Michigan Cosmetology License Requirements

Earning a Michigan cosmetology license requires 1,500 hours of approved training, passing the NBCP examination, and completing your application through MiPLUS. Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Meet the minimum eligibility requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and have completed the equivalent of a 9th-grade education. Michigan does not require a high school diploma or GED for cosmetology licensure.
2. Complete 1,500 hours at a LARA-approved cosmetology school. Your school must be licensed by the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing. Alternatively, complete a 2-year apprenticeship (1,920 hours) under a licensed Michigan cosmetologist registered with LARA. Your school or sponsor will certify your hours upon completion.
3. Submit your application through MiPLUS. Apply online through the MiPLUS portal. The application fee is $63.00 and covers your initial license period through the next August 31 of an even-numbered year.
4. Schedule and pass the NBCP examination. Once your application is approved, schedule your National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) theory and practical exams through PSI Services LLC at test-takers.psiexams.com/micos or by calling 855-579-4635. Both in-person and virtual testing options are available.
5. Receive your Michigan cosmetology license. After passing both exam components and your application is fully processed, LARA issues your cosmetologist license. Your license expires August 31 of the next even-numbered year and renews biennially for $48 with no CE requirement.

Michigan cosmetology schools must be licensed by LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing. The 1,500-hour cosmetologist curriculum is divided between theory and practical instruction covering all areas required by the Michigan Occupational Code.

Curriculum Areas

• Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical texturing (permanent waving, relaxing), and styling techniques
• Skin care: Facials, makeup application, skin analysis, and basic esthetics procedures
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, artificial nail applications, and nail care procedures
• Sanitation and infection control: Michigan sanitation standards, EPA-registered disinfectants, bloodborne pathogen protocols, and proper sterilization techniques
• Michigan law and professional conduct: Occupational Code provisions applicable to cosmetology, board administrative rules, salon safety standards, and professional ethics

Theory and Practical Hour Breakdown

Michigan requires a minimum number of theory hours and practical hours within the 1,500-hour program. Schools must maintain records of each student's theory and practical hours separately. The Michigan cosmetology schools page on LARA's website lists the specific hour breakdown required for each subject area.

Apprenticeship Pathway

Michigan offers a 2-year apprenticeship alternative totaling 1,920 hours, supervised by a licensed Michigan cosmetologist with at least 3 years of experience. The apprenticeship must be registered with LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing before hours begin to count. The apprentice must work at least 16 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per week. Upon completion, the supervising cosmetologist certifies the apprentice's hours for exam eligibility.

Since November 4, 2022, Michigan cosmetology applicants must pass the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination administered by PSI Services LLC. The NBCP replaced Michigan's previous state-developed exams. Both a theory and practical component are required.

NBCP Theory Examination

The NBCP theory exam is a computer-based multiple-choice examination covering cosmetology sciences, sanitation, infection control, and safety practices. The passing score is determined by PSI using psychometric standards. Schedule through PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/micos or by calling 855-579-4635. The theory exam is available both in-person at PSI testing centers and through virtual proctoring from any location with a reliable internet connection and webcam.

NBCP Practical Examination

The NBCP practical exam evaluates hands-on skills in a controlled environment. PSI examiners assess technique, sanitation procedures, and the ability to perform required cosmetology services. Like the theory exam, the practical component is available both in-person and through virtual proctoring — Michigan is one of the states offering this virtual option. The passing score is determined by PSI.

Virtual Testing Option

Michigan's virtual exam option allows candidates to take both the theory and practical NBCP exams remotely via PSI's virtual proctoring platform. You will need a computer with webcam, stable internet, and a quiet testing environment. For the practical exam, you must have the required supplies and a mannequin head. Review PSI's virtual exam requirements at test-takers.psiexams.com/micos before scheduling.

Scheduling and Retakes

Schedule either exam component through PSI's website or by phone at 855-579-4635. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you may retake the failed component by scheduling and paying the applicable fee through PSI. There is no limit on retake attempts. You do not need to retake a component you have already passed.

Michigan cosmetology licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.) and renew biennially. The renewal fee is $48.00. Michigan does not require continuing education (CE) hours for cosmetology license renewal — one of approximately fifteen states without a CE mandate.

How to Renew Through MiPLUS

1. Log in to the MiPLUS portal using your account credentials.
2. Select the renewal option for your cosmetology license.
3. Verify your current name, mailing address, and contact information. Update if needed.
4. Pay the $48 renewal fee by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
5. Print or save your renewal confirmation. Your updated license will be available in MiPLUS.

Renewal Timeline

LARA mails renewal notices to your address on file approximately 60 days before the August 31 expiration date. If you do not receive a notice, you are still responsible for renewing on time. Keep your mailing address current in MiPLUS to ensure you receive notices.

Late Renewal and Grace Period

Michigan provides a 60-day grace period after the August 31 expiration. During this period you may renew by paying the $48 fee plus a $20 late fee ($68 total). You may not practice on an expired license during the grace period. After the 60-day window closes, relicensure is required at a fee of $83, and LARA may require you to retake the NBCP examination depending on how long the license has been lapsed.

No Continuing Education Required

Michigan is one of approximately fifteen states that does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. There are no CE courses, hours, or reporting requirements. Simply pay the renewal fee before your expiration date to maintain your active license status.

Michigan's Bureau of Professional Licensing regulates several cosmetology-related license types, each with distinct training requirements. All licenses require passing the NBCP examination administered by PSI Services LLC.

*Hour increases apply to students who begin training on or after July 1, 2024. Students who started before that date complete the original 400-hour requirement.

Instructor Licenses

Michigan issues separate instructor licenses for cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and electrology. Instructor candidates must hold an active practitioner license in their discipline and pass the corresponding instructor NBCP examination. The application fee for instructor licenses is also $63, with biennial renewal at $48.

Common Requirements

All individual license types share these requirements: minimum age of 17, equivalent of a 9th-grade education, NBCP examination (theory and practical), $63 application fee, biennial renewal on August 31 of even-numbered years at $48, and no continuing education requirement.