Cosmetologist
Idaho
Cosmetologist License Requirements
2,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Annual
Renewal Cycle
$308
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 2,000 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school (or 4,000 hours apprenticeship)
Pay $75 board examination fee
Schedule and pass the NIC theory exam and Idaho Jurisprudence exam through Prov ($88)
Schedule and pass the NIC practical exam through Prov ($120)
Pay $25 license fee
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16.5 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
2,000 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
4,000 hours required
Apprenticeship requires 4,000 hours (double the school requirement) of training under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedCosmetologists in Idaho may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, nail care (manicuring), skin care, hair removal, facial treatments, and makeup application. Idaho cosmetology scope uniquely includes hair removal and manicuring as required competencies beyond the standard NIC exam requirements.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Theory Exam + Idaho Jurisprudence Exam
- Administered by
- Prov
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $88
NIC theory examination plus Idaho Jurisprudence exam. Computer-based tests administered at Prov testing centers.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Exam
- Administered by
- Prov
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $120
NIC practical examination testing hands-on cosmetology skills. Idaho adds hair removal and manicuring components beyond the standard NIC practical.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee No separate application fee; exam fee of $75 serves as the board fee | $0 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($88) + practical exam ($120) paid to Prov, plus $75 board examination fee | $208 |
License Fee Original license fee (annual) | $25 |
Total Government Fees Board exam fee ($75) + Prov theory exam ($88) + Prov practical exam ($120) + license ($25) | $308 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Idaho cosmetology schools vary in price.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
1 year (annual)
Renewal Cycle
Annual
Renewal Fee
$25
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedIdaho offers licensure through endorsement for qualified out-of-state cosmetologists. Reciprocity is granted to licensed applicants who provide official documentation showing the requirements under which the license was issued are of a standard not lower than Idaho, or who provide official documentation the applicant has practiced for at least three (3) years immediately prior to making application.
Additional Requirements: Endorsement fee is $100; must show equivalent or higher licensing standards, or 3+ years of practice experience
Related Licenses in Idaho
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Idaho has an unusual minimum age requirement of 16 and a half years (not a whole number). The state adds hair removal and manicuring competencies to the standard NIC practical exam. License renewal is annual at just $25, making it one of the cheaper annual renewals. The Board was considering switching to biennial licensure in 2025 rulemaking.
Idaho requires 2,000 hours, which is among the higher requirements nationally
Apprenticeship option requires 4,000 hours (double the school requirement)
Idaho adds hair removal and manicuring to the NIC practical exam
Minimum age is 16.5, an unusual fractional age requirement
The Board is undergoing negotiated rulemaking during 2025 to discuss fee increases, biennial licensure, and other changes
License renewal is annual, not biennial
Sources
Official Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board page
Accessed 2026-02-24
State requirements listing
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Prov CIB for Idaho
Accessed 2026-02-24
2025 licensing guide
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Idaho
Idaho requires 2,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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