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Online Education developed by the most experienced and trusted team in the industry.

Iowa

Cosmetologist Licensing & Exam Prep

If you wish to make a living in Iowa doing hair, nails, or skincare, you must first obtain a license. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing is the body responsible for regulating cosmetologist and barber licenses. The board requires cosmetologist to obtain formal training from an apprenticeship or school as well as pass two exams. See the sections below for more information on the requirements and how to apply.

Once it comes time to study for the exam, we have everything you need to get started. We offer online exam prep designed to help you pass your test the first time, and is backed with our no pass, no pay policy. All of our courses are available from almost any device, any time. We hope that you will make RocketCert your home to help you obtain your Iowa Barber or Cosmetologist License.

  • Coming Soon!
    Cosmetologist & Barber
    Exam Prep
  • Coming Soon!
    Cosmetologist & Barber
    Bundle
Individual studying for the Iowa Cosmetology Exam online with RocketCert
Scope of work

What type of work can be done with this license?

Licensed Cosmetologist in Iowa
  • Cosmetology License

    The practice of cosmetology encompasses various beautifying treatments, such as hair styling, facial hair grooming, nail care, skin treatments, makeup application, hair removal, and more. It excludes electrology services. Nail technology falls within cosmetology, limited to nail and skin care. Cosmetologists cannot affect the living layers of the skin or provide medical advice. Cosmetics vendors can demonstrate products without a license.

  • Barber License

    To shave or trim the beard or cut the hair; to style, arrange, dress, curl, wave, straighten, clean, singe, epilate, depilate, shampoo, marcel, chemically restructure, bleach, tint, color or similarly work upon the hair or cranial prosthesis of any person; to give relaxing facial or scalp massage or treatments with oils, creams or other preparations either by hand or by mechanical appliances.

Requirements

What are the requirements to getting a license?

Requirements IconIowa Cosmetology and Barber License Requirements
  • Pay the application fee
  • Graduate from a board approved or nationally accredited cosmetology school/program
  • If the applicant graduates from a school/program that is not nationally accredited, the school must provide a transcript showing that curriculum meets the requirements:
  • Pass the cosmetology exam or barber exam
Steps

How do I obtain a license?

To apply for your license, contact the the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing at 515-281-0254 or visit their website.

The state of Iowa has reciprocity agreements for equivalent licenses with most state boards if you have held an active license for 12 of the last 24 months. To obtain your license via reciprocity, you must submit license verification to the Iowa board. The license verification must include issue date, expiration date, and status of the license including reference to any pending or past disciplinary action.

With RocketCert, our education is written by a combination of professional educators and industry experts. Our exam prep is guaranteed to help you pass the exam, and is backed with our no pass, no pay policy. We pride ourselves on providing industry leading customer service. Also, if you find a better original price on any online course that we offer, we will beat it by 10%.


Licensed cosmetologist performing skin care work.
Licensed cosmetologist coloring hair.
Cool picture of a salon / spa
Cosmetology School or Apprenticeship

The first step towards obtaining your cosmetology license is to complete either an apprenticeship program or to attend a cosmetology school. Once you have completed one of these programs, you will be ready to apply for the exam.

Submit your application

Be sure to attach copies of all the necessary documents such as your diploma, transcript or GED; government ID; social security card. Once your application is approved, you can schedule your exam on provexam.com or by calling 801-733-4455.

Pass the State Exams

Preparing to pass the State exam is a critical part of the licensing process. Failing the exam can result in substantial delays before you are able to work under your license. We offer industry leading exam prep and all of the references at an unbeatable price.

Exam

Which exam do I need to take?

The state of Iowa required applicants to pass exams developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

Applicants for a barber license must pass both a written and practical exam. To schedule your exams, visit provexam.com or call 801-733-4455.

It’s the exam! Iowa Cosmetology Theory (Written) Exam

  • CLOSED BOOK
  • Questions: 100 scored, 10 sample
  • Passing Score: 75% correct
  • Time: 90 minutes

Topics & Weight:

  • Scientific Concepts (35%)
    • Infection control and safety practices
    • Human anatomy and physiology
    • Basic chemistry used in Cosmetology
  • Hair Care and Services (45%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
    • Hair care and services- Tools used in hair care services
    • Hair care principles and procedures
    • Hair design principles and procedures
    • Chemical services principles and procedures
  • Skin Care and Services (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
    • Tools used for skin care services
    • Skin care principles and procedures
  • Nail Care and Services (10%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
    • Tools used for nail care services
    • Nail care service principles and procedures
It’s the exam! Iowa Barber Theory (Written) Exam

  • CLOSED BOOK
  • Questions: 50 scored, 10 sample
  • Passing Score: 75% correct
  • Time: 90 minutes

Topics & Weight:

  • Scientific Concepts (40%)
    • Infection Control and Safety Practices
    • Human anatomy and physiology
    • Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to skin
    • Identify signs and symptoms of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to hair
    • Basic chemistry of products used in barbering
  • Implements and Equipment (10%)
    • Identify function, purpose, and care of tools used in hair services
    • Understand and apply safety and sanitation practices for use of implements and equipment
  • Hair Care Services (30%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for hair care services
    • Hair Care
    • Hair Design
    • Head Shaving
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (20%)
    • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of draping for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for facial hair and skin care services
    • Apply knowledge of purpose and types of electrotherapy and light therapy
Exam Prep, & Books

How do I pass the exam?

The Iowa cosmetology exam is based on the following references:


Milady Standard Cosmetology

See Details

Pivot Point Fundamentals: Cosmetology

See Details

The Iowa barber exam is based on the following references:


Milady Standard Professional Barbering

See Details

Pivot Point Fundamentals: Barbering

See Details

About Us

Why should I choose RocketCert?

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