All states · Iowa
Licensing in Iowa
In Iowa, licenses are issued by boards under the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL): beauty and barbers, massage therapists, nurses, electricians and plumbers. Contractor registration is handled by the Division of Labor.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | CE hours |
|---|---|---|
| Barbering and Cosmetology | 1,550 hours | 6 per 2 years |
| Esthetics | 600 hours | 6 per 2 years |
| Nail Technology | 325 hours | 6 per 2 years |
- Barbering and cosmetology in Iowa share one board and one license. Since July 1, 2024, a combined Barbering and Cosmetology license is issued at renewal; licensees after July 1, 2023 need a shaving certificate.
- Licenses renew every 2 years. Of the 6 CE hours, 4 are in the discipline and 2 in laws and infection control; the first renewal is CE-exempt. Instead of school, you can train in a salon — 2,000 supervised hours.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 600 hours | MBLEx or NCBTMB | Every 2 years | 16 |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Massage Therapy under DIAL. The first renewal is CE-exempt; unused hours do not carry over.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Iowa Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Iowa Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Direct Care Worker Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Iowa is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
- CNAs complete a 75-hour course (30 of them clinical) and pass written and skills exams.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Registration | Division of Labor | If work exceeds $2,000 a year |
| Electrician | Electrical Examining Board | Journeyman, Master, Residential; annual renewal |
| Plumbing, Mechanical | Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board | Apprentice, Journey, Master, Contractor |
- Plumbing and mechanical licenses run for 3 years and require 8 CE hours per term.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Iowa Secretary of State | Registration — file a Certificate of Organization |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Iowa specifics
- Barber and cosmetologist — one license. Iowa combines them into Barbering and Cosmetology — 1,550 hours.
- Salon training. Instead of school — 2,000 supervised hours in a salon.
- CE for beauty. 6 hours every 2 years, including 2 on laws and infection control.
- Massage — 600 hours. MBLEx or NCBTMB and 16 CE hours every 2 years.
- Contractor registration. Required if construction work exceeds $2,000 a year.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Iowa
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist or barber need?
1,550 hours — it is one combined Barbering and Cosmetology license.
Is CE required for beauty licenses?
Yes, 6 hours every 2 years; the first renewal is exempt.
How many hours does a massage therapist need?
600 hours and the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), Iowa Legislature, Iowa Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.