Nebraska Licensing Overview for a Cosmetologist
Licensing for a cosmetologist in Nebraska is controlled by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Cosmetology.
General Guidelines for a Cosmetologist in Nebraska
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 education or equivalent; Basic first-aid class.
What’s the state licensing site for cosmetologist?
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Cosmetology
What are some training programs available for cosmetologist?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews by December 31 in even-numbered years.
What are fees associated with licensing?
$118
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.
There are four main steps that need to be completed to become a qualified cosmetologist / esthetician in the state of Nebraska. These include:
- The successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course
- Submission of an application of intent with the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology
- Successfully undergo state testing and pass the minimum requirements of each test
- 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 licensed cosmetologist and/or esthetician in the state of Nebraska. The minimum education requirement for this profession is a certificate or diploma in cosmetology / esthetician undertaken at a registered beauty school. Cosmetology students are required to undertake a minimum of 2,011 hours and 2,000 credits in a board-approved cosmetology school or apprentice salon to successfully complete this course. 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 undertake a minimum of 600 registered hours at a registered school of estheticians.
Nebraska does not currently offer apprenticeships in the field or cosmetology or esthetician.
Application for licensure
Upon the successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course or an apprenticeship, students within the state of Nebraska are required to submit an application for licensure. This license application must be submitted to Nebraska Board of Cosmetology for both a cosmetology license and an esthetician license.
Licensing Exam
The state of Nebraska requires students who wish to become fully licensed as either a cosmetologist or an esthetician to successfully pass a licensing exam. Nebraska uses the National Cosmetology Examination through the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) as their written examination. This exam consists of two parts: a theoretical exam, and a jurisprudence exam.
The theoretical cosmetology examination costs $53 to undertake and will cover a range of topics including but not limited to:
- Hair styling
- Client services
- Hair care
- Makeup
- Skin care
The theoretical esthetician examination costs $53 to undertake and will cover a range of topics including but not limited to:
- Client interactions
- Skin analysis
- Esthetic science
- Hair removal
- Facials
- Make up types
The jurisprudence exam is designed to assess professional knowledge of the Nebraska cosmetology rules and regulations. This exam is online, open-book, and free for both cosmetologists and estheticians.
Continuing 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 December 31 of even years for cosmetologists, and on September 30 for estheticians. This process is simple and can be done online through the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology. All professionals are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education during each licensing period to maintain their license.