Continuing Education for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (1.2019)

The biennial continuing education compliance period shall begin on April 1 of one year and end on March 31 two years later.

Cosmetology License Continuing Education Requirements (No Instructor’s License)

• First renewal period after becoming licensed: No continuing education is required until the 2nd renewal. Remember to complete the renewal and pay the fee or your license will become INACTIVE.
• One active cosmetology-related license: 6 hours of continuing education including:
  • At least 4 hours specific to the licensed discipline
  • At least 2 hours specific to Iowa cosmetology rules and laws and infection control
• Two active cosmetology-related licenses: 10 hours of continuing education including:
  • At least 4 hours specific to each licensed discipline
  • At least 2 hours specific to Iowa cosmetology rules and laws and infection control
• Three active cosmetology-related licenses: 14 hours of continuing education including:
  • At least 4 hours specific to each licensed discipline
  • At least 2 hours specific to Iowa cosmetology rules and laws and infection control

Cosmetology License Continuing Education Requirements (With Instructor’s License)

In addition to the requirements outlined above, instructors wishing to renew the instructor’s license must take 6 hours in teaching methodology.

For example, an instructor with two active cosmetology-related licenses will need a total of 16 hours of continuing education:

• 4 hours specific to the discipline of esthetics
• 4 hours specific to the discipline of nail technology
• 2 hours specific to Iowa cosmetology rules and laws and infection control
• 6 hours of teaching methodology

16 hours for instructors with two active cosmetology arts and sciences licensed disciplines.

Practicing in Another State

A licensee currently licensed in Iowa but practicing exclusively in another state may comply with Iowa continuing education requirements for license renewal by meeting the continuing education requirements of the state(s) where they practice.

If the licensee lives and practices in a state with no continuing education requirement, they are not required to meet Iowa’s requirement but must still pay all renewal fees.

Exemptions from Continuing Education

A licensee shall be deemed to have complied with Iowa’s continuing education requirements during periods that the licensee:

• Serves honorably on active duty in the military services
• Is the spouse of an active-duty military service person
• Is a government employee working in their licensed specialty and assigned to duty outside of the United States
• Is engaged in active practice and absence from the state approved by the board

Requirements for New Licensees

Those licensed for the first time are not required to complete continuing education as a prerequisite for their first renewal. Continuing education hours acquired from the initial licensing until the second renewal may be used.

Cosmetology Certifications

Cosmetology certifications do not require continuing education. Licensees performing chemical peels, microdermabrasion, using certified laser products, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair removal must be certified by the board to perform these services.

Continuing education is not required to renew these certifications.