6.27 Missouri Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Missouri cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Missouri 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 Missouri licensing board before scheduling.
Missouri Cosmetology License Requirements
Missouri requires 1,500 training hours and a state-specific law exam.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical + Missouri Law Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Missouri Law Exam
In addition to NIC theory and practical exams, Missouri requires passage of a state-specific law (jurisprudence) exam.
Examination Details
Missouri uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations plus its own state law exam.
Reciprocity
Missouri offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements, plus passage of the Missouri law exam.
State Board Contact
Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Website: pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp
- Phone: (573) 751-1052
Exam Focus
For Missouri, 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.