Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
Chapter 940 - Licensure of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Electrologists, Estheticians, Nail Technologists, and Instructors of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
Rule 481-940.3 - Examination Requirements

(1) An applicant shall pass a national examination prescribed by the board for the particular practice discipline with a score of 75 percent or greater.

The applicant shall submit the test registration fee directly to the test service. NIC examinations are administered according to guidelines set forth by the NIC.

(2) If applying for licensure by endorsement, an applicant who graduated from a barber or cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, shall have passed the state written and practical examination required by the state in which the applicant was originally licensed.

(3) An applicant who graduated from a barber or cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, shall have passed a national theory examination for the discipline in which the applicant seeks licensure.

(4) An applicant for the barbering and cosmetology license who graduated from a barber or cosmetology school after July 1, 2023, shall have passed a national theory examination. Shaving with a razor requires additional certification by the board.