Kansas Licensing Overview for a Cosmetologist

Licensing for a cosmetologist in Kansas is controlled by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.

General Guidelines for a Cosmetologist in Kansas

Specific requirements to perform cosmetologist services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.

Who’s allowed to perform these services?

Cosmetologist

General requirements for cosmetologist license required?

At least 17 years old; High school diploma or equivalent

What’s the state licensing site for cosmetologist?

Kansas Board of Cosmetology

What are some training programs available for cosmetologist?

See training programs

How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?

Renew every 2 years in the month of original licensure

What are fees associated with licensing?

$60

Cosmetologist / Esthetician Licensing

A cosmetologist is a beauty professional who specializes in the beautification and health of their client’s hair, skin and nails. An esthetician is a beauty professional that specializes in the beautification and health of their client’s skin, particularly through hair removal, skin and facial treatments and the application of makeup. With additional training, a cosmetologist can become an esthetician and vice versa. While there are fundamental differences between cosmetologists and estheticians as we have just explained, the process of becoming licensed within each career is almost the same. With this being said, the process of being a fully licensed cosmetologist and/or esthetician varies between states.

There are four main steps that need to be completed to become a qualified cosmetologist / esthetician in the state of Kansas. These include:

  1. The successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course
  2. Successfully undergo state testing and pass the minimum requirements of each test
  3. Submission of an application of intent with the Kansas Board of Cosmetology
  4. Maintain your knowledge base through regular education to keep your cosmetologist / esthetician license current.

Education

There are basic educational requirements needed before one can become a licenced cosmetologist and/or esthetician in the state of Kansas. The minimum education requirement for this profession is a certificate or diploma in cosmetology / esthetician undertaken at a registered beauty school, through vocational training or through a junior college. To successfully complete this course, students are required to undertake a minimum of 1500 hours of training before they can be signed off. For further training, some beauticians may choose to gain an associate degree to boost their qualifications. For those looking to begin their own start up business, an associate degree is quite a desirable skill to possess. The hours to become an esthetician are quite similar, with students needing to complete 1000 registered hours at a registered school of estheticians.

The state of Kansas does not currently require an apprenticeship for cosmetologists or estheticians. 

Licensing Exam

The state of Kansas requires students who wish to become fully licensed as either a cosmetologist or an esthetician to successfully pass a licensing exam. Kansas administers their exams through the Ergometrics & Applied Personnel Research, Inc.. The examination for cosmetologists consists of two parts: the theoretical exam which costs $50 to undertake, and the practical exam which costs $65.

The theoretical cosmetology exam will take up to 2 hours and covers topics such as state regulations, and information that is to be studied in the textbooks Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology, Salon Fundamentals: A Resource for Your Cosmetology Career and Milady’s Standard Nail Technology.

The cosmetology practical examination will cover topics such as:

  • Hygiene
  • Physical services
  • Chemical services
  • Manicures
  • Customer interaction
  • Clean up

The esthetician theoretical examination is a 2 hour computer based exam that covers topics such as:

  • State laws and regulations
  • Product knowledge
  • Hygiene and safety precautions
  • Equipment
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Skin care
  • Services

The esthetician practical examination requires professionals to bring their own tools, and follows a script that looks at a range of areas of the profession including (but not limited to):

  • Hygienic set up
  • Facial cleansing
  • Hair removal
  • Makeup application
  • Facial mask
  • Blood spill procedures

Application for licensure

Upon the successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course or an apprenticeship, students within the state of Kansas are required to submit an application for licensure. This license application must be submitted to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology for both a cosmetology license and an esthetician license. Along with the application, professionals are required to submit their schooling transcripts, identification documents and test scores. The cost of this application is $45. 

Ongoing education

Following the successful completion of your state license to become either a cosmetology or an esthetician, it is important to remember that you must renew this license when instructed via email. This process is simple and can be done online through the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.

In the state of Kansas, there are no ongoing educational requirements for cosmetology licenses, however, many professionals continue to grow their expertise. This allows them to stay up to date with the latest techniques and trends in the field of beauty. Estheticians in Kansas are required to continue their education to renew their license when instructed via email. The cost is $45.

Location(s):

Kansas