Indiana Licensing Overview for a Cosmetologist

Licensing for a cosmetologist in Indiana is controlled by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners.

General Guidelines for a Cosmetologist in Indiana

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 18 years old; 10th grade education or equivalent

What’s the state licensing site for cosmetologist?

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – State Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners

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?

Renews every 4 years by August 1

What are fees associated with licensing?

$40

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. The process of being a fully licensed cosmetologist and/or esthetician varies between each state.

There are four main steps that need to be completed to become a qualified cosmetologist / esthetician in the state of Indiana. 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 with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
  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 Indiana. 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. To become an esthetician, students are required to complete 700 registered hours at a registered school of estheticians. The state of Indiana does not currently offer students the possibility to complete an apprenticeship. 

Licensing Exam

The state of Indiana requires students who wish to become fully licensed as either a cosmetologist or an esthetician to successfully pass a licensing exam. Indiana exams are proctored by the Pearson VUE testing agency. 

The cosmetology exam consists of a theoretical exam that includes 110 questions. Students will have 135 minutes to complete the exam, and the cost is $53. The exam will cover topics such as:

  • Safety
  • Hair Analysis
  • Styling
  • Physical processes
  • Chemical processes
  • Hygiene
  • Nails
  • Client consultation

The esthetician exam consists of a theoretical exam that will take 105 minutes to complete. The exam will cover topics such as:

  • Safety regulations
  • Facials
  • Hair removal
  • Client contact
  • Skin analysis
  • Facials
  • Chemical peels
  • Massage
  • Makeup

Application for licensure

Upon the successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course or an apprenticeship and the successful completion of the theoretical exam, professionals within the state of Indiana are required to apply for licensure by examination. This process requires professionals to provide a copy of their transcripts, identification documentation, official test scores and an application and required fee to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. This process is true for both cosmetologists and estheticians. 

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 on the date as specified by the Board. This process is simple and can be done online through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. There is a fee of $40 for this renewal. In the state of Indiana, there are no ongoing educational requirements for cosmetology or esthetician 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.

Location(s):

Indiana