Thinking about becoming a cosmetologist in Montana but unsure how to prepare for the state board exam? This guide is for you! Cosmetology goes beyond hairstyling—it’s a dynamic industry that includes skincare, nail care, and makeup artistry, offering opportunities in salons, spas, and even freelance careers.
Earning your license demonstrates your skills and sets the stage for professional growth. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Montana State Cosmetology Exam, from registration to results.
Go straight to the practice test
MONTANA STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAM
The Montana Cosmetology State Board Exam is a required exam for anyone pursuing a professional cosmetology license in Montana. It consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. To receive licensure, you must pass both sections. Successfully completing both exams will grant you your Montana cosmetology license.
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of obtaining your Montana Cosmetology license.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MONTANA COSMETOLOGY STATE EXAM
To sit for any exam, you have to know whether you’re eligible for the exam or not. The initial step of the Montana Cosmetology State Board Exam process is registration.
The eligibility criteria for the Montana Cosmetology Exam was set by the Montana Boards of Cosmetologists and Barbers. The first step is to check your eligibility criteria before you begin the registration process for the cosmetology exam in the state of Montana.
The eligibility criteria for the Michigan Cosmetology State Board Exam are as follows:
- You must be 17 years of age or older.
- You must have a middle school equivalency certificate.
- You must have a good moral character.
- Must have a minimum number of practical working hours.
The minimum practical hours required to be eligible to apply for the Montana State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Exams are as follows:
REGISTER FOR THE MONTANA STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATION
Once you’re eligible for the Cosmetology State Exam, you can apply through the official DL Roope Administrations site.
For the Montana State Board Exam, DL Roope Administrations is the official administrator of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations. The registration process for in-state and out of state candidates differs.
FOR THE IN-STATE MONTANA GRADUATES
If you are a graduate of the State of Montana, you can receive a paper exam application directly from your respective school. If not, you can complete the online application through the official site of DL Roope.com.
Your school will receive a notification about your online application status once you apply for the exam.
You can apply for the practical exam once you have finished 90% of your course.
OUT-OF-STATE CANDIDATES
If you have not completed your course in the State of Montana, you should apply online or print the out-of-state examination application at the DL Roope website. If approved, you will be issued a Verification of Eligibility form (VOE), which you will need to submit along with your exam application.
PAY YOUR EXAM FEES
Once you have successfully completed your application process, it is time for you to pay your fees. Before making the payment, please go through the points below:
- The exam fees are non-refundable and apply only to the scheduled exam.
- The exam fees hold a validity of 6 months from the date of receipt.
- If you miss your scheduled exam, your fees will be forfeited. Scheduling another exam will require another payment.
- Credit for any emergency on the date of examination will require written documentation to be submitted within 24 hours of the exam.
- If approved, your exam will be scheduled for the following week.
| License | Fees |
| Barbers | $80 |
| Cosmetologists | $80 |
| Estheticians | $80 |
| Manicurists | $80 |
SCHEDULE YOUR MONTANA COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARD EXAM
Now that you have paid your exam fees, let’s schedule your examination.
In order to schedule your exam, you need to register at the official website of DL Roope.
This page will require you to log in. Enter your details and submit them to register for the examination. Also, you can download the application and fill it out.
If you need to reschedule your examination, as stated earlier, you need to download the application form from the website and fill it out.
EXAM SUCCESS TIPS FOR COSMETOLOGY STUDENTS
- Review your course materials thoroughly to ensure a strong understanding of essential concepts.
- Take practice tests to reinforce your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts to boost confidence and accuracy.
- Manage your time wisely during the exam to maximize efficiency.
- Mentally prepare for test day to stay calm and focused.
- Read each question carefully and prioritize challenging topics for better performance.
ON THE EXAMINATION DAY
After registering and scheduling the exam, you should make sure you take the required documents on the day of the examination. Here is the list of documents that you need to take with you on examination day.
- A government-approved photo identification card (Original, verified, and valid).
- The identification should contain your full and legal name that matches your application.
- The document must be in good condition.
THINGS TO NOTE:
- Check and verify your admission letter, which you will receive based on your application.
- Your personal belongings will not be allowed into the examination hall.
- Follow the proper seating arrangement provided by the management.
- Your attire should be proper and professional.
- Refrain from using cologne or perfume in consideration of other candidates.
- Bringing mobile phones inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited.
Apart from these, you should be prepared for the examination by focusing on studying and reading up on the exam.
TAKE THE COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARD EXAM
Now you are ready to take the exam.
There are two exams that you will need to appear for:
- The Cosmetology Written Examination.
- The Practical Examination
Practical Exam Instructions:
- Exam Proctoring Platform: Your practical exam will be remotely proctored via Examroom.ai.
- Login Process:
- Visit https://nic.examroom.ai/ on exam day.
- Enter your registered email and use your candidate ID (found in your confirmation email) as the password.
- Access the Examroom.ai Dashboard and click “Start My Exam.”
- Onboarding & Check-in:
- An onboarding agent will guide you through the check-in process.
- You will be required to complete ID verification and a room scan.
- Proctor Admission:
- After onboarding, a proctor will provide an access code and admit you into the exam.
- Your exam name will appear at the top center of the screen, and your name will be displayed in the top right corner.
- Exam Instructions & Navigation:
- Read all instructions carefully before proceeding.
- Click “Continue” in the bottom right corner to move forward.
- Agree and confirm the instructions to begin the exam.
- Exam Sections:
- The test is divided into multiple sections, each with specific instructions and a time limit.
- Instructions can be read aloud using the “Play Instructions” button.
- Camera Setup:
- Use the “Live Preview” button to check your camera’s focus.
- Ensure the camera is properly positioned in your workspace before starting.
Starting the Task:
- When ready, click “Start Task.”
- Once you click “Start Task,” the timer will begin.
- If you need to review the instructions again, click “View Instructions” in the top right corner.
Camera & Visibility Requirements:
- Ensure the camera remains focused on your tasks at all times.
- Show the camera all products and supplies as you take them out of your kit.
Navigating Between Tasks:
- After completing a section, click “Next Task” to proceed.
Completing the Exam:
- Upon finishing the exam, the Examiner will guide you through submitting your exam and logging out.
The practical exam is about 4 to 5 hours long. You can also take the written exam before the practical exam if you want.
WRITTEN EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
- The duration of the written examination is around 90 minutes, and it is computer-based.
- Be respectful and avoid disturbing others.
- Once seated, follow all instructions carefully and verify your details, including your name, candidate ID, exam name, and any additional testing materials such as graphics.
- If you need to leave the testing room, inform your proctor and return all testing materials before exiting.
- Restroom breaks are allowed, but the test timer will continue running, and lost time cannot be recovered.
- If your computer freezes, shuts down or fails to proceed to the next question, notify your proctor immediately. They can restart your exam without any loss of testing time.
- When you finish your test, remain seated, raise your hand, and wait for the proctor to begin the check-out process.
- Once all testing materials are accounted for, you may collect your belongings and exit the testing center.
- You will receive your unofficial test results on the same day, and your official results will be sent via email within four days of your exam.
RECEIVE YOUR MONTANA STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSE
Passing the Montana State Board of Cosmetology Exam is a crucial step toward starting your career as a licensed cosmetologist. By understanding the eligibility requirements, registration process, exam structure, and test-day expectations, you can confidently prepare for both the written and practical exams.
Staying organized, studying effectively, and following all guidelines will help you succeed. Once you pass both exams, you will receive your Montana cosmetology license, allowing you to work in salons, and spas, or even start your own business. Keep track of renewal requirements to maintain your license and continue growing in your career.
If you need to renew your license, you should visit the official website of the Montana State Board of Cosmetology and fill out the renewal application form.
Related Reads
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MONTANA COSMETOLOGY EXAMS
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE MONTANA BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATIONS?
You may apply for the Cosmetology exam on the official website of the Montana State Board of Cosmetology. You will have to fill out the application form and submit the documents and fees required to process your application further.
I CAN’T MAKE THE DATE/TIME OF MY EXAMINATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
To reschedule or retake your exam, download the paper-based rescheduling application from the official website of DL Roope, or log into DL Roope to fill out an online application.
WHICH EXAMINATION PROGRAM DOES THE MONTANA BARBER AND COSMETOLOGY SERVICES LICENSING BOARD USE?
The Montana Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board uses the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) to administer their Cosmetology exams.
CAN I TAKE THE STATE BOARD EXAMINATIONS BEFORE I’VE COMPLETED THE REQUIRED HOURS?
No. To apply for the Montana State Board of Cosmetology Exam, you first have to meet the eligibility criteria of completing the practical working hours set by the state.
HOW LONG IS THE COSMETOLOGY WRITTEN EXAMINATION?
For the State Board of Cosmetology Exam in Montana, the duration of the written exam is 90 minutes.
WHAT’S THE FORMAT OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION?
For the State Board of Cosmetology Exam in Montana, the written Cosmetology exam is a computer-based exam.
CAN I TAKE A PRACTICE TEST EXAM?
Yes, you can take some practice tests on the official website. You can also take our free cosmetology Practice Tests to help with your exam preparation.
HOW LONG IS THE COSMETOLOGY PRACTICAL EXAMINATION?
For the State Board of Cosmetology Exam in Montana, the duration of the practical exam is approximately 4-5 hours long.
WHAT SCORES DO I NEED TO PASS BOTH PORTIONS OF THE COSMETOLOGY EXAM?
The passing score is 75% or above for the State Board of Cosmetology in Montana.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I RETAKE THE STATE BOARD COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATION IF I FAIL?
You may retake your Cosmetology exam any number of times. You can schedule your exam by logging into the official website of DL Roope.
WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR AN ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION?
- Your completed application.
- Government-issued Identification – A passport, a military ID, or a valid driver’s license.
- A copy of your transcript.
- A copy of your marriage license (if applicable).
- Application and endorsement fees.
HOW DO I RENEW MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE IN MONTANA?
To renew your license, you can visit the official DL Roope website and fill out the form to start the renewal process.
Montana State Cosmetology Exam Practice Test
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