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How to get a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license in Missouri

Missouri licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (COSBAR).1 For the Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring (cosmetologist operator license) you need at least 1,500 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the NIC Cosmetology Theory (written) and Cosmetology Practical examinations for Class CA, administered by Prov, Inc.3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $25 for the application (School student registration with the board before training starts)5, $25 for the application (Apprenticeship route instead of school)6 and $90 for the exam3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years7.

Last checked · 21 official sources

Who issues it

Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (COSBAR)

Training and experience

Training: at least 1,500 clock hours2

Exam

NIC Cosmetology Theory (written) and Cosmetology Practical examinations for Class CA, administered by Prov, Inc.3

Fees the board lists

Application fee (School student registration with the board before training starts): $255
Application fee (Apprenticeship route instead of school): $256
Exam fee: $903
Exam fee: $603

Renewal

Every 2 years7

From another state

License by endorsement, Exam waiver, Universal license recognition and Military service members and spouses8910 Details

On this page
  1. Missouri cosmetologist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license
  4. Requirements for a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license
  5. How much a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Missouri with a license from another state
  9. Cosmetology instructor license
  10. Check a license or report a problem
  11. Laws and rules
  12. Common questions
  13. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Missouri cosmetologist licenses

Missouri issues 2 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Cosmetology instructor licenseTeaching cosmetology in a licensed school; after 600 hours of training and the exam, an instructor may teach any classification for which they hold a current operator license.11Training 600 clock hours12Yes13$2514
Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring (cosmetologist operator license)Class CA covers all Class CH hairdressing work (cutting, coloring, waving, styling hair; non-electric hair removal; brow/lash tinting; scalp, face, neck, arm and bust treatments) plus all Class MO manicuring and pedicuring work.15Training 1,500 clock hours2Yes2$255

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Missouri cosmetologist license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

Requirements

Background check
Background check required4
Applicants disclose guilty findings/pleas from the last 10 years (including SIS, misdemeanours and DWI). The board may deny applicants convicted of listed offenses (dangerous felonies, sexual offenses, offenses against the family, child sexual abuse material).4
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply16

How to apply

Apply online
mopro.mo.gov17

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years7
Renew online
mopro.mo.gov18

From another state

Route
Universal license recognition
What the board says
RSMo 324.009: anyone with a current license in another state, territory, D.C. or the military held for at least one year may apply for the same license and level in Missouri; the board must waive exam, education and experience requirements within six months if the other jurisdiction had minimum education requirements and verifies you met them. The board may require its Missouri state law test. Military and law-enforcement spouses: decision within 30 days.9
Conditions
The board uses its Reciprocity application for this route: an affidavit sent directly by the other state board, two passport-type photos, the $100 fee, the online state law test (75% to pass) and proof of age.19
Fee
$10019
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Nonresident military spouses stationed in Missouri can get a temporary courtesy license without further requirements: verification from the other state board, proof of active practice for at least two of the last five years and proof of the servicemember's active duty in Missouri. Valid 180 days, extendable once by 180 days.10
Conditions
The form cites RSMo 324.008.1, which the revisor shows as repealed in 2020; military spouse licensing is now in RSMo 324.009.9

Who needs a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license

Class CA covers all Class CH hairdressing work (cutting, coloring, waving, styling hair; non-electric hair removal; brow/lash tinting; scalp, face, neck, arm and bust treatments) plus all Class MO manicuring and pedicuring work.15

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • Natural hair braiding (no dyes or chemicals) is not cosmetology licensing: braiders register for a Certificate of Registration for Hair Braiding ($20).15

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Missouri also issues a hair-only Class CH - hairdresser license (NIC Hair Design written exam) and separate Class MO manicurist and Class E esthetician licenses (400 and 750 school hours). Training hours may be transferred between the Class CH and Class CA courses.20
  • Services may only be given in a licensed establishment, except periodic services elsewhere (not at the licensee's principal establishment) if the licensee gives the client a completed certificate of identification first.8

Requirements for a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Minimum age
17 years old2
High school diploma or GED
Tenth-grade education or equivalent (at least 10 high school credits); post-secondary school students need a diploma or GED.2
Education or training
At least 1,500 clock hours2
The board's words

“they shall have had the required time in a licensed school of no less than one thousand five hundred hours training”


