Cosmetologist / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Montana data shows for Cosmetologists

To practice as a cosmetologist in Montana, the state licensing board requires 1,454 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under Montana's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $55 to get started, plus $25 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 2 weeks once your application is complete. Montana doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
61/100
Cosmetologist · Montana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,454 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$149
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$37/yr
$74 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,454 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$149
Renewal Fee
$74
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Montana? ▼
In Montana, the license path calls for 1454 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $149 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Montana? ▼
Montana licenses cosmetologists who complete its requirements (1454 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Montana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Montana from another state? ▼
For cosmetologists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Montana licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Montana does require a background check before issuing a cosmetologist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Montana? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Montana is $55. The renewal fee is $25 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Montana? ▼
In Montana, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Montana, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Montana's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Montana's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Montana overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.