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Licensing in Montana
In Montana, professional licenses are issued by boards under the Department of Labor & Industry: the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Board of Massage Therapy, Board of Nursing, State Electrical Board and Board of Plumbers. Contractors register with the same department.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | NIC |
| Barber | 1,100 hours | NIC |
| Barber Nonchemical | 900 hours | NIC |
| Esthetician | 650 hours | NIC |
| Manicurist | 400 hours | NIC Nail Technology |
| Electrologist | 600 hours | NIC |
- NIC exams — theory and practical, passing score 75%. Licenses renew every 2 years, January 2 – March 1.
- Since November 22, 2025, there is an apprenticeship path (Montana Registered Apprenticeship): a mentor may supervise up to 2 apprentices; the exams are the same.
- Tattoo, piercing and permanent makeup are not licensed by this board — they are handled by DPHHS.
| License | Training | Exam | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 500 hours | MBLEx, NCETMB and others | 12 per 2 years |
- Renewal runs July 3 – September 1. CE is reported at renewal in even years.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Montana Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Montana Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | DPHHS (Nurse Aide Registry) | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Montana has been in the Nurse Licensure Compact since 2015.
- Since November 18, 2023, no CE hours are required to renew a nursing license. Licenses renew by December 31.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Contractor Registration | Department of Labor & Industry | For contractors with employees; $70 |
| Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate | Department of Labor & Industry | $125 |
| Master, Journeyman, Residential Electrician | State Electrical Board | State licenses |
| Journeyman, Master Plumber | Board of Plumbers | Only masters can pull permits |
- Contractors with employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Montana Secretary of State | Articles of Organization — $35 |
- There is no general statewide business license, but cities and counties may require one.
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.
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- An explanation for every answer
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Montana specifics
- Beauty apprenticeship. A new path to licensure since November 22, 2025.
- No license for medical assistants. No state license or registration.
- No CE for nurses. The requirement was dropped in 2023.
- Massage — 500 hours. The MBLEx and other exams are accepted.
- LLC — $35. No general statewide business license.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Montana
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS does not publish barber data for Montana.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a beauty license without school?
Yes. Since November 22, 2025 — through an apprenticeship with a mentor; the NIC exams are the same.
Does a medical assistant need a license?
No. Montana does not license or register medical assistants.
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
$35 for Articles of Organization.
Is a multistate nursing license valid in Montana?
Yes. Montana 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: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, Montana Board of Massage Therapy, Montana Board of Nursing, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Montana Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.