Who may teach it: A school licensed by the board; out-of-state training counts if from a licensed school or apprentice program with substantially the same requirements (training affidavit required).8
Alternative: Apprenticeship: at least 3,000 hours under a licensed cosmetologist (board-licensed apprentice supervisor) in a cosmetology establishment.2
Exam
NIC Cosmetology Theory (written) and Cosmetology Practical examinations for Class CA, administered by Prov, Inc.3
Given by: Prov, Inc. (provexam.com)4
Passing score: 75 on the practical and 75 on the written exam8
When you can take it: All training hours must be complete and the application filed within five years of the student/apprentice license; the application and exam fees must reach the test administrator at least 14 days before the exam date.8
Written (theory) exam, taken by computer at a Prov testing center3
Practical exam (held four times a month on Mondays in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield, per the application form)4
Retakes: Retakes cost the same exam fee and have no waiting period. After failing any part three times, school students need at least 40 more hours per failed subject (max 160) and apprentices 80 hours (max 320) before retesting.3
Time limit: Training hours count for five years from the date the board issues the student or apprentice license.8
Exam waived: Exam score endorsement: an applicant who does not qualify for reciprocity but previously took the examination presently administered in Missouri (or its equivalent) and obtained a passing score under board rules may ask in writing for the exam to be waived ($100 exam score endorsement fee).8
Residency or citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully present.4
Social Security number
Social Security number requested on the application.21
Also required
The examination/temporary permit application must be notarised.4

How much a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license costs

You pay COSBAR (5 fees) and Prov, Inc. (4 fees).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$255COSBARSchool student registration with the board before training starts. Not refundable
Application fee$256COSBARApprenticeship route instead of school. Not refundable
Exam fee$903Prov, Inc.The written examinations cost. Not refundable
Exam fee$603Prov, Inc.The practical examinations cost. Not refundable
Exam retake fee (Each written exam costs)$903Prov, Inc.Not refundable
Exam retake fee (each practical exam costs)$603Prov, Inc.Not refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$106COSBARNot refundable
License verification to another state$106COSBARNot refundable
Inactive$306COSBARPlacing an operator license on inactive status. 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

  1. Enrol in a Missouri-licensed cosmetology school (the school files the Student Enrollment Application with the $25 fee at least two weeks before you start), or register as an apprentice ($25) under a licensed apprentice supervisor.5 Form (PDF, pr.mo.gov)5
  2. Register a MOPRO account, file the notarised Application for Examination/Temporary Permit (Class CA), and pre-register and pay Prov for the written ($90) and practical ($60) exams.4 Form (PDF, pr.mo.gov)4
  3. Optional: a temporary permit is issued after your exam is scheduled, allowing supervised work until you test; it ends if you fail or miss the exam.4
  4. Pass both exams with 75; you may then practice only after receiving the license.8
Application form
Form (PDF, pr.mo.gov)17
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary permit for exam-approved applicants: work only under a licensee of the same classification; ends on failing or missing the exam; only one per person.8
Processing time
3-5 business days from receipt for paper applications (plus accounting/mail handling), or 3-5 business days from submission through MOPRO.17

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
All licenses expire September 30 of each odd-numbered year (next: September 30, 2027); renewals postmarked after September 30 are returned and must reinstate.7
Renewal fee
$606
Late renewal
Reinstatement fee: $906 (expired license restored within two years (renewal fee plus $30 late fee))
Late renewal fee: $306
If it expires
Within two years of expiry: reinstate with the renewal fee plus late fee. Expired more than two years: reinstate by passing the practical exam (Reinstatement by Examination).8
Practising on an expired license is a violation of state law.18
Inactive status ($30) for licensees not practicing in Missouri; reactivate with the current renewal fee.8

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Missouri Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring (cosmetologist operator license). The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Missouri with a license from another state

These are the routes COSBAR publishes for the Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
License without exam (RSMo 329.130, 20 CSR 2085-7.030) if you have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another state/territory/D.C., or hold a current license from a state whose training and exam requirements are substantially equal (95% or more of Missouri's hours). Not available while under discipline elsewhere. Includes an open-book state law test.8
Conditions
Applicants who do not qualify must meet Missouri training and exam requirements; out-of-state hours can be credited (training affidavit; hours count for five years).8
Fee
$10019
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Exam score endorsement: applicants who do not qualify for reciprocity but previously passed the examination presently administered in Missouri (or its equivalent) with a passing score under board rules may ask in writing for the exam to be waived and pay the $100 exam score endorsement fee; all other Missouri requirements still apply.8
Fee
$1006

Cosmetology instructor license

Teaching cosmetology in a licensed school; after 600 hours of training and the exam, an instructor may teach any classification for which they hold a current operator license.11

