A cosmetologist licensed in another state wants to sit the Iowa examination under Iowa Code 157.3(2). How long must the out-of-state license have been held?Iowa Code 157.3(2)
An Iowa applicant for an instructor of electrology license must show how many hours of practical experience in electrolysis, school hours excluded?481 IAC 940.2(2)(d)
How far ahead of the intended use date must an Iowa event permit application be submitted?Iowa Code 157.4(3)(d)
How far into the course must an Iowa student be before starting the mentoring program in a licensed establishment?481 IAC 941.20(1)
How long is the Iowa course of study for a license limited to esthetics?Iowa Code 157.10(1)(b)
How long is the Iowa course of study for a license limited to nail technology?Iowa Code 157.10(1)(c)
How many clock hours is the Iowa course of study for a barbering and cosmetology license?Iowa Code 157.10(1)(a)
How many contact hours of education must an Iowa licensee complete to be certified in microdermabrasion?481 IAC 940.5(2)(b)
How many event permits may the Iowa Board issue to one applicant in a calendar year?Iowa Code 157.4(3)(f)
Show all 123 questions (114 more)
Licenses, examinations and schools, continued
How many full-time licensed instructors must an Iowa school employ for up to thirty students?Iowa Code 157.8(3)(a)
How many hours does the Board's rule set for the Iowa electrology curriculum?481 IAC 941.14(1)(b)
How many hours of core life sciences sit inside each full Iowa course of study?481 IAC 941.14(1) and 941.14(2)(d)
How many hours of instructor's training does the Iowa rule accept toward an instructor's license?481 IAC 940.2(2)(c)
How many hours of supervised practice in an Iowa establishment training program let a person take the licensing examination?Iowa Code 157.3(3)
How many hours of training does the Iowa rule set for laser certification on each machine, model or device?481 IAC 940.5(4)(f)
How much of a student’s course of study may an Iowa school grant through its accelerated learning policy?481 IAC 941.19(2)
How much of the course of study must an Iowa student finish before providing services to the public?481 IAC 941.17(2)(f)
In place of instructor's training, how much active practice does the Iowa rule accept from an instructor applicant?481 IAC 940.2(2)(c)
The Iowa temporary permit for one not-for-profit event or public demonstration is valid for no longer than how many days?Iowa Code 157.4(3)(c)
Unless a student asks in writing for more, how many hours a day may an Iowa student attend school?481 IAC 941.17(2)(d)
What becomes of an incomplete Iowa license application that has sat in the Board office for more than two years?481 IAC 940.2(3)(a)
What general schooling does Iowa Code 157.3 ask of a license applicant?Iowa Code 157.3(1)
What happens to an Iowa manicurist license that becomes inactive?481 IAC 940.4(8)
What is the most training the Iowa Board may require for a straight edge razor shaving certification?Iowa Code 157.3A(6)
What score must an Iowa applicant reach on the national examination the Board prescribes?481 IAC 940.3(1)
What share of total hours may an Iowa student spend in the mentoring program?481 IAC 941.20(2)
Which Iowa Board member may not take part in choosing or giving the licensing examination?Iowa Code 157.3(1)(c)
Who may shave in Iowa without holding the Board-issued shaving certificate?481 IAC 940.4(5)
Renewal and continuing education 13
An Iowa license has been inactive for four years. Besides continuing education, what proof of active practice in another state supports reactivation?481 IAC 940.9(3)(a)
An Iowa license is issued four months before the renewal date. When is its first renewal due?481 IAC 940.8(2)
During Iowa's grace period, what is the standing of the expired license?481 IAC 940.1
How long is the grace period after an Iowa license expires?481 IAC 940.1
How many continuing education hours does Iowa ask to reactivate a license inactive for more than five years?481 IAC 940.9(3)(b)
How many hours of continuing education must an Iowa licensee with one license complete each biennium?481 IAC 944.2(2)(a)
How many of an Iowa licensee's six continuing education hours must cover Iowa barbering and cosmetology law and rules and sanitation?481 IAC 944.2(2)(a)
In the Iowa continuing education rules, how many minutes count as one hour of credit?481 IAC 944.1
