State board exam guide · Checked November 1, 2026

Missouri cosmetology & esthetics state board exam

Missouri uses NIC's written and practical exams, given by Prov. You register with the state first, then schedule your exams with Prov. Here are the hours, fees and test format, checked against the board's and Prov's own pages.

The exams at a glance

Cosmetology

License
Class CA (hairdressing and manicuring)
School hours
1,500 hours
Written exam
110 questions, 90 minutes
Written pass mark
75%
Written exam fee
$90
Practical exam
NIC practical exam, given by Prov
Practical time
180 minutes
Practical exam fee
$60

Esthetics

License
Class E (esthetician)
School hours
750 hours
Written exam
110 questions, 90 minutes
Written pass mark
75%
Written exam fee
$90
Practical exam
NIC practical exam, given by Prov
Practical time
151 minutes
Practical exam fee
$60

Board: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Exams: Prov. Written exam languages: English, Spanish, Korean or Vietnamese. Fees are as of November 1, 2026; confirm them before you book.

What's on the written exam

Missouri's written exams follow NIC's national outlines. Each section's share of the questions:

Cosmetology

  • Scientific Concepts35%
  • Hair Care and Services45%
  • Skin Care and Services10%
  • Nail Care and Services10%

Esthetics

  • Scientific Concepts55%
  • Skin Care and Services45%

New esthetics outline? See what's on NIC's 2025 esthetics exam and what changed.

Good to know in Missouri

  • Register with the state through MOPRO before you schedule with Prov.
  • Class CH (hairdresser) candidates take NIC's hair design written exam instead of the cosmetology one. Our cosmetology test covers its science and hair topics, but it isn't built for that exam.
  • Missouri's esthetics course is 750 hours, longer than the 600 in North Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona.

Practice for the Missouri written exam

Slay the Board's questions follow NIC's national outlines, the ones Missouri's written exams are built on. Start with a free practice test, or study 690 questions and timed exams weighted like the real one.

Free cosmetology practice test Free esthetics practice test

Or study questions by topic, or race the clock in today's free daily challenge: cosmetology or esthetics.

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Questions about the Missouri exam

Does Missouri use the NIC exam?

Missouri uses NIC's written and practical exams, given by Prov. You register with the state first, then schedule your exams with Prov.

How many questions are on the Missouri cosmetology and esthetics written exams?

110 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, for both licenses.

What score do you need to pass the Missouri written exam?

75%, for both cosmetology and esthetics.

How much does the Missouri state board exam cost?

Prov charges $90 for the written exam and $60 for the practical, for cosmetology and esthetics alike. Fees as of November 1, 2026.

How many school hours do you need in Missouri?

1,500 hours for cosmetology and 750 hours for esthetics.

Sources

Checked on November 1, 2026. Fees and rules change, so check with the board or Prov before you book. Slay the Board isn't affiliated with NIC, Prov or any state board.

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