In order to obtain a license, an applicant must:

• document completion of the tenth grade and;
• be at least sixteen and one-half years of age and;
• document completion of 2000 hours of training for cosmetology, or 400 hours for nail technology, or 600 hours for esthetics, or 800 hours for electrology and;
• have graduated from an approved school and;
• pass an examination;

The holder of a current license in another state may also be eligible for licensure. Licensure may be gained through Endorsement if an applicant either:

• holds a current license from another state whose standards are not less than Idaho standards, or
• holds a current license from another state and has work experience under licensure in the last five years.

All applicants are required to pass the Idaho Jurisprudence (law) exam prior to licensure.

If you do not meet the equal standards or experience requirement, additional training and examination will be required. To qualify for the examination, an applicant must show proof of training equivalent to the Idaho requirements.  Applicants who do not meet the equivalent training requirement, must graduate from a licensed Idaho school of cosmetology.  (Additional Information)

Licenses for Cosmetology Instructors and Electrology Instructors are also available.

The deadline date for all applications for examination is thirty (30) days prior to the examination. You will be scheduled for examination based on the date your application is postmarked or date-stamped, whichever is earlier. (Examination information, re-Exam Information & ADA information)  The full examination consists of the NIC PRACTICAL, the NIC THEORY, and IDAHO STATE LAW AND RULE(Examination Schedule).  If you are required to take the full examination you will need to contact D.L. Roope to schedule the full examination once we have notified you of your eligibility.  If you are required to take only a written portion of the examination you may present a current authorization to test from our office and schedule the examination through Lasergrade.

Incomplete applications will be returned. 

NOTE: Original Training and Graduation Records must be submitted DIRECTLY from the school to the Bureau. The Bureau WILL NOT accept these records from the student/applicant.

You may also request applications by contacting:

Idaho Board of Cosmetology
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main St., Suite 220
Boise, ID 83702-5642

Please provide your name, and mailing address or e-mail address with your request.