Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences - Apply, Renew and Reactivate

See left menu for Renewal and Reactivation

Application Guidelines

The documents below explain the required steps to complete the application process.  While the process has several steps many of the requirements can be done simultaneously. Best practice is to apply for a new license online.

• Cosmetologist application process guidelines
• Electrologist application process guidelines
• Esthetician application process guidelines
• Nail Technician application process guidelines
• Instructor of the Cosmetology Arts and Sciences application process guidelines
• Cosmetology Temporary Permit application process guidelines
• Cosmetology Salon application process guidelines
• Cosmetology School application process guidelines
• Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser products certification application process guidelines

Documents may be submitted electronically to the Board office. The Board’s fax number is 515-281-3121. Emailed documents should go toplpublic@idph.iowa.gov .

Salon Self Inspection Checklist

• Salon Self Inspection Checklist

To expedite processing a new license request, take advantage of our secure online application.

Click here to Access Online Services or to Apply Online

Applications are reviewed by Board staff as soon as possible, in the order received,typically within 5 business days.

• Refer to the Application Guidelines above to determine what steps you can complete while awaiting review.

• Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an email with an attached letter indicating what additional information is required to approve the license.

Application Rules

The rules below describe the application process for cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, instructors, and nail technology.

• Licensure Rules - Chapter 60

• Licensure Fees

Scroll down in Chapter 5 to find licensure fees for Cosmetology arts and sciences

Salon Rules

• Chapter 61 - Licensure of Salons and Schools of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

• Chapter 63 - Sanitation for Salons and Schools of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

Exam Information

• Candidate Information Bulletin updated 10.31.2022

NIC Candidate Bullentins

• Cosmetology Theory Exam

• Cosmetology Instructor Theory Exam

Cosmetology Schools

• List of Iowa Cosmetology Schools

Application Forms

Due to COVID-19, paper applications will not be processed at this time.Click here to apply, renew, or reactivate online.  For questions about username and password, please call the State of Iowa Service Desk at 515-281-5703 or 800-532-1174.  For assistance with the online application contact 515-281-0254.

Related Links

Cosmetologists and Barbers of Iowa (CBI)

Web: www.cbiowa.org

LaserGrade LP
PO Box 87245
Vancouver WA 98687
Tel: (888) 211-2754
Web: www.lasergrade.com

NIC
7622 Briarwood Circle
Little Rock, AR 72205
Tel: (501) 227-8262
Web: www.nictesting.org

Iowa NIC Exam Provider

The Iowa Department of Public Health has contracted with NIC to provide examination services. The Department will exclusively use the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations. You may schedule your appointment without prior approval from the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences at the discretion of your school. The fee outlined in the Candidate Bulletin link below is for each examination, whether you are taking the examination for the first time or repeating. Exam fees are paid directly to Prov; do not send exam fees to the Board. Exam fees are non-refundable, non-transferrable.

Prov
150 W Civic Center Blvd, Suite 601
Sandy, Utah 84070
Toll Free: 866-720-7768 Call or Text: 801-733-4455 (Messaging rates may apply)
Web: www.provexam.com
Email: support@provexam.com
Hours: 7:00am to 11:00pm CST Monday-Friday  

Federal Department of Labor Approved Apprenticeships
Web: www.apprenticeship.gov
Job Finder: www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder