How to get a Cosmetologist license in Arkansas
Arkansas licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Arkansas Department of Health.1 For the Cosmetologist license you need a passing score on the Arkansas written examination (core and law) and practical examination2. The board lists $65 for the exam1. You renew every 2 years2.
Who issues it
Arkansas Department of Health
Training and experience
Cosmetology training in an Arkansas licensed school of cosmetology1
Exam
Arkansas written examination (core and law) and practical examination2
Fees the board lists
Exam fee (Written examination): $603
Exam fee (First-time and retest candidates): $651
Renewal
Every 2 years2
On this page
- Arkansas cosmetologist licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Cosmetologist license
- Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
- How much a Cosmetologist license costs
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to Arkansas with a license from another state
- Instructor
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Cosmetologist licenses in other states
Arkansas cosmetologist licenses
Arkansas issues 2 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Practice of cosmetology (all branches except electrolysis) in a licensed cosmetological establishment, or at a special event for an on-site participant.2 | – | Yes1 |
| Instructor | Teaching students in a school of cosmetology, only in the specialty of original licensure; instructors may not practice on clients except when instructing.2 | Training 8 clock hours2 | Yes1 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for every Arkansas cosmetologist license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
Requirements
- Background check
- Out-of-state automatic licensure requires no disqualifying offense under A.C.A. 17-3-102; the committee may refuse a license on evidence the person would jeopardise public health and safety.2
- Social Security number
- Social Security number is asked on the written examination application.3
How to apply
- Application form
- Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)4
- Temporary or provisional license
- A temporary license (160 days) is issued on receipt of the application, fee and documents; it is revoked if reciprocity requirements are not met.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years2
- Renewal fee
- $501 (Every two years)
- Renew online
- adhcosmo.arkansas.gov5
From another state
- Route
- Universal license recognition
- What the board says
- Automatic occupational licensure (Act 457 of 2023): licensed in good standing for at least one year in another state with similar scope (or three years' work where that state does not license), no disqualifying offense or pending complaint, and pass the Arkansas state law exam (may be waived).1
- Conditions
- Three years of work in a state that does not license the occupation also qualifies.1
- Fee
- $501
Who needs a Cosmetologist license
Practice of cosmetology (all branches except electrolysis) in a licensed cosmetological establishment, or at a special event for an on-site participant.2
Work that does not need this license:
- Exempt: barbers, theatrical/TV/film staff, funeral services, nursing-facility direct-care staff and relatives, registered hairstylists (wash/dry/style only, supervised), and people who only cleanse hair.2
Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
- Minimum age
- 16 years old2
- High school diploma or GED
- Not required2
- Education or training
- Cosmetology training in an Arkansas licensed school of cosmetology1
Who may teach it: Licensed school of cosmetology or postsecondary school of cosmetology, under a licensed instructor; up to 50% may be online/distance.2
Alternative: Prescribed cosmetology course under another state's laws if equal to or stricter than Arkansas.2 - Exam
- Arkansas written examination (core and law) and practical examination2
Given by: Prov, Inc. (written); practical administered by licensed schools3
Passing score: 75 on the practical; 70 on the written (curriculum) and on the state law exam.1
When you can take it: Schools may submit an early-testing form for students with partial training; at least 150 hours of theory instruction are needed to qualify.1
Written exam; offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese or Korean3
Practical exam developed by ADH, given at a licensed school and proctored to NIC guidelines1
Retakes: A failed candidate may apply to retest; practical retest fee is capped at $65 (payable to the school).2 - Also required
- Anyone owing money to ADH may not test until the debt is paid.1
How much a Cosmetologist license costs
You pay the Arkansas Department of Health (6 fees), Prov, Inc. (exam fee) and Arkansas licensed school of cosmetology administering the practical (exam fee).
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment into a school of cosmetology or postsecondary school of Cosmetology | $201 | Arkansas Department of Health | Student enrollment (student permit), paid before training. Not refundable |
| Exam fee | $603 | Prov, Inc. | Written examination (theory and state law) |
| Exam fee | $651 | Arkansas licensed school of cosmetology administering the practical | First-time and retest candidates. Not refundable |
| License by endorsement or reciprocity | $501 | Arkansas Department of Health | Reciprocity for a cosmetology, manicure, aesthetics, electrology, or instructor license when the licensee is duly registered in another state. Licensed in another state. Not refundable |
| Reciprocity candidate that has not taken a written and practical exam: Transfer fee | $501 | Arkansas Department of Health | Transferring out-of-state hours without a license (must then pass written and practical exams). Not refundable |
| Duplicate or replacement license | $101 | Arkansas Department of Health | Not refundable |
| License verification to another state | $101 | Arkansas Department of Health | Not refundable |
| Lifetime license | $506 | Arkansas Department of Health | Licensee 55 or older with 20+ years in practice or teaching. Not refundable |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Enrol in an Arkansas licensed school of cosmetology (student enrollment fee $20) and complete the cosmetology course, including the one-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course.1
- Your school submits the Certificate of Training to ADH; submit the Written Examination Application to the ADH Cosmetology Section.3 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)4
- Schedule and pay for the written exam with Prov, Inc. (allow 48 hours after submitting the application); take the Arkansas practical exam at a licensed school. Scores arrive in 10-14 business days.3
- After passing both exams, ADH issues the cosmetologist license; you may then work only in a licensed establishment or mobile salon (or at special events).2
- Processing time
- Exam scores arrive 10-14 business days after the exam.3
Renewal and continuing education
- When it expires
- Expires on the licensee's birthday every two years; renewal and fee must be filed within 30 days after expiry.2
- If it expires
- After five years from expiry a license is reinstated only by application, payment of the examination fee and passing the exam; veterans of war may renew a lapsed license without exam or schooling.2
Lapsed licenses: a licensee under long-term physician care may ask for a waiver of the reinstatement fee.2
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Arkansas Cosmetologist license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to Arkansas with a license from another state
These are the routes the Arkansas Department of Health publishes for the Cosmetologist license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- A cosmetologist licensed in another state gets an Arkansas license of no greater scope if at least 18, holding a current license (certified copy and affidavit from the other state), having passed a comparable exam, and passing the Arkansas law exam.2
- Conditions
- The reciprocity application expires after one year.1
Applicants with out-of-state hours but no license must pass the Arkansas written and practical exams (transfer fee $50).7 - Fee
- $501
Instructor
Teaching students in a school of cosmetology, only in the specialty of original licensure; instructors may not practice on clients except when instructing.2
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 21 years old2
- Education or training
- Instructor (teacher) training in a school of cosmetology, over at least four months, as a registered instructor-trainee under a licensed instructor1
Who may teach it: Instructor-trainee must be an Arkansas-licensed cosmetologist, manicurist, aesthetician or electrologist registered with ADH and supervised by a licensed instructor at all times.1 - Education or training
- At least 8 clock hours2
Additional instructor training seminar or certified CE course before licensure2 - Experience
- Must hold an Arkansas practitioner license (cosmetologist, manicurist, aesthetician or electrologist) to train as an instructor1
Fees
You pay Prov, Inc. (exam fee), Arkansas licensed school administering the practical (exam fee) and the Arkansas Department of Health (license by endorsement or reciprocity).
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $603 | Prov, Inc. | Instructor written exam (the Written Examination Application covers instructor) |
| Exam fee | $651 | Arkansas licensed school administering the practical | Not refundable |
| License by endorsement or reciprocity | $501 | Arkansas Department of Health | Reciprocity for a cosmetology, manicure, aesthetics, electrology, or instructor license when the licensee is duly registered in another state. Instructor licensed in another state. Not refundable |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Hold an Arkansas cosmetologist license and register with ADH as an instructor-trainee at a licensed school.1
- Complete 600 hours of instructor training (at least four months) under a licensed instructor, plus 8 hours of instructor training seminar/CE.1
- Submit the Written Examination Application (type: Instructor), take the written exam with Prov and the practical at the school.3 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)4
Renewal
- When it expires
- Biennial, on the birthday; instructors need not also renew their specialty (cosmetologist) license but may teach only in that specialty.1
- Continuing education
- At least 8 hours each renewal period1
- Approved courses
- Programs must be sponsored by a bona fide state or national cosmetology association/organization (or a community college or university); out-of-state hours count if certified by that state's board or a national provider and designated an "Instructor Training Seminar".1
- Exemptions
- No CE for the first renewal after initial licensure.1
- If it expires
- Late reinstatement: pay all past-due renewal fees, the late fee, and complete CE for each missed renewal period.1
From another state
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a cosmetologist in Arkansas, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Arkansas is on the Arkansas license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- adhcosmo.arkansas.gov5
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- Ark. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 26, Subchapters 1-4 (Cosmetology Act), as compiled by ADH (amended through 2025)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-304 (Prerequisites to examination)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-315 (Reciprocity)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 17-26-319 (Expiration, renewal, and reinstatement)
- 17 CAR Part 54 (Cosmetology and Body Art), §§ 54-112 to 54-114, 54-202 to 54-204, 54-207
- 17 CAR § 54-401
- 17 CAR § 54-207(v)-(y) (Instructor training, curriculum, renewal and CE)
Rule changes since January 2024
- January 1, 2026: Cosmetology renewal fee restored to its original amount after the temporary 2024-2025 reduction under Act 114 of 2023.9
Common questions
Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Health publishes these routes for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement2 and universal license recognition1. Conditions and forms.
Cosmetologist licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- 17 CAR Part 54 (Cosmetology and Body Art rules), sections 54-101 to 54-207 and 54-401Arkansas Department of Health (Code of Arkansas Rules)Checked November 7, 2026
- Cosmetology and Body Art Law (2025)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Written Examination ApplicationArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Cosmetology Forms, Reciprocity and MilitaryArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Arkansas Cosmetology Licensing Inspection, and Permit System (CLIPS)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Lifetime License FormArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Reciprocity requirements - HoursArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Cosmetology Testing and TrainingArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- CosmetologyArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026