Indiana Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Manicurist License Requirements
Everything you need to get licensed in Indiana, plus where to train. Tricoci University trains students for cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring careers across its four campuses in Bloomington, Highland, Indianapolis, and Lafayette.
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In Indiana, beauty professionals are licensed by the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) through the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Cosmetology requires 1,500 hours of approved training, esthetics requires 700 hours, and manicuring requires 450 hours. All are earned at a PLA-approved beauty culture school, and all require passing the PSI written exam. Tricoci University offers programs for all three across its Indiana campuses, so you can complete your hours and prepare for licensure in one place.
| Program | IN hours req. | Tricoci University program hours | Tricoci University length | State exam | Offered at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 | 1,500 | 10 mo FT / 17 mo PT | PSI written | All 4 IN campuses |
| Esthetics | 700 | 750 | 5 mo FT / 9 mo PT | PSI written | All 4 IN campuses |
| Manicuring | 450 | 600 | 4 mo FT / 6-7 mo PT | PSI written | Highland, Indianapolis, Lafayette |
Program Licensing Information
Indiana cosmetology license requirements
- Be at least 18 and have completed the 10th grade or equivalent.
- Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a PLA-approved beauty culture school (no apprenticeship path in Indiana).
- Pass the PSI written exam (embedded in the approved-school program).
- Upload the Beauty Culture Education Certification and apply to the PLA with the $40 fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci University’s cosmetology program can be completed full-time in about 10 months or part-time in about 17 months. Training includes clinic-floor hours in an on-site student salon, so you build real client experience while you complete the state hour requirement.
Scope and career
An Indiana cosmetology license is the broadest beauty credential in the state, covering hair, skin, and nail services. Cosmetologists work as stylists, colorists, and skincare providers. Earnings are strongest in the Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville metros.
Indiana esthetician license requirements
- Be at least 18 and have completed the 10th grade or equivalent.
- Complete 700 hours of esthetics training at a PLA-approved school.
- Pass the PSI written exam.
- Upload the Beauty Culture Education Certification and apply to the PLA with the $40 fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci University’s esthetics program can be completed full-time in about five months (nine months part-time). Students train in facials, waxing, and skin analysis, and can focus on medical esthetics, makeup, or spa services.
Scope and career
An Indiana esthetician license covers skincare services: facials, exfoliation, waxing, and makeup. Estheticians work in spas, medical spas, and skincare clinics. Note that a cosmetology license also covers esthetics within its scope, useful context for undecided students.
Indiana manicurist license requirements
- Be at least 18 and have completed the 8th grade or equivalent.
- Complete 450 hours of manicuring training at a PLA-approved school.
- Pass the PSI written exam.
- Upload the Beauty Culture Education Certification and apply to the PLA with the $40 fee.
Training at Tricoci University
Tricoci University’s manicuring program can be completed in about four months full-time at Highland, or roughly six to seven months part-time. It is offered at Highland, Indianapolis, and Lafayette part-time. Students train in manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. (Many prospective students search for this as a nail tech program; the Indiana credential is the manicurist license.)
Scope and career
An Indiana manicurist license covers manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Manicurists work in salons, spas, and nail studios, and many build loyal client bases or become independent professionals.
How to Get Licensed
1
Enroll at a PLA-approved beauty culture school and complete your required hours (1,500 cosmetology, 700 esthetics, 450 manicuring).
3
Pass the PSI written exam, which is embedded in the approved-school program.
3
Have your school complete the Beauty Culture Education Certification verifying your hours and practical skills.
4
Apply to the Indiana PLA through MyLicense and pay the $40 application fee.
5
Receive your license and begin working in a licensed salon. Complete your application within one year of filing or it is abandoned.
Cost & Financial Aid
Cover tuition transparency, federal aid eligibility, scholarships, and the interest-free payment plan. State the PLA-side fees: a $40 application fee for any individual license, plus the PSI exam fee. Note that Indiana requires no continuing education, so there is no recurring CE cost after licensure. Financial aid availability at Tricoci University follows from the school’s accreditation.
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