All Iowa beauty licenses in one place. Iowa uses NIC exams via PSI — 75% passing. 6 hours of CE are required per biennial renewal cycle (first renewal exempt). Renewal window: May 1–December 31 of odd-numbered years. $60 biennial fee. No apprenticeship — school only. Regulated by Iowa DIAL (Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing).
Iowa · Cosmetology
1,550 hours at a DIAL-approved school. No apprenticeship. NIC exams via PSI — 75% passing. 6 hours CE required per biennial cycle (4 discipline-specific + 2 Iowa law/sanitation). First renewal exempt. Renewal May 1–Dec 31 of odd years. $60 biennial. Age 17+, HS diploma required.
Iowa uses NIC National Cosmetology Theory and Practical Examinations administered by PSI. NICPrep's cosmetology question bank is built from the NIC CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 75% passing on both written and practical.
Iowa is one of roughly 14 states requiring CE for cosmetology license renewal. Per biennial cycle: minimum 6 hours total — at least 4 hours specific to your license discipline (cosmetology technique, hair, skin, or nail content) plus at least 2 hours in Iowa barbering and cosmetology laws, rules, and infection control. First renewal is exempt from CE requirements. All CE may be completed online through Iowa Board-approved providers. Renewal window: May 1 – December 31 of odd-numbered years.
If you hold multiple Iowa beauty licenses, CE requirements increase: one license = 6 hrs; two licenses = 10 hrs (4 hrs per discipline + 2 hrs Iowa law); three licenses = 14 hrs (4 hrs per discipline + 2 hrs Iowa law). Instructors require 12–16 hrs including teaching methodology hours.
Age 17+, HS diploma or equivalent required. No apprenticeship accepted. School submits verification to DIAL.
Apply through PSI. Written and practical exams. Both required at 75%.
Submit documentation and fees online. License issued by DIAL.
CE: minimum 4 hrs discipline-specific + 2 hrs Iowa law/sanitation. All CE may be online. Board-approved providers only.
Full 10-test NIC Cosmetology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,099 cards: Sci · Hair · Skin · Nail. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Iowa · Esthetics
600 hours at a DIAL-approved school. No apprenticeship. NIC esthetics exams via PSI — 75% passing. 6 hours CE per biennial cycle (4 esthetics-specific + 2 Iowa law/sanitation). First renewal exempt. Renewal May 1–Dec 31 odd years. $60 biennial. Age 17+, HS diploma.
Iowa uses NIC National Esthetics Theory and Practical Examinations via PSI. NICPrep's esthetics question bank is built from the NIC Esthetics CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 75% passing. CE required: 6 hrs per cycle (4 esthetics-specific + 2 Iowa law/sanitation); first renewal exempt.
Age 17+, HS diploma required. No apprenticeship. Programs typically 4–6 months full-time.
Written and practical both required at 75%.
Online application at dial.iowa.gov.
4 hrs esthetics-specific + 2 hrs Iowa law/sanitation. All CE may be online.
Full 10-test NIC Esthetics exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,100 cards: Sci · Skin. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Iowa · Barber
Iowa barbers are regulated by the same Iowa DIAL department as cosmetologists. NIC exams via PSI. CE required on the same biennial schedule. Contact DIAL at dial.iowa.gov for current barber-specific hour requirements and exam procedures.
Iowa's barber licensure is governed by Iowa DIAL under the same Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences framework. NIC exams via PSI. NICPrep's barber question bank covers NIC Barber Styling content — strong supplementary preparation. CE is required on the same biennial schedule as cosmetology. Confirm current barber hour requirements and fees at dial.iowa.gov.
Full 10-test NIC Barber Styling exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,100 cards: Sci · Hair · Implements · Facial. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Iowa · Nail Technology
325 hours at a DIAL-approved school — Iowa uses "Nail Technologist." No apprenticeship. NIC nail technology exams via PSI — 75% passing. 6 hours CE per biennial cycle (4 nail-specific + 2 Iowa law/sanitation). First renewal exempt. Renewal May 1–Dec 31 odd years. $60 biennial.
Iowa uses NIC National Nail Technology Theory and Practical Examinations via PSI. NICPrep's nail technology question bank is built from the NIC Nail Technology CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 75% passing. CE required: 6 hrs per cycle (4 nail-specific + 2 Iowa law/sanitation); first renewal exempt.
Age 17+, HS diploma required. No apprenticeship. Programs typically 8–12 weeks full-time.
Written and practical both required at 75%.
Online application at dial.iowa.gov.
4 hrs nail-specific + 2 hrs Iowa law/sanitation. All CE may be online from DIAL-approved providers.
Full 10-test NIC Nail Technology exam simulation with instant rationales and per-domain breakdown.
Practice tests and flashcards together. One purchase, one email, instant access to both.
1,100 cards across 9 NIC domains. Front: question. Back: answer plus full rationale.
Iowa uses NIC exams via PSI — 75% passing. CE required (6 hrs per cycle, first exempt). NICPrep is built from the NIC CIBs.