All states · Nebraska
Licensing in Nebraska
In Nebraska, beauty, massage, nursing and CNA credentials are issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Barbers are licensed by the Board of Barber Examiners, electricians by the State Electrical Division, and contractors register with the Department of Labor.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,800 hours | December 31 of even years |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | September 30 of even years |
| Nail Technician | 300 hours | December 31 of odd years |
| Electrologist | 600 hours | Per DHHS schedule |
| Barber | 1,800 hours | June 30 of even years |
- Cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians need 8 CE hours per cycle, 4 of them hands-on. Nail technicians take the NIC written exam (no practical) and a free state law exam.
- Barbers are licensed by a separate Board of Barber Examiners: 1,800 hours at an approved barber school.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 1,000 hours | MBLEx + state law | November 1 of odd years | 16 |
- Training must last at least 9 months. Massage therapists must work in a Nebraska-licensed establishment. Up to half of CE hours may be online.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Nebraska DHHS | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Nebraska DHHS | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Nurse Aide Registry (DHHS) | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Nebraska has been in the Nurse Licensure Compact since January 19, 2018.
- CNAs complete a 75-hour course and exams; to stay active, they must work as a nurse aide within 24 months.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Registration | Nebraska Department of Labor | Required for all contractors; annual |
| Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Contractor | State Electrical Division | State licenses |
| Plumber | Cities | Check local requirements |
- Since August 1, 2026, the annual contractor registration fee is $40. Employers must provide a workers’ compensation certificate.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Massage establishment | Nebraska DHHS | Establishment license |
| LLC | Nebraska 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
Nebraska specifics
- Cosmetology — 1,800 hours. Plus 8 CE hours every renewal cycle.
- Barbers — also 1,800 hours. A separate Board of Barber Examiners.
- Massage — 1,000 hours. At least 9 months of training; work only in a licensed establishment.
- All contractors register. With the Department of Labor, annually.
- Different renewal dates. Each beauty license has its own deadline.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Nebraska
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?
1,800 hours at an approved school.
Is CE required for beauty licenses?
Yes, 8 hours per cycle, 4 of them hands-on.
How many hours does a massage therapist need?
1,000 hours, then the MBLEx and a state law exam.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska 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: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners, Nebraska Department of Labor, Nebraska State Electrical Division, Nebraska Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.