Nebraska Cosmetology License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

At least 17 on or before the beginning date of the examination.

At least 17 on or before the beginning date of the examination.

Has attained the age of seventeen years on or before the beginning date of the examination for which application is being made

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Formal education equivalent to a United States high school education.

Formal education equivalent to a United States high school education.

Has completed formal education equivalent to a United States high school education

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

1,800 hours

1800

For licensure as a cosmetologist, the program of studies shall consist of a minimum of one thousand eight hundred hours

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Successfully complete a board-approved examination; the statute also requires successful completion of the written examination.

Successfully complete a board-approved examination; the statute also requires successful completion of the written examination.

successful completion of an examination in the appropriate practices approved by the board and administered by the department; (4) Possesses sufficient ability to read the English language to permit the applicant to practice in a safe manner, as evidenced by successful completion of the written examination

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

A current Nebraska license is required to practice; cosmetologists work with hair, skin and nails.

A current Nebraska license is required to practice; cosmetologists work with hair, skin and nails.

You must hold a current Nebraska license to practice in Nebraska. Nebraska license types: A cosmetologist works with hair, skin, and nails.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Initial license fees depend on the month and year of issuance; fee waivers may apply. Consult the application fee chart.

Initial license fees depend on the month and year of issuance; fee waivers may apply. Consult the application fee chart.

Fee Required if YOU DO NOT qualify for one of the above fee waivers: Review the following chart to determine the fee required based on the month and year in which your license will be issued:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health, Licensure Unit

Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health, Licensure Unit

Department of Health & Human Services/Public Health/Licensure Unit

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Cosmetology-and-Esthetics.aspx

Cosmetology and Esthetics

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/CosiEsthAppByExam.pdf

Cosmetologist and Esthetician License by Examination

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

12/31 of even years

12/31 of even years Applies to: Cosmetologist licenses

Cosmetologist 12/31 of even years Eight hours

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

8 hours

8

Cosmetologist 12/31 of even years Eight hours

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

At least four of the eight CE hours must teach skills or services of the profession.

At least four of the eight CE hours must teach skills or services of the profession.

To renew, a licensee must have completed at least eight hours of continuing education; four hours must be learning how to perform the skills or services of your profession.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The department may grant a license based on licensure in another jurisdiction to any person who meets the requirements of subdivisions (1) and (2) of section 38-1062 and who presents proof of the following:

The department may grant a license based on licensure in another jurisdiction under Nebraska Revised Statute 38-1066, subject to its requirements.

The department may grant a license based on licensure in another jurisdiction to any person who meets the requirements of subdivisions (1) and (2) of section 38-1062 and who presents proof of the following:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026