6.16 Indiana Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Indiana cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Indiana requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Indiana licensing board before scheduling.
Indiana Cosmetology License Requirements
Indiana requires 1,500 training hours and has a unique 4-year license renewal period.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 4 years (by August 1) |
| CE Required | No |
Unique Features
- 4-year renewal cycle - Longer than most states
- No continuing education required
- Minimum age 18 (higher than most states)
Instructor License
Indiana instructor license requires:
- Active cosmetology license
- 1,000 additional training hours
Reciprocity
Indiana accepts licensure by endorsement if:
- Licensed in a state requiring 1,500 training hours
- Achieved at least 70% on written and practical exams
State Board Contact
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
- Website: in.gov/pla/professions/state-board-of-cosmetology-and-barber-examiners
- Phone: (317) 234-3031
Exam Focus
For Indiana, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license. Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.