May a person practice in Iowa while the license is inactive?481 IAC 940.8(6)
What continuing education must a person licensed in Iowa for the first time show at the first renewal?481 IAC 940.8(7)
What extra continuing education does an Iowa instructor complete each biennium?481 IAC 944.2(2)(b)
When does the biennial renewal period for an Iowa practice license begin and end?481 IAC 940.8(1)
Which continuing education hours may an Iowa licensee never carry into the next renewal period?481 IAC 944.2(5)
Establishments and inspections 20
After the sale of an Iowa establishment is final, how soon must the seller send the license certificate and a report of the sale to the Board?481 IAC 941.2(5)(c)
An Iowa establishment changes owners. What happens to its license?481 IAC 941.2(5)
An Iowa establishment in a residential building has a door that leads straight into the living area. What does the rule require of that door?481 IAC 943.7(2)
An Iowa establishment owner gets written notice of a failure to follow the sanitary rules. If nothing is fixed, when must the Department order the establishment closed?Iowa Code 157.13(3)
An Iowa establishment sits immediately next to a business where food is handled. What does the rule require?481 IAC 943.8
An Iowa licensee works in two establishments. Where is the proof of renewal posted?481 IAC 941.6(4)
Besides a service animal, which animal may be in an Iowa establishment or school?481 IAC 943.20
For how long after the last entry must an Iowa establishment keep client, appointment and employment records?481 IAC 943.22
For how long is an Iowa establishment license valid?Iowa Code 157.11(2)
How long before its planned opening day must an Iowa establishment license application be submitted?481 IAC 941.2(1)
How long before its planned opening day must an Iowa school license application be submitted?481 IAC 941.8(1)
How long must an Iowa establishment keep its foot spa cleaning and disinfecting records?481 IAC 943.24(3)
In an Iowa readily movable establishment, what must be stored in cabinets secured with safety catches while the vehicle is moving?481 IAC 941.3(5)(e)
Under Iowa Code 157.6, when may an establishment be set up in a residence?Iowa Code 157.6
What is the minimum floor space of an Iowa school of barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences?481 IAC 941.12(1)
What sign must an Iowa establishment show at its entrance when blow-dry stylists work there?481 IAC 941.6(6)
When does the renewal period for an Iowa establishment license begin?481 IAC 941.4(1)
Where is carpeting allowed in an Iowa establishment or school?481 IAC 943.21(2)
Where must the current proof of renewal for each licensee working in an Iowa establishment be posted?481 IAC 941.6(3)
Which of these is on the Iowa rule's minimum list for an establishment's first-aid kit?481 IAC 943.6
Infection control 26
A client in Iowa has open sores. What does the rule say the service provider does?481 IAC 943.11(3)
A client is cut during a service in Iowa. After stopping the service, what is the provider’s next step in the rule?481 IAC 943.12(2)
A client is nicked during a service in Iowa. In what form may the material used to stop the bleeding be?481 IAC 943.15(2)(d)
An Iowa establishment uses a dry heat sterilizer at 340°F. What is the least exposure time the rule accepts?481 IAC 943.13(2)(a)(2)
At the end of each day, what does the Iowa rule require for a circulating pedicure tub?481 IAC 943.24(2)
Before disinfection, the Iowa rule has diamond, carbide, natural and metal electric file bits cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner or soaked for five to ten minutes in what?481 IAC 943.13(1)(d)
How do the Iowa rules treat roll-on wax products?481 IAC 943.15(2)(c)
How do the Iowa rules treat ultraviolet light boxes?481 IAC 943.13(2)
How does the Iowa rule keep a client’s hands or feet from spoiling the paraffin bath?481 IAC 943.25
How dry must laundered linens be under the Iowa rule?481 IAC 943.19
How far up does the Iowa definition of "wash hands" reach?481 IAC 943.1
How many times may a wooden applicator be dipped into a product container in Iowa?481 IAC 943.15(2)(b)
How often must an Iowa establishment that uses an autoclave have spore testing done by a contracted independent laboratory?481 IAC 943.13(2)(a)(3)
How often must the covered container that stores disinfected implements be disinfected under the Iowa rule?481 IAC 943.13(1)(b)
In the Iowa infection control rules, may hand sanitizer or gloves stand in for hand washing before a service?481 IAC 943.11(1)
The Iowa rule's definition of a disinfectant names two viruses the product must be effective against. Which two?481 IAC 943.1
May an Iowa establishment offer a pedicure that uses fish, or a treatment that uses leeches or snails?481 IAC 943.17(3)
Under the Iowa blood exposure procedures, what is done with blood-soiled porous articles?481 IAC 943.12
What does the Iowa rule require of needles, probes and lancets where electrology or esthetics is practiced?481 IAC 943.23
What minimum temperature does the Iowa rule set for steam sterilization?481 IAC 943.13(2)(a)(1)
When hospital grade liquid is used for chemical sterilization in Iowa, how long must items stay fully submerged?481 IAC 943.13(2)(a)(4)
Where must an Iowa establishment store its disinfectant solution?481 IAC 943.11(7)
Which of these does the Iowa rule list as a porous, single-use item to be thrown away right after use?481 IAC 943.14
Which of these may not be used in any Iowa establishment or school?481 IAC 943.15(2)(e)
Which pedicure instruments are prohibited in Iowa?481 IAC 943.17(2)
Which two substances does the Iowa rule name among the prohibited cosmetic products?481 IAC 943.17(1)
Scope of practice and exemptions 17
A store clerk in Iowa applies sample makeup to shoppers to demonstrate the product. Is a license required?Iowa Code 157.2(1)(g)
Does a person who only does threading need an Iowa license?Iowa Code 157.12B
For what purpose may an Iowa licensee use an intense pulsed light device?Iowa Code 157.2(4)
In an Iowa establishment training program, what does "supervision" of an unlicensed provider mean?Iowa Code 157.12D(7)
Iowa licensees who provide nail services may not cut or structurally alter human tissue. Which tool does the rule name as the exception?481 IAC 940.6(4)
On which parts of the body may a certified Iowa barber and cosmetologist shave for hair removal?481 IAC 940.5(1)(b)
Under Iowa Code 157.3A, who may administer a chemical peel as an esthetician?Iowa Code 157.3A(1)(d)
What does Iowa require before a laser hair removal product or intense pulsed light device is used on a minor?Iowa Code 157.12A
What must a person complete before working only as a blow-dry stylist in Iowa?Iowa Code 157.12C(3)
What must an Iowa establishment in the training program give a consumer before an unlicensed provider begins a service?Iowa Code 157.12D(4)
Where may blow-dry styling be done in Iowa?Iowa Code 157.12C(2)
Which Iowa cosmetologists or barbers may never provide chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or intense pulsed light hair removal?Iowa Code 157.3A(2)(a)
Which limited service may an Iowa licensee not provide at a wedding or photo shoot away from a licensed establishment?481 IAC 943.16(2)
Which person is outside the license requirement of Iowa Code 157.2?Iowa Code 157.2(1)(f)
Which service falls outside "blow-dry styling" as Iowa Code 157.12C defines it?Iowa Code 157.12C(4)
Who counts as a "minor" in Iowa Code chapter 157?Iowa Code 157.1(23)
Without a one-year temporary permit, how must limited services outside an Iowa establishment be arranged?481 IAC 943.16(2)(a)
Violations and discipline 13
A client in Iowa is injured by a chemical peel and needs medical attention. How soon must the licensee report the incident to the Board?Iowa Code 157.5(2)
A peace officer investigating a complaint of illegal services asks an Iowa licensee for proof. What must the licensee present?Iowa Code 157.4A(2)
After the Iowa Board gives notice that it means to issue an order or citation to an unlicensed person, how long is there to request a hearing?Iowa Code 157.13(4)(b)
An Iowa inspector sees a person providing services who leaves the salon at the time of inspection. How does the discipline rule treat that?481 IAC 945.2(5)
An Iowa salon stops doing business. Within how many days must its license be returned to the Board to avoid a ground for discipline?481 IAC 945.2(2)
Before which services must an Iowa licensee obtain the client’s consent in writing?Iowa Code 157.5(1)
Each day of a continued violation after an Iowa Board order is a separate offense. What is the maximum total penalty?Iowa Code 157.13(4)
