How to become a cosmetologist in Minnesota
Minnesota cosmetologists are licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed cosmetologist in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a cosmetologist in Minnesota?
- At least 17 years old
Minnesota cosmetologist license requirements
| Licensed by | Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners |
|---|---|
| License name | Cosmetologist |
| Education or training | 1,550 hours at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school (or an equal out-of-state program); if training is over five years old, a skills course certificate no more than one year old is also required. |
| Exam | Board-approved general theory test, written practical test and Minnesota laws and rules test, given by a board-approved provider; results must be no more than one year old. |
| License term | 3 years; individual licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month |
| Continuing education | 8 hours every 3 years from board-approved providers: 4 hours (1 hour on state laws and rules and 3 hours on health, safety and infection control) plus a 4-hour course in your scope of practice. |
| Reciprocity | Nonresidents with an active license and equal or greater school hours may be licensed after passing a board-approved theory and practice-based exam and the Minnesota-specific written exam; with fewer hours, 3 years of active licensure is required. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial practitioner license (3 years), including $40 application fee | $195 |
|---|---|
| Practitioner license renewal (3 years), including $15 application fee | $115 |
| Practitioner late renewal fee | $45 |
| Expedited initial individual license | $150 |
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 Minnesota
- Complete 1,550 hours at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school
- Pass the general theory, written practical and Minnesota laws and rules tests
- Submit the application with your notarized course completion certificate and test results
- Pay the $195 initial license fee
- Renew every 3 years with 8 hours of continuing education
How do you check a cosmetologist's license in Minnesota?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- 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.