StateLicensed

Cosmetologist License Requirements in Arkansas

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$143
Exam
Written Examination, Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, High school credit of not less than two years (10th grade) or its equivalent, pass a criminal background check. Minimum age and education requirement are drawn from the reciprocity/hours requirements document (which mirrors direct-applicant education requirements: 10th-grade credit or equivalent for cosmetologists). The Department does not itself run criminal background checks but does screen for 'disqualifying criminal offenses' under Ark. Code Ann. §17-3-102 as part of licensure/renewal, and can inquire about criminal convictions on application or renewal (Rule 303(d), applied via Rule 113 for out-of-state automatic licensure and Rule 302/303 generally). [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. 1,500 clock hours at an Arkansas-licensed school of cosmetology or postsecondary school of cosmetology. Enrollment into a school requires a $20 state enrollment fee. Arkansas does not offer an apprenticeship alternative to school training for the cosmetologist license itself. [1]

  3. 3

    Written Examination

    Pass the Written Examination (fee: $78). Computer-based testing at a Prov testing center or via remote proctoring; unofficial results available at the testing center, official results emailed within 3 days. [2]

  4. 4

    Practical Examination

    Pass the Practical Examination (fee: $65). Fee 'not to exceed $65.00,' payable to the school administering the exam, per Rule 401(b). [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section issues your Cosmetologist License for Arkansas.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] None specified
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] $50
Written Examination [2] $78
Practical Examination [1] $65
School enrollment fee [1] $20
Written Examination (Prov, Inc.) [1] $78
Practical Examination (payable to school) [1] $65
Reciprocity fee (one-time, for out-of-state licensees) [1] $50

Arkansas Rule 401 does not list a separate 'license issuance' fee distinct from the enrollment ($20) and examination fees ($78 written to Prov + up to $65 practical to the school); a first-time in-state candidate's cost is effectively enrollment + exam fees. Renewal is $50 biennially (Rule 401(c)).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Cosmetologist licenses renew biennially for $50 (Rule 401(c)); reinstatement after more than 30 days past the licensee's birthday costs 50% of the renewal fee. Continuing education (8 hours in an Instructor Training Seminar) is required only for the separate Instructor license, not for the base cosmetologist license.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Arkansas offers two out-of-state pathways: (1) 'Automatic Occupational Licensure' under Act 457 of 2023 (Rule 113) for applicants in good standing at least 1 year in another state (or 3 years' work experience in a non-licensing state), no disqualifying criminal offense, no pending complaint, and passage of an Arkansas state-law exam (which the Department may waive); and (2) a standard Reciprocity pathway ($50 one-time fee) for licensees transferring hours/credentials from another state, with a written and practical exam required if the applicant does not hold a current license elsewhere. A separate Automatic Military Licensure pathway exists under Act 137 of 2023 / Act 135 of 2021. No interstate compact applies — Arkansas was not found on cosmetologycompact.gov's list of enacted states.

24 state-approved training providers in Arkansas — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $78
  • $65
Total$143

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Arkansas require for a cosmetologist license?

1,500 clock hours at an Arkansas-licensed school of cosmetology; Arkansas does not accept apprenticeship hours in place of school training for the cosmetologist license.

Who administers the Arkansas cosmetology written exam, and what does it cost?

Prov, Inc. administers the written exam for $78. The practical exam is scheduled and administered through an Arkansas-licensed cosmetology school for a fee not to exceed $65.

How much does it cost to renew an Arkansas cosmetologist license?

$50 biennially. Reinstating a license more than 30 days past the licensee's birthday costs an additional 50% of the renewal fee.

Can I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to Arkansas?

Yes, via the standard Reciprocity pathway ($50 one-time fee; written and practical exam required if you don't hold a current out-of-state license) or the Automatic Occupational Licensure pathway (Act 457 of 2023) for applicants with at least 1 year in good standing in another state or 3 years of relevant work experience.

Does my spouse's military service help me transfer a license to Arkansas?

Yes — Arkansas has a separate Reciprocity Requirements for Military Spouses/Automatic Military Licensure pathway (Act 137 of 2023 and Act 135 of 2021) for military families relocating to the state.

Sources

  1. [1] healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Cosmo-and-Body-Art-Rule.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] provexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AR_Prov_Cosmetology_CIB_2026.01.05.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Reciprocity_requirements_Hours-1.12.2.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10