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Licensing in Michigan
In Michigan, professional licenses are issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA): through the Board of Cosmetology, the Board of Barber Examiners, the Board of Massage Therapy and the Board of Nursing, and construction and trade licenses through the Bureau of Construction Codes.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | School | Apprenticeship | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 2 years | Theory and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | 6 months | Theory and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | — | Theory and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Electrologist | 400 hours | 6 months | Theory and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Barber | 1,800 hours | 1,800 hours | Board exam (PSI) | Every 2 years |
- Beauty licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetology, barber licenses by the Board of Barber Examiners.
- For those who began training on or after July 1, 2024, hours increased: estheticians from 400 to 750, manicurists from 400 to 600.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 625 hours | MBLEx | Every 3 years | 18 |
- Of the 18 CE hours, at least 1 hour must cover pain and symptom management and 2 hours professional ethics and boundaries.
- Also required: 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the cycle and human trafficking identification training.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Michigan Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Michigan Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- An initial nursing license requires 2 hours of implicit bias training.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder | LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes | 60 hours of prelicensure education and a PSI exam |
| Maintenance & Alteration Contractor | LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes | 60 hours of prelicensure education and a PSI exam |
| Electricianapprentice, journeyman, master | LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes | State license |
| Plumberapprentice, journey, master | LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes | State license |
| Mechanical ContractorHVAC | LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes | State license |
- The 60 prelicensure hours for builders cover business and estimating, contracts and risk, the Michigan Residential Code and MIOSHA safety.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | Board of Cosmetology | Establishment license; renewed every 2 years |
| Barbershop | Board of Barber Examiners | Establishment license |
| LLC | LARA, Corporations Division | Registration — file Articles 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
Michigan specifics
- One agency. All licenses — from beauty to construction — are issued by LARA.
- Two boards for hair. Cosmetologists are licensed by the Board of Cosmetology, barbers by the Board of Barber Examiners.
- Hours increased in 2024. Estheticians now need 750 hours, manicurists 600.
- Apprenticeship path. A cosmetologist can train for 2 years under a licensed professional instead of school; a barber for 1,800 hours.
- Massage — 3-year cycle. Massage therapists renew every 3 years with 18 CE hours.
- Builders train before the exam. Residential builders need 60 hours of prelicensure education and a PSI exam.
What professionals earn in Michigan
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 need?
1,500 school hours or a 2-year apprenticeship in a salon, then the theory and practical exams.
How many hours does an esthetician need?
750 hours if training began on or after July 1, 2024, or a 6-month apprenticeship.
How many hours does a barber need?
1,800 hours at a barber college or 1,800 apprenticeship hours.
How do massage therapists renew?
Every 3 years, with 18 CE hours, including pain management and ethics.
*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: Michigan Board of Cosmetology, Michigan Board of Barber Examiners, Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, Michigan Board of Nursing, LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, Michigan Legislature. Wage data — BLS.