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Four-year high school course or equivalent (diploma or GED).12
Education or training
At least 600 clock hours12
600 hours of instructor training in a Missouri-licensed school as a licensed instructor trainee: 200 hours teaching principles, 50 psychology, 50 business/management incl. state law, 300 practice teaching.12
Who may teach it: Missouri-licensed school of cosmetology; the school files the instructor trainee enrollment form at least two weeks before training begins.11
Alternative: People licensed three or more years as a cosmetologist, manicurist or esthetician may take the instructor exam ("Instructor (by experience)" on the exam application).13
Experience
Must hold a current Missouri cosmetologist, esthetician or manicurist license.12
License you must hold first: Missouri operator license12
Exam
NIC Instructor Theory (written) and Instructor Practical exams, administered by Prov, Inc.3
Given by: Prov, Inc.3
Passing score: 75 on the written and 75 on the oral examination11
When you can take it: After completing 600 hours of instructor training.11

Fees

You pay COSBAR (3 fees) and Prov, Inc. (2 fees).

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2514COSBARInstructor trainee enrollment. Not refundable
Initial license fee$306COSBARNot refundable
Exam fee (Each written exam costs)$903Prov, Inc.Not refundable
Exam fee (each practical exam costs)$603Prov, Inc.Not refundable
Inactive License$306COSBARInactive instructor license. 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

  1. Have the school file the Instructor Trainee Enrollment Application ($25, high school diploma/GED copy, two photos) at least two weeks before you start.14 Form (PDF, pr.mo.gov)14
  2. Complete 600 instructor training hours (or the reduced hours allowed for experience or college teaching-methods credit).12
  3. File the Application for Examination (Instructor) and pay Prov for the instructor written and practical exams.4
  4. After passing, send the Licensure Notification with the $30 cosmetology instructor fee.21
Processing time
3-5 business days (paper or MOPRO).17

Renewal

When it expires
Expires September 30 of each odd year with the operator license; the instructor renewal fee is paid in addition to the operator renewal fee.7
Renewal fee
$606 (Instructor renewal, in addition to the $60 operator renewal)
Continuing education
At least 8 hours each renewal period11
Required topics
Teacher training seminar or workshop13
Approved courses
Seminars sponsored by a university, a Missouri vocational association or a bona fide state cosmetology association approved by the board (board posts an Instructor Seminar list).13
Late renewal
Reinstatement fee: $906 (expired instructor license within two years)
If it expires
Expired more than two years: must meet the training and exam requirements again.13

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Instructor license without exam for a current out-of-state instructor license from a state with substantially equal requirements (95% of Missouri hours); the statute also grants licensure to anyone meeting another state's instructor requirements who holds a current instructor license there, on payment of the exam + license fee.13
Conditions
From states whose requirements are not substantially equal: you may sit the exam with an affidavit verifying a current instructor license.12
Fee
$10019

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 Missouri, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Missouri is on the Missouri license lookup page.

Look up a license
mopro.mo.gov18

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license in Missouri?

The rules set at least 1,500 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: 3-5 business days from receipt for paper applications (plus accounting/mail handling), or 3-5 business days from submission through MOPRO.17

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Missouri?

COSBAR publishes these routes for the Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license: license by endorsement8, exam waiver8 and universal license recognition9. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring license in Missouri?

Every 2 years7. The renewal fee is $606.

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. RSMo 329.030 License requiredMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  2. RSMo 329.050 QualificationsMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Prov Candidate Information Bulletin MO Cosmetology CIB 2026.01.05 (posted on board site)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersDated January 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Application for Examination/Temporary Permit (MO 375-0943 4-2025)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Student Enrollment Application (MO 375-1182 5-2025)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  6. 20 CSR 2085-3 License Fees (10/31/24)Missouri Secretary of State (Code of State Regulations)Dated October 31, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Renewal DatesMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  8. 20 CSR 2085-7 Cosmetology Licensing (9/30/19)Missouri Secretary of State (Code of State Regulations)Dated September 30, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  9. RSMo 324.009 Licensure of nonresidents (universal recognition)Missouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Application for Temporary Courtesy License to Nonresident Military SpouseMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  11. 20 CSR 2085-8 Cosmetology Instructors (9/30/24)Missouri Secretary of State (Code of State Regulations)Dated September 30, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  12. RSMo 329.080 Instructor trainee licenseMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  13. RSMo 329.085 Instructor licenseMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Instructor Trainee Enrollment Application (MO 375-1175 4-2025)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  15. RSMo 329.010 DefinitionsMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  16. RSMo 324.012 Criminal history; prelicensure determinationMissouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  17. FormsMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners homeMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Application for Reciprocity (MO 375-0401 4-2022)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  20. 20 CSR 2085-12 Schools and Student Rules (9/30/24)Missouri Secretary of State (Code of State Regulations)Dated September 30, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Licensure Notification (MO 375-1177 4-2025)Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026