Cosmetologist License Requirements in Iowa
License RequiredLast verified March 9, 2026
Agency And Exam
Issuing agency: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
Official licensing agency website
Exam provider: NIC
Reciprocity And License Levels
License levels
Cosmetologist
Reciprocity states
None listed
Notes
Iowa licenses cosmetology through the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences. State application materials require either 1,550 hours from a board-approved or nationally accredited program or a qualifying apprenticeship completion, plus a passing score of 75 percent or higher on the NIC or national theory cosmetology exam. Verified against Iowa DIAL barbering and cosmetology materials on 2026-03-09.