MT BBC cosmetology renewal: Montana 2026
Regulated by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (MT BBC)
Last verified:
Montana cosmetology licenses are valid for 2 years. There is no continuing education requirement. You renew through the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (MT BBC). The current renewal fee is $100.
Montana is one of the states where licensees skip continuing education entirely. The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists asks for a renewal fee and a current license every two years, but it sets no required CE hours. That means a working stylist in Billings or Bozeman keeps a license active by renewing on time, not by logging classroom hours.
Montana sets no continuing education requirement for cosmetology and the related trades. The renewal cycle runs two years, and the number of CE hours due each cycle is zero. You do not need to attend courses, submit certificates, or track hours to keep your license in good standing.
This applies across the license types the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists oversees:
- Cosmetologist
- Esthetician
- Nail technician
- Barber
- Electrologist
None of these carry a mandated CE total in Montana.
What renewal does involve:
- Renewing your license every two years before it expires.
- Paying the renewal fee, listed at $100.
- Keeping your contact and business information current with the board.
Because there is no CE obligation, there is also nothing to report for online versus in-person hours, no required special-topic hour, and no CE-based exemption to apply for. The main thing to watch is the renewal deadline itself so the license does not lapse.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current rules with the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists before each renewal, especially if you also hold a license in another state that does require CE.
Does Montana require CE for cosmetology renewal?
Montana does not require continuing education for license renewal. You renew every 2 years by paying the fee and submitting any required documentation. Add your renewal date below and we'll email you 90, 60, and 30 days before your deadline.
Fees
- Renewal: $100
Montana state board contact info
- Board: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (MT BBC)
- Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists/
Other states with no CE requirement: Arizona, California, Massachusetts. See the full list of states with no CE requirement. Compare all 53 states.
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Frequently asked questions about Montana cosmetology renewal
Does Montana require CE for cosmetology or esthetician renewal?
Montana does not require continuing education for estheticians, cosmetologists, nail technicians, electrologists, and barbers. You renew every 2 years by application and fee only. No CE hours or courses are required.
Can I complete Montana cosmetology CE online?
Montana has no CE requirement, so there are no online CE hours to complete. Renewal is by application and fee only.
How often does a Montana cosmetology license need to be renewed?
Montana estheticians, cosmetologists, nail technicians, electrologists, and barbers licenses renew every 2 years. No CE is required; renewal is by application and fee.
What happens if my Montana cosmetology license lapses?
If you miss your Montana renewal deadline, your license enters expired or inactive status. You may face late fees, a reinstatement application, and in some cases additional CE hours or re-examination. Set a free reminder on CEFinder so your deadline is never a surprise.
Does Montana require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license?
No. Montana sets zero required CE hours. You renew every two years by paying the fee and keeping your license current, with no coursework needed.
How often do I renew my Montana cosmetology or barber license?
Every two years. The renewal cycle is the same across cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, barber, and electrologist licenses.
How much does it cost to renew in Montana?
The renewal fee is listed at $100. Confirm the exact amount with the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists when you renew, since fees can be adjusted.
Do nail technicians and estheticians have different CE rules than cosmetologists in Montana?
No. Montana requires no CE for any of these license types. The two-year renewal applies to all of them equally.
If I move to a state that requires CE, will my Montana hours count?
Montana does not issue CE hours since none are required here. If you relicense in a state with a CE mandate, you would need to complete that state's hours separately. Check the new state's board for its rules.