Enforcement, Inspections, License Display and Advertising
About 4 of every 30 questions on a Minnesota State Exam practice exam come from this topic.
Sources checked
What to know
Violating any provision of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 is a misdemeanor, and the board may impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation, plus a fee to recover its costs when the violator's position was not substantially justified. The board may seek a court injunction, which does not shield the person from criminal prosecution or board action, and may serve a cease and desist order on licensed or unlicensed persons once the facts have been investigated. Licensing actions such as suspension or revocation rest on a preponderance of the evidence; a written hearing request must reach the board within 30 days of service, a timely request stays the order, and a late one makes the order final and unreviewable. A temporary suspension takes effect on service; the licensee has ten days to request a hearing in writing, and the board must hold it before its own members within five working days, with evidence by affidavit only. A suspended license cannot be reinstated until at least half of the suspension period is served, and a corrective action agreement (added in 2026) is not disciplinary action but is public data. Salons, including appointment-only salons, must admit inspectors on arrival, correct violations and answer an order to comply within ten business days, and post the inspection report in the reception area or at each customer entrance within ten business days. Licenses must be displayed conspicuously, photocopies do not count, and an online status printout may serve for up to 30 days after issuance. Advertisements must carry the licensed salon or practitioner name (franchises may use a common brand name), and no license title may be qualified with terms such as "master" or "certified."
Where it comes from
- Minn. Stat. § 155A.33
- Minn. Stat. § 155A.36
- Minn. Stat. § 155A.31
- Minn. Stat. § 155A.32
- Minn. R. 2105.0115
- Minn. R. 2105.0190, subp. 4
- Minn. R. 2105.0110
Try a practice question
What is the largest civil penalty the board may impose on a person for a violation of a statute, rule or order the board has adopted, issued or is empowered to enforce?
- AUp to $1,000 per violation
- BUp to $10,000 per violation
- CUp to $2,000 per violation
- DUp to $500 per violation
Show the answer
Up to $2,000 per violation. Section 155A.33, subdivision 6(a), lets the board impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation.
Minn. Stat. § 155A.33, subd. 6
Ready for a full run? The Minnesota Cosmetology State Exam Practice Test is 30 questions in 60 minutes, scored at 75%. For the official exam's details, see Minnesota Cosmetology State Exam Requirements.