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Dear Licensees and Interested Parties:
On Nov. 10, 2025, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists voted to adopt administrative rules proposed earlier this year. All proposed changes in MAR Notice #2025-221 became effective Nov. 22, 2025.
These rules implement House Bill 336, legislation passed by the Montana Legislature authorizing apprenticeship pathways to licensure for barbering, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, and manicuring. This legislation modernizes Montana’s licensing framework and expands real opportunities for individuals who want to build skills and enter these professions through Registered Apprenticeship.
Employers willing to sponsor apprentices may now work directly with DLI’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program regulates and provides oversight of Montana apprenticeships to ensure employers, supervising mentors, and apprentices follow board rules and all other state and federal apprenticeship regulations.
Moving forward, individuals who complete a registered apprenticeship and pass the required board exams will qualify for licensure in Montana as barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, and/or manicurists. Registered Apprenticeship provides a high-quality, practical, and affordable pathway to a professional career. The rule package strengthens our workforce, supports small businesses, and opens doors for more Montanans to succeed.
In addition to the Registered Apprenticeship components of HB336, the new rules also include several updates to improve clarity and ensure board operations remain sustainable. These include:
- Increases to application and renewal fees.
- Minor updates to school-based curricula and equipment requirements.
- Removal of the requirement for public restrooms inside licensed premises.
- Implementation of House Bill 246, which defines substantial equivalency, streamlining licensure pathways for individuals already licensed in another state.
For questions about Registered Apprenticeship requirements or how to sponsor an apprentice, please visit the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program website or contact a DLI Apprenticeship Field Representative.
For any other questions regarding these rule updates, please visit the Board website or contact the department at dlibsdcos@mt.gov.
Sarah Swanson
Commissioner
Montana Department of Labor & Industry
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