All four Louisiana beauty licenses in one place. Louisiana uses NIC exams via Prometric/IQT for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech — 75% passing. Annual birthday-based renewal is one of the shortest cycles nationally. Barbers are regulated by a separate board with a January 31 annual renewal. No CE required for any practitioner.
Louisiana · Cosmetology
1,500 hours at a licensed school. NIC exam via Prometric/IQT — 75% passing both written (110 questions, 90 min) and practical (4–5 hours, minimum 4 mannequin heads). Annual birthday-based renewal at ~$35. No CE. English-only exam. Beware of exam scammers — LSBC warns applicants specifically about this.
Louisiana uses NIC National Theory and Practical Examinations administered by Prometric (via IQT Testing). NICPrep's cosmetology question bank is built from the NIC CIB — a direct-fit study resource. Written: 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pilot), 90 minutes, 75% passing. Practical: 4–5 hours, bring minimum 4 mannequin heads, 75% passing. Note: Louisiana's cosmetology exam is administered in English only.
The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) governs cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech certificates. Office: Baton Rouge. The Board warns all applicants to be alert for scammers posing as state board officials — all official communications come from lsbc.louisiana.gov or @la.gov email addresses.
Hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical services; nail care (manicures, pedicures); basic skin care and makeup application. A separate Alternative Hair Design permit is available for those who want to offer hair styling services only, with fewer requirements.
Verify school approval at lsbc.louisiana.gov. School must be licensed by LSBC.
Application includes student registration certificate, photo ID, and initial certificate fee. LSBC approves your application and authorizes Prometric scheduling.
Schedule at Prometric.com (directed to IQT Testing). Pay $25 written + $25 practical. Bring 4+ mannequin heads to practical. Exam in English only. Unlimited retakes with fee.
Annual renewal on your birthday at ~$35. No CE required. Late penalty: twice the applicable fee per year expired, capped at $300. Expired 3+ years: take a 25-question reinstatement exam.
Built from the NIC CIB — the exam Prometric/IQT administers in Louisiana. Try 10 free questions, no signup.
Louisiana recognizes cosmetology licenses from all other states. Applicants must pass Louisiana's NIC exams. Those licensed via apprenticeship are not eligible. Reciprocity application fee: $50. Contact LSBC for application form.
Louisiana · Esthetics
750 hours at a licensed school. NIC exam via Prometric/IQT — 75% passing. Annual birthday-based renewal at ~$35. No CE. Dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and nano-needling now within esthetics scope (LSBC clarified). Microdermabrasion also requires a separate permit. Reciprocity from all states (NIC exam required).
Louisiana uses the NIC National Esthetics Theory and Practical Examinations administered by Prometric/IQT. NICPrep's esthetics question bank is built from the NIC Esthetics CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 75% passing on both. Annual renewal on your birthday. No CE required.
Louisiana esthetics scope under RS 37:563 includes: massaging the face or neck, eyebrow work, eyelash enhancements, hair removal through waxing or threading, skin treatments on the face, neck, upper body, and extremities. LSBC has explicitly clarified that dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and nano-needling are within Louisiana esthetics scope. Microdermabrasion also requires a separate permit from LSBC (manufacturer training required before applying).
Full-time programs typically 5–8 months. Verify school approval at lsbc.louisiana.gov.
Include student registration certificate and photo ID. LSBC approves and authorizes Prometric scheduling.
Pay $25/section. Unlimited retakes with fee each attempt.
Annual birthday renewal at ~$35. No CE required.
Built from the NIC Esthetics CIB — the exam Prometric/IQT administers in Louisiana. Try 10 free questions, no signup.
Louisiana · Barber
1,500 hours at a licensed barber school (or 4,000-hour apprenticeship). Governed by the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners — a separate board from LSBC. NIC exam administered ~4 times per year by the Barber Board — 70% passing (lower than cosmetology's 75%). Must bring 3 live models (2 male, 1 female). Annual renewal January 31.
Louisiana uses NIC Barber examinations administered by the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners. NICPrep's barber question bank is built from the NIC Barber Styling CIB — a direct-fit study resource. Note the passing score for Louisiana barbers is 70% (not 75% as for cosmetology/esthetics/nail tech).
Louisiana barbers are governed by the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners — separate from the State Board of Cosmetology. Key differences: exam passing score is 70% (not 75%); exams are offered approximately 4 times per year (not on demand); you must bring 3 live models (2 male, 1 female) to the practical; annual renewal deadline is January 31 (not birthday-based); age/education requirements are higher (18+, high school diploma vs 16+, 10th grade for cosmetology).
Verify school approval through the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners.
Contact the Barber Board for current application forms and requirements. Exams given ~4 times per year.
Written: 1 hour. Practical: 3 hours. Bring 2 male + 1 female models. $40 exam fee for in-state graduates.
Annual renewal January 31. $50 renewal fee. No CE required.
Built from the NIC Barber Styling CIB. Louisiana barbers pass at 70%. Try 10 free questions, no signup.
Louisiana · Manicurist
Louisiana calls nail technicians "manicurists." 500 hours at a licensed school. NIC exam via Prometric/IQT — 75% passing. Annual birthday-based renewal at ~$35. No CE. Important restriction: sharp blades are prohibited in Louisiana nail tech scope — no callus-removing blade work. Reciprocity from all states (NIC exam required).
Louisiana uses the NIC National Nail Technology Theory and Practical Examinations administered by Prometric/IQT. NICPrep's nail technology question bank is built from the NIC Nail Technology CIB — a direct-fit study resource. 75% passing on both. No CE required.
Louisiana prohibits manicurists from using sharp blades for callus removal or foot care. Blade-style callus removers, metal foot files with sharp edges, and similar tools are outside the Louisiana manicurist scope of practice. Foot care using non-blade tools (pumice stones, electric files within authorized limits) is permitted. Confirm current allowable tools with LSBC before performing pedicure services.
Verify school at lsbc.louisiana.gov. Programs typically 3–5 months full-time.
LSBC approves and authorizes Prometric scheduling.
$25/section. Unlimited retakes with fee.
Annual birthday renewal at ~$35. No CE. No blades in scope.
Built from the NIC Nail Technology CIB. Try 10 free questions, no signup.
Louisiana uses NIC exams via Prometric/IQT — 75% passing for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech. No CE ever required. NICPrep is built from the same NIC CIBs. Try 10 real questions, no signup required.