Stay Licensed

Cosmetology is changing in Minnesota. New laws require cosmetologists to undergo ongoing education and new examination centers for initial operators. The state is also fining salon managers and operators for not displaying their licenses, having expired licenses, and other violations.

Duluth and Minnesota have the most cosmetologist positions per capita, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. These two cities also provide cosmetologists with the highest salaries and most positions in the state.

The Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners licenses cosmetologists. However, you must first finish hair, skin, makeup, and nail care instruction. Licensed salon managers, beauty school managers, and instructors are also available.

Step 1. Minnesota Cosmetology School

Minnesota cosmetologists must have a high school certificate or GED and 1550 hours of instruction from a board-approved school (BCE).

These Minnesota cities have approved programs:

Hibbing \sBloomington

Park Rapids Brainerd

Rochester \sCloud

Plymouth

Blaine \sAlexandria

St. Louis Park

Some Minnesota BCE-approved cosmetology schools demand an admissions interview and entrance exam. Coursework includes classroom and client work. Classes include:

• Shampooing
• Cosmetology history
• Hair and scalp care
• Hair styling
• Professionalism
• Hair dyeing
• Hair dyes
• Infection control
• Hairdressing
• A&P
• Cosmetics
• Chemistry \sManicures
• Salons
• Minnesota statutes

Step 2. Pass Minnesota Cosmetologist Exams

After completing Minnesota cosmetology school, you can take the exams. The written Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (MCE) has two parts: General and State. For the exam and license, you must pass both portions. The General and State exams cost $60.

The three-hour General MCE has 155 multiple-choice questions. The State MCE has 35 multiple-choice questions and an hour to finish. 

For exam bookings, call Pearson Vue at (877) 538-3417 or visit www.pearsonvue.com/mn/cosmetology.

Step 3. Get Minnesota Cosmetologist Licensure

After passing both MCE courses, you can apply for a Minnesota cosmetologist Initial Operator license. Application for Initial Operator License. The Board of Cosmetologist Examiners requires a check or money order for the $139 application, licensing, and surcharge fees. The following documents must accompany your application:

• High school, GED, or transcript copy
• Original BCE-approved cosmetology school skills/readiness certificate Original 1550-hour course completion certificate
• You passed the MCE General section less than a year ago.
• You passed the State MCE less than a year ago.
• Before sending your application and paperwork to the BCE, make a copy for your records. After this, send everything the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, 2829 University Ave SE, Suite 710, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Step 4. Continuing Education for Minnesota Cosmetologists

Congratulations! Minnesota licensed cosmetologist! Know license maintenance rules. Your cosmetology license renews every three years. Since August 1, 2014, you must complete four hours of BCE-approved CE every three years to keep your license. Three CE hours must be in health, safety, and sanitation, and one in Minnesota laws and rules. Approved continuing education providers are here. Minnesota localities offer cosmetology continuing education:

• Minneapolis
• Worthington \sBrainerd
• Duluth
• Shakopee \sRichfield
• Mankato \sWinona
• Lakeville
• Pipestone
• Jackson
• Bloomington \sCloud
• Thief Falls
• Bemidji

The BCE randomly audits renewals, so keep your continuing education records.

Renew your license 10 weeks before expiration. The Operator or Salon Manager Renewal Application allows online or mail-in license renewal. Operator renewal costs $81.

MN salons

Cosmetology licenses open doors across the state. Spas, salons, nursing homes, sporting clubs, resorts, organizations, and more may offer jobs. Minnesota cosmetologists can open their own salons. 

We Offer Online On-site Courses Such as:

Online Eyelash Extension Training LeveL 1

This course is designed for licensed Cosmetologists or Estheticians who want to increase their knowledge of eyelash extensions. It is a step-by-step online lesson that will teach you the foundations of applying eyelashes.

Ultimate Brow Lamination, Lash Lift, and Lash and Brow Tint Training

Take part in the ultimate intensive study session! Learn how to perform a variety of services that you may instantly utilize in your organization.

Beautiful Brows and Lashes, the world’s #1 Lash Lifting Company, is only providing their official Dual Brow Lamination & Lash Lifting and Tinting Certificate Course at MN Brow Lash Medspa Academy!

Skin 101 Online and In-Person

This essential course will prepare you for a career as a full-service Skin Care Therapist.

You were an excellent esthetics student, studying everything you could about the skin, cosmetics, waxing, and so on. But what about the basics of the spa industry? This session will cover the fundamentals of business, assist you in determining whether ownership is right for you, and provide you with a startup action plan to become a “spa-preneur.”

Earn your credentials in person with personalized attention and ongoing online assistance from St. Louis Park’s only Official Trainer of Beautiful Brows and Lashes.

Online CORE Practitioner Training for 4 Hours

This is a Continuing Education Course recognized by the BCE. CORE class will earn you 4 hours of continuing education credit. These credits can be used to renew Minnesota licenses. Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Lash Technician, and Nail Technician licenses are required.

Eyebrow Lamination Training Course with Hands-On Experience

MN Brow Lash & Medspa Academy is now offering the official Brow Lamination Certificate Course from the #1 Ultimate Lash Lifting and Eyebrow Lamination Company!

Take part in the ultimate intensive study session. Learn how to perform brow lamination service that you may put into practice right now in your business.

Coursework in Business and Marketing

The goal of this course is to educate students on the processes involved in launching a new venture in the beauty sector as well as expanding existing companies. This workshop is open to people with licenses in the beauty industry, such as cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, and others, who want to improve their business and marketing skills.