Cosmetologist
Nebraska
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,800 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
$30+
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training at a board-approved school (or equivalent apprenticeship)
Submit application with $30 fee to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Receive approval to test letter from DHHS
Schedule NIC written exam and jurisprudence exam through PSI and pay exam fee directly to PSI
Pass both exams with 75% or higher
Receive cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Residency
No state residency requirement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Board-approved cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
Apprenticeship is available. Apprentices must be at least 17, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete structured education including health, sanitation, business practices, and technical skills. Specific apprenticeship hours not confirmed.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetologists in Nebraska may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments (perming, relaxing), nail care (manicures, pedicures), skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and waxing. The practice of cosmetology is defined by Nebraska statute 38-1062.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written Examination
- Administered by
- PSI
- Passing Score
- 75%
NIC written examination administered as a computer-based test by PSI. Includes a separate jurisprudence exam focused on Nebraska laws and health standards. Nebraska does NOT require a hands-on practical exam.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee; reduced to $25 after 180 days if initial application not processed | $30 |
Exam Fee Exam fee paid directly to PSI; exact amount not confirmed from official sources | N/A |
License Fee Included in the application fee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application ($30) + exam fee (paid to PSI, amount unknown). Nebraska has relatively low government fees. | $30+ |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Nebraska cosmetology schools include SOHO Hair Academy, Xenon Academy, and others.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
Expires December 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$118
Continuing Education
8 hours — 8 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle; 4 hours must be learning how to perform skills or services. Nebraska offers a free 50-question open book online exam covering cosmetology and esthetic practice that counts for 2 hours of CE.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedNebraska offers reciprocity for licensed professionals from other states under specific conditions. The out-of-state credential must be active, unrestricted, and issued by a state with comparable requirements. Applicants must have a current license, equal number of hours as Nebraska requirements (1,800), and/or work experience within five years (valued at 100 hours per month).
Additional Requirements: Must have current license with equal or greater hours, or work experience within 5 years (100 hours per month credit)
Related Licenses in Nebraska
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Nebraska is one of the relatively few states that does NOT require a practical (hands-on) exam for cosmetology licensure. The state recently reduced training hours from 2,100 to 1,800. Nebraska also offers a free 50-question open book online exam that counts toward continuing education requirements. The $118 renewal fee is notably higher than most states.
Nebraska does NOT require a practical (hands-on) exam, only written and jurisprudence exams
Training hours were reduced from 2,100 to 1,800 hours
DHHS offers a free 50-question open book online exam that counts for 2 hours of continuing education
Preliminary conviction review available for $100 per license type for applicants with criminal history
Renewal fee of $118 is higher than many states
Sources
Official Nebraska DHHS cosmetology licensing page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms reduction from 2,100 to 1,800 hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Nebraska exam info
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official renewal application
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Nebraska reciprocity application
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Nebraska
Nebraska requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.