Iowa Cosmetology CE Courses (2026)

To renew your Cosmetology license in Iowa you need to satisfy the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL)'s continuing education (CE) requirement — about 6 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.

What Iowa requires for Cosmetology renewal

CE hours required	6 hours per cycle
Renewal cycle	24 months
Governing body	Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL)

A licensee holding one active cosmetology-related license must complete 6 hours of continuing education per biennium: at least 4 hours specific to the license discipline and at least 2 hours covering Iowa barbering and cosmetology laws, rules, and infection control. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE. Instructors holding one active license need 12 hours (6 discipline-specific, 6 in teaching methodology). Online CE hours are permitted.

Full Cosmetology renewal guide for Iowa (deadlines, fees & CE) →

Iowa Cosmetology CE course providers

Heads-up: These are independent, third-party CE providers — we are not affiliated with them and don't guarantee approval. Always confirm a course is accepted by the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL) before purchasing.

Elite Learning — Cosmetology CE
State-approved cosmetology CE packages built around each state's renewal topics.
Milady Training (Cengage)
Continuing education and skills courses from the leading cosmetology education brand.
360training
Online cosmetology CE accepted in states that require continuing education for renewal.

Iowa Cosmetology CE courses: frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my Cosmetology license in Iowa?

Iowa requires about 6 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. A licensee holding one active cosmetology-related license must complete 6 hours of continuing education per biennium: at least 4 hours specific to the license discipline and at least 2 hours covering Iowa barbering and cosmetology laws, rules, and infection control. The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE. Instructors holding one active license need 12 hours (6 discipline-specific, 6 in teaching methodology). Online CE hours are permitted.

Do online Cosmetology CE courses count in Iowa?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL). Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my Iowa Cosmetology CE?

Iowa generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL).

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL). Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - DIAL) site →

Cosmetology CE courses in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal