Minnesota Cosmetology State Board Exam: FAQs You Google + Mock Test
Becoming “Mr./Ms. Cosmetologist” in Minnesota takes more than just passion.
This guide answers the questions you’ve been Googling: license requirements, training hours, application steps, exam topics, and passing scores.
You’ll learn how to apply, retake if needed, and how long the process usually takes. There’s even a practice test so you can check where you stand.
And because your journey doesn’t end at passing, we’ll also talk about keeping your license active, transfers, and what cosmetologists actually make in Minnesota.
1. What are MN’s cosmetology license requirements?
MN’s cosmetology license requirements include completing 1,550 training hours at a licensed school, plus passing both the written and practical exams and a test on Minnesota laws and rules.
Eligibility:
Must be 17 years or older.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Training:
Complete 1,550 hours at a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology school; keep attendance/verification.
Pass exams:
Create a PSI account and schedule:
General Theory (written)
Written Practical
Minnesota Laws & Rules
Keep score reports (must be recent when you apply).
After Licensure: For license renewal, complete 8 CE hours each cycle (4-hour Core: 1 hr laws/rules + 3 hrs infection control; 4-hour Professional Practice).
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2. What is the age requirement for the Minnesota Cosmetology exam?
The age requirement for the Minnesota Cosmetology exam is 17 years old, and you must also hold a high school diploma or GED to qualify.
Minimum age: Applicants must be 17 years old at the time of application.
Education requirement: A high school diploma or GED is mandatory.
Other criteria: Training hours (1,550 school hours or 2,700 apprenticeship hours) must also be completed.
Application step: Submit proof of age and education, along with training documents, to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology.
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3. How many practical hours are required for the Minnesota cosmetology exam?
To take the Minnesota cosmetology exam, you must complete 1,550 practical training hours at a licensed school.
Required hours A total of 1,550 training hours is needed for cosmetology licensure.
Where do you complete them Training must be done at a Minnesota-approved cosmetology school; apprenticeships do not count in Minnesota.
What the hours cover Coursework combines theory and hands-on practice in:
Hair cutting, coloring, and styling
Nail care and enhancements
Skin care and facials
Health, safety, and infection control
Documentation Your school provides a completion certificate to verify hours. This must be submitted when applying for the exam.
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4. How to apply for the Minnesota Cosmetology exam?
To apply for the Minnesota Cosmetology exam, you must submit your application through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology website after completing your required 1,550 training hours.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application and exam process:
Step 1: Finish training Complete 1,550 school hours in a Minnesota-licensed cosmetology program.
Step 2: Collect documents
Course completion certificate from your school
Proof of age (must be 17+) and a high school diploma or GED
Step 3: Apply online Submit your application and exam fee through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology website.
Step 4: Wait for approval The Board reviews your hours and documents. Once approved, you’ll get eligibility details.
Step 5: Schedule exams You’ll then register with PSI (the official testing provider) to book your written and practical exams.
To make it even clearer, here’s the licensing process at a glance:
5. What are the topics covered in the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam?
The Minnesota Cosmetology Exam covers safety, client consultation, hair, skin, nails, chemical services, and state law, with each section weighted differently.
Topic Area
Weight (%)
Key Coverage
Safety & Infection Control
25%
Sanitation, disinfection, pathogens, agencies (OSHA, FDA), infection control
Client Consultation & Professional Conduct
4%
Intake, ethics, record keeping, and personal hygiene
Hair, Skin & Nail Anatomy
8%
Hair/skin/nail structure, conditions, disorders
Shampooing, Conditioning & Scalp Care
5%
Shampoo, scalp care, scalp massage
Hairstyling
7%
Blow-dry, thermal, wet styling, wigs, brushes
Haircutting
12%
Cutting types (blunt, layered, graduated), tools
Hair Coloring
12%
Color theory, mixing, bleaching, and corrective color
Chemical Texture Services
11%
Permanent waving, relaxing, chemical straightening
Esthetics
8%
Facials, skin analysis, waxing, makeup, eyelashes
Nails
8%
Manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and sanitation
Why 75%? This ensures candidates meet a safe and professional standard before earning a license.
