(1) Applicants for licenses to practice shall apply for licensure within five years of the applicant's graduation date from a licensed school.

(2) Applicants for licensure shall submit the following documentation:

(a) hour records showing the following hours completed:

(i) barbering - 1500;

(ii) cosmetology - 2000;

(iii) electrology - 600;

(iv) esthetics - 650; or

(v) manicuring - 350;

(b) a barbering, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, or manicuring school diploma from a board licensed school;

(c) proof of high school graduation or equivalency;

(d) copy of a birth certificate or other verifiable evidence of applicant's birth date; and

(e) proof of passage of a board approved examination.

(3) In lieu of a high school diploma or equivalency, applicants may petition the board for an exception by submitting the following information:

(a) certified copies of applicant's high school transcripts; and/or

(b) lists of courses completed, including:

(i) adult education courses;

(ii) postsecondary education courses; and

(iii) other experiences providing evidence to equivalency of a high school diploma.

(4) The board shall accept hours of instruction from jurisdictionally licensed schools located outside Montana towards fulfillment of the hour requirements for the various categories of licenses.

(5) Out-of-state student applicants shall meet the same requirements as in-state barbering, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics or manicuring students.