed 10th grade (or equivalent).
- Enroll in an Arkansas-licensed cosmetology school and get your student permit from the Department of Health.
- Complete the cosmetology course (1,500 hours).
- Your school submits a Certificate of Training; send the Written Examination Application to the Cosmetology Section.
- Schedule and pass the written exam with Prov, Inc. and the practical exam at a licensed school.
- The Cosmetology Section mails your license within 10-14 days of passing scores; renew every two years on your birthday.
Apply on the official Arkansas site
How do you check a cosmetologist's license in Arkansas?
- Search the name or license number on the official Arkansas cosmetologist license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.