All states · North Dakota
Licensing in North Dakota
In North Dakota, beauty licenses are issued by the State Board of Cosmetology, barbers by the Board of Barber Examiners, massage therapists by the Board of Massage Therapy and nurses by the Board of Nursing. Contractor licenses are issued by the Secretary of State.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Annually, by December 31 |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Annually, by December 31 |
| Advanced Esthetician | 1,100 hours | Annually, by December 31 |
| Manicurist | 350 hours | Annually, by December 31 |
| Registered Barber | Barber school, 1,500 hours | Annually, by July 1 |
- Exams are taken after graduation: theory, state laws and rules, and practical; the passing score is 75%.
- Barbers are licensed by a separate Board of Barber Examiners.
| License | Training | Exam | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 750 hours | MBLEx or NCBTMB | 24 per 2 years |
- The license renews every 2 years. No CE is needed for the first renewal; up to half of the hours may be remote. The application fee is $150.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | North Dakota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | North Dakota Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | ND DHHS (Nurse Aide Registry) | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No license; UAP or MAIII registration | Optional certification |
- North Dakota is in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
- RNs and LPNs renew every 2 years with 12 CE hours. A medical assistant needs MAIII registration with the Board of Nursing to give medications.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor License, Class A–D | North Dakota Secretary of State | For projects over $4,000 |
| Journeyman, Master Electrician | State Electrical Board | State licenses |
| Journeyman, Master Plumber | State Plumbing Board | State licenses, annual |
- The contractor class depends on project value: D — up to $100,000, C — up to $300,000, B — up to $500,000, A — over $500,000. Renewal is annual by March 1.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | North Dakota Secretary of State | Articles of Organization — $135; annual report — $50 |
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North Dakota specifics
- Contractors — 4 classes. A license is required for projects over $4,000.
- Advanced esthetician. A separate license — 1,100 hours.
- Annual beauty renewal. By December 31.
- Massage — 750 hours. Plus 24 CE hours every 2 years.
- No license for medical assistants. MAIII registration to give medications.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in North Dakota
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 hours; esthetician — 600, manicurist — 350.
When does a contractor need a license?
For projects over $4,000; class A–D depends on value.
Does a medical assistant need a license?
No. They can register as UAP, and need MAIII registration to give medications.
How often do nurses renew?
Every 2 years, with 12 CE hours.
*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: North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology, North Dakota Century Code, North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy, North Dakota Board of Nursing, North Dakota Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.