How long does written permission for a minor’s laser service stay in the client’s permanent record in Iowa?481 IAC 940.5(4)(e)
In an announcement to the public, an Iowa resident falsely claims to be licensed under chapter 157. What offense is that?Iowa Code 157.4B
May a person practice in an Iowa establishment that the Department has ordered closed for sanitary violations?Iowa Code 157.13(3)
What grade of offense is a conviction for violating Iowa Code chapter 157 or its rules?Iowa Code 157.15
What is the most the Iowa Board may impose as a civil penalty for each violation by an unlicensed person or establishment?Iowa Code 157.13(4)
What license must a person hold to directly supervise the work of Iowa practitioners?Iowa Code 157.12
The Board and the Department 6
How often is each Iowa school of barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences inspected?Iowa Code 157.8(2)(c)
If an Iowa civil penalty under section 157.13 goes unpaid, who may bring an action to recover it?Iowa Code 157.13(4)(c)
In Iowa Code chapter 157, which agency is "the Department"?Iowa Code 157.1(7)
Which local official must help the Iowa Department enforce the closing of an establishment that ignores the sanitary rules?Iowa Code 157.13(3)
Who may ask to see an Iowa establishment’s copy of the infection control chapter and its most recent inspection report?481 IAC 943.2
Who prescribes the sanitary rules for Iowa establishments and schools and makes the inspections to enforce them?Iowa Code 157.6
How this list was compiled: Iowa Code chapter 157, Barbering and Cosmetology (Iowa Code 2026, sections 157.1 to 157.15), on the Iowa Legislature's own site (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/157.pdf); and Iowa Administrative Code 481, chapters 940, 941, 943, 944 and 945, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, in the copies dated IAC 9/30/26 on the same site (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/chapters?agency=481). Each question names its section or rule and links to the document it is in. Read 2026-10-10. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the statute and rule text. Nothing comes from a testing vendor, a textbook, a prep course or an exam question pool.
How it works
This unofficial Iowa law cosmetology practice test asks only Iowa Code chapter 157 and the Board's rules (481 IAC chapters 940 to 945), read on October 10, 2026. Hair, skin and nail theory, the national examination's subject, is left out.
Read the full guide
What the Iowa questions cover
Licenses, examinations and schools come first: 1,550 hours for barbering and cosmetology, 600 for esthetics, 325 for nail technology. Infection control follows the Board's chapter 943 rule by rule, from the ban on ultraviolet light boxes to foot spa records. Establishments, renewal, scope of practice, penalties and the Department fill the rest.
Where Iowa law sits in the Board's own rules
Rule 481 IAC 940.3 has every applicant pass a national examination the Board prescribes, at 75 percent or greater, and names no separate Iowa law test. Iowa law enters elsewhere: the core curriculum of every school lists state law and administrative rules (941.14), and each renewal needs two hours on Iowa law, rules and sanitation (944.2).
A barber or cosmetologist licensed before July 1, 2024 receives a barbering and cosmetology license at renewal (481 IAC 940.4).
Threading needs no Iowa license. Blow-dry styling needs none either, but two hours on Iowa law and sanitation come first (Iowa Code 157.12B, 157.12C).
Hand sanitizer and gloves never stand in for hand washing (481 IAC 943.11).
Questions and answers
Is there a free cosmetology practice test on Iowa law?
This page is one. It is free and unofficial, it asks Iowa Code chapter 157 and the Board's rules, and the section sits under each answer so you can open the law and check it.
Is this a practice test for the Iowa cosmetology boards?
On Iowa law, yes. The examination itself is a national one on hair, skin and nail theory (481 IAC 940.3), which this page leaves out, so exam mode here gives a score and no verdict.
Are these real Iowa exam questions?
No. Nobody here has seen a licensing examination. Each question was written from Iowa Code chapter 157 or 481 IAC chapters 940 to 945, and the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences did not write or review any of them.