All states · Minnesota
Licensing in Minnesota
In Minnesota, beauty licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, barbers by the Board of Barber Examiners, and nurses by the Board of Nursing. Contractors, electricians and plumbers are licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). There is no statewide massage therapist license.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,550 hours | Every 3 years | 8 |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Every 3 years | 8 |
| Nail Technician | 350 hours | Every 3 years | 8 |
| Eyelash Technician | 38 hours | Every 3 years | 8 |
| Registered Barber | 1,500 hours | Per board schedule | — |
- Beauty licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, barber licenses by the Board of Barber Examiners. All licenses require an exam.
- Beauty CE: 8 hours per 3 years — 4 hours on laws, safety and infection control and 4 hours on professional topics.
- An Advanced Practice Esthetician license requires an esthetician or cosmetologist license plus additional training.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | City or county | No state license — requirements are local |
- Minnesota is one of the few states without a statewide massage therapist license. Training requirements and permits are set by cities.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Minnesota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Minnesota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Nursing AssistantCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Minnesota is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact: nurses need a Minnesota license. The compact bill (HF 1925) remained in committee in 2025.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Building Contractor | DLI | License if the work covers more than one special skill |
| Residential Remodeler | DLI | Work on existing homes only |
| Residential Roofer | DLI | Separate license for roofing work |
| Electrician, Plumber | DLI | State licenses |
- A license is required when contracting directly with owners of 1–4 unit homes. The qualifying person passes a DLI exam and completes 14 CE hours every 2 years.
- Liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and a Secretary of State business filing are required.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | Board of Cosmetologist Examiners | Establishment license |
| Barbershop | Board of Barber Examiners | Establishment license |
| LLC | Secretary of State | 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
Minnesota specifics
- Cosmetologist — 1,550 hours. Estheticians need 600 hours, nail technicians 350.
- A separate eyelash license. Eyelash Technician — only 38 training hours.
- CE every 3 years. Beauty licenses require 8 CE hours per renewal cycle.
- Massage — local. There is no statewide massage therapist license.
- Not in the Compact. A multistate nursing license is not valid here.
- Contractors — with DLI. Residential contractors, electricians and plumbers hold state licenses.
What professionals earn in Minnesota
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?
1,550 hours at a board-approved school, then the exams.
How many hours does a barber need?
1,500 hours at a barber school and a board exam.
Do massage therapists need a state license?
No. There is no state license — requirements are set by cities.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Minnesota?
No, Minnesota is not in the Compact — a Minnesota license is required.
*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: Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners, Minnesota Board of Nursing, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. Wage data — BLS.