How Do I Apply for an Electrologist License?

Create an account, apply, and pay online using the online licensing portal.

Documentation may be submitted electronically to the board office as follows:

Email: plpublic@idph.iowa.gov

Fax: 515.281.7969

The application fee for barber licensure is $60.  You may pay the fee online.  All application fees are nonrefundable.

Applicants for an electrologist license must submit evidence of meeting one of the following:

1. Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the board office from a board licensed cosmetology school verifying completion of 425 hours of education;
2. Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the board office from the educational program showing completion of a course of study that meets the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 645--61.14(157); or
3. Licensure in Another State if applicable: Applicants that have previously been licensed, registered or certified in another state must provide official verification of an active license in another state.  The applicant must have held the active license for 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding the date of application.
   • The license verification must include the following: 
     • Issue date
     • Expiration date
     • Status of license including a reference to any pending or past disciplinary action.

The verification may be printed from another state licensing board’s website if it contains all of the information noted above. If an online verification is not available, the verification must be sent directly from the licensing board(s).

Applicants must submit evidence of a passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC electrology exam.

• Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa.
• Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/ he can be licensed in the state of Iowa.