If you fail You can retake the failed section by reapplying through PSI. Most students pass after focused review and practice.
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7. How many times can you retake the Minnesota Cosmetology exam?
You can retake the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam as many times as needed until you pass, but you must pay the exam fee each time.
Steps to retake the exam:
Log in to PSI – Visit the PSI Candidate Portal.
Reapply – Choose the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam and register for a new date.
Pay the fee – Submit payment for the theory and/or practical section you need to retake.
Schedule your test – Pick your preferred testing center and time.
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8. How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in MN?
It usually takes about 1–2 years to complete training, pass exams, and receive your Minnesota cosmetology license.
Want a detailed breakdown of the timeline?
Timeline overview:
Training hours – Complete 1,550 hours in a licensed cosmetology school (typically 10–18 months full-time).
Apply for exams – Submit your documents to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology and register with PSI.
Take exams – Written and practical exams are scheduled within weeks after approval.
License issued – Once you pass, your license is processed and mailed, usually within 30 business days.
Note: Going part-time or taking breaks in school may extend the total time.
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9. How long does cosmetology school take in Minnesota?
Cosmetology school in Minnesota usually takes 10 to 12 months full-time to complete the required 1,550 training hours.
Typical school duration:
Full-time students – Around 10–12 months to complete.
Part-time students – May take 18–24 months, depending on schedule.
Why the time varies:
Each program sets its own class hours.
Attendance, pace of learning, and breaks can extend the total time.
Make sure to check with your chosen cosmetology school for exact schedules, since some offer accelerated or flexible options.
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10. How long does it take to get an associate’s degree in cosmetology in Minnesota?
An associate’s degree in cosmetology in Minnesota typically takes about 2 years to complete.
Program length:
Most community colleges and technical schools design associate programs to run around 24 months full-time.
Part-time or evening programs may take longer, depending on the course load.
What it includes:
The 1,550 cosmetology training hours are required for licensure.
General education classes like business, English, or science.
Why choose this path:
Offers a broader education than a diploma program.
It can provide a stronger foundation for salon ownership or advanced study.
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Now that you’ve got the answers to the most common questions, next up: a practice test to check your readiness.
Minnesota Cosmetology Exam Practice Test
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Next Moves Once You’re Licensed
Once you’re licensed, here are the key things to know.
Earnings and first jobs
The first thing most new cosmetologists wonder about is pay. According to Indeed, cosmetologists in Minnesota earn an average of $26.31 per hour.
Actual earnings depend on your location, the salon you work in, and how experienced you are. Entry-level roles may start lower, but busy city salons and high-end service providers often offer more, especially once tips are factored in.
Keeping your license active
Once you’re working, it’s important to know your license won’t last forever. The MN license needs to be renewed every three years. Renewal requires 8 hours of continuing education (CE).
After completing those hours, renewal is a quick process through your Board account.
Transferring your license
You might now be searching for Minnesota, but you might have different places for changing the location. So, obviously, “how to transfer a cosmetology license to Minnesota or from Minnesota to another state?” comes to mind.
Each state has its own requirements, so you’ll need to check whether your hours and license line up before making the switch.
Once these are in place, the rest is about building experience and clientele.
Mr./Ms…. “Cosmetologist”
The title you dream of holding is now within reach.
You’ve learned the requirements, reviewed the exam topics, and even practiced with a test run. Now it’s about taking that effort and building it into a career you enjoy.
Remember this:
Passing is only the beginning; real growth starts behind the chair.
Stay current with renewals and CE hours to keep your edge.
Think big: grow clients, work in top salons, or launch your own.
If you’re ready for the next step, make it count with the right training and guidance.
