Any person who wants to work in the area of cosmetology and similar fields is required to obtain the proper license in the State of Indiana through the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The Board is established under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, and is charged with managing all areas of cosmetology licensing. Specifically, the Board handles application requirements, examinations procedures and issuance of licenses. Applicants for a Cosmetology license must comply with minimum educational standards and pass an exam on cosmetology skills. Licensees in other states may qualify for reciprocity, depending on the state issuing the original license. In a move certain to be followed by other states, the Board has taken advantage of recent technology to allow members to participate in regular meetings through its E-Participation process.

Obtaining a license

General

To earn a license in Cosmetology, students must complete the training requirements set forth below. The education hours must be through a Board-approved institution of cosmetology. Then, applicants must pass the state examination before submitting the Application for Cosmetologist License.

Training

• Cosmetology License: 1500 hours
• Barber License: 1500 hours
• Esthetician License: 700 hours
• Nail Technician License: 450 hours
• Electrologist License: 300 hours
• Cosmetology Instructor License: Cosmetology License plus 1000 hours
• Massage Therapist License: 500 hours

Examinations

Upon completion of educational hours, applicants must pass both written and practical examinations in order to qualify for a cosmetology license.

• Written Exam: This section of the test consists of 110 questions in multiple choice format and candidates are allowed 135 minutes to complete the exam. Topics include sanitation and laws regulating the cosmetology industry, and questions related to cosmetology services, including: Hair cutting, styling and permanent waves; manicures and pedicures; and, esthetics.
• Practical Exam: During the practical exam, proctors will give candidates oral instructions and observe candidates’ skills as they perform the directed cosmetology tasks.

Licensure by reciprocity

Individuals with a valid, current license to practice cosmetology in another state can obtain their license in Indiana by submitting a Licensure by Reciprocity application. In order to qualify, the home state must have require at least 1500 hours of education hours. Regarding testing requirements, the state that issued the original license must require at least a 70% pass rate on both the written and practical exams. Candidates must request that the issuing state send certification of valid license sent directly to the Board.

Maintaining a license

Renewal and continuing education requirements

In the State of Indiana, Cosmetology licenses must be renewed by August 1 every four years in order to remain valid and current. All licensees are required to submit the proper renewal application and $40 processing fee, though there is a $50 penalty for late filings. Licenses can be renewed up to 60 days prior to expiration and can be printed at home 24-48 hours later. There are currently no continuing education requirements for licensees in Indiana.

Disciplinary actions

All license holder disciplinary matters are handled by the Board, including consumer complaints and violations of professional rules of ethics. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may include license suspension, probation or revocation. The most common infractions are failure to provide proper sanitary conditions, improper display of license or engaging in the practice of cosmetology without the proper credentials.

E-Participation for Board members

Because of advancements in technology, the Board has enacted regulations which allow members to participate in regular meetings via electronic means. The move is intended to encourage members to contribute more input on topics facing Cosmetology licensees by making meetings easier to attend. Despite the E-Participation rules, members are still required to physically attend meetings at least three times per year and three members must always be physically present for a meeting to be official.