LicenseCompass

Cosmetologist License in Indiana

Quick Answer

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Indiana, you must be at least 18, complete 10th grade, finish 1,500 hours at an Indiana beauty school, and pass the PSI exam. The $40 application fee is explicit. No CE required. Indiana has a generous 4-year renewal cycle. Total estimated cost: approximately $200.

Education Required
1500 hours
Exam
Indiana Cosmetology Exam (PSI)
Total Cost
$200 (est.)
Timeline
9-14 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every 4 years

Requirements

Cosmetologist license in Indiana

gold
Education
Specific course required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$40
Exam Fee
$65
Renewal Fee
$40
Total Estimated Cost
$200

Licensing Agency

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency~State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Cosmetologist license in Indiana. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$40
Exam FeeEst.$65
Total Estimated Cost$105

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Indiana licensing board.

Cosmetologist Salary in Indiana

Entry Level

$23,070

Median

$31,480

Experienced

$55,900

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Cosmetologist in Indiana.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Specific course required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — Indiana Cosmetology Exam (PSI)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$40.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 9-14 months.

Cosmetologist Licensing in Indiana: What to Know

Indiana explicitly lists the $40 application fee and 1,500 hours of cosmetology education from an Indiana beauty culture school. Applicants must be at least 18 and have completed 10th grade. The PSI exam was formerly part of graduation (before July 2013). No CE is required for renewal, and no criminal record prohibitions exist. Indiana has a 4-year renewal cycle, which is one of the longest nationally. The State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners under the Professional Licensing Agency oversees licensing. Indianapolis is the state's primary market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in Indiana?
The estimated total cost is $200, including application fees, exam fees ($65), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Indiana?
The process typically takes 9-14 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Cosmetologist license in Indiana?
You need to pass the Indiana Cosmetology Exam (PSI). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Cosmetologist requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.