Montana Cosmetology Licensing

Education Requirements for Cosmetologists in Montana

Have you ever gotten a bad haircut and immediately regretted it? People go to cosmetologists because they trust them to make their hair, skin, and nails look as good as possible. If you know you have the right skills for this job, learning more about requirements for a cosmetology license in MT can help you start getting ready for a fun new career path.

It you have never studied cosmetology before, it is important to learn more about the educational requirements of this field. Although you may spend most of your time working with hair, you should also be ready to learn about the beauty processes of nails and skin. All beauty careers are regulated by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

To qualify for a Montana cosmetology license, you must study the following subjects at an approved beauty school:

• Haircutting with shears, thinning shears, and razor (205 hours)
• Shampoo, scalp treatment, and hairstyling (260 hours)
• Skin care, including facials and shaving (150 hours)
• Chemical services (530 hours)
• Chemistry, sanitation, and sterilization (80 hours)
• Shop management and business methods (150 hours)
• Manicuring (125 hours)
• Theory of cosmetology (200 hours)

Once these hours are finished, you still need an additional 500 hours of training to meet the training requirements of Montana. Your school may use these hours however they see fit. You may attend special events, go to job interviews, attend competitions, or go to events held by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Choosing the right beauty school can help you succeed in your new career. Learn more about your options by contacting Montana beauty schools below.

Montana Cosmetology License Requirements

After you finish your training, it’s time to take the licensing exams in Montana. By passing a written exam and a skills exam, you prove your understanding of cosmetology and your ability to work in a salon independently.

Keep the following requirements in mind as you fill out your license application:

• Fees paid by check or money order to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
• $80 licensing fee
• 2000 training hours must be completed; apprenticeship is available via special permission only
• Tests administered by PSI and available in English only

It might seem like licensing is a lot of work, but there are many good reasons for the licensing process in the United States. As a cosmetologist, you have access to chemicals that can cause permanent damage if they are used incorrectly. Licensing salons and cosmetologists means that consumers can feel confident about choosing a Montana salon without having to worry about the long-term effects of getting their hair done.

Requirements for Renewing Your Cosmetology License in Montana

Once you have your MT cosmetology license, you have to follow a strict renewal schedule to be able to keep working in Montana. The Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists requires all cosmetologists to renew their license every two years by March 1. The renewal fee is currently $80 in this state. During each two-year renewal period, you must earn 30 continuing education credits.

Now that you understand how to get a beauty license in Montana, you can start working toward your own cosmetology license. To begin, use our list of schools below to contact cosmetology programs in Montana.

Find Cosmetology Programs in Montana