StateLicensed

Cosmetologist License Requirements in Georgia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
1500 hrs
Upfront cost
$139
Exam
Cosmetology Theory (Written) Examination, Cosmetology Practical (Skills) Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. No official source states a minimum age or education requirement for the Master Cosmetologist license via the school + exam route; GAC Rule 240-15-.02 sets training-hour and program-length requirements but not applicant age, so this is left null rather than guessed. The alternative apprenticeship pathway to the same Master Cosmetologist license does require the apprentice to be at least 17 years of age (GAC Rule 130-2-.09, verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-06-22) and to train under a Master Cosmetologist who has held their own license at least 36 months. All applicants' criminal convictions and any Board sanctions are reviewed by the Board before licensure is granted, though a pending conviction/sanction question does not bar sitting for the exam itself. sos.ga.gov blocks direct automated fetches (Cloudflare); content verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-11-10. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 1500 hours of training at a state-approved program. 1,500 total clock hours (250 theory + 1,250 service-application hours) at a Board-approved cosmetology school over a minimum of 9 months, per Georgia Administrative Code Rule 240-15-.02 (Cosmetology School Curriculum). An alternative apprenticeship pathway to the same Master Cosmetologist license requires a minimum of 18 months and 3,000 hours training under a Master Cosmetologist who has held their own license at least 36 months (GAC Rule 130-2-.09; also stated in the Board FAQ's Apprentice Questions section). rules.sos.ga.gov and sos.ga.gov block direct automated fetches (Cloudflare); content verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-06-24. [1]

  3. 3

    Cosmetology Theory (Written) Examination

    Pass the Cosmetology Theory (Written) Examination (fee: $45). Computer-administered, 110 multiple-choice items (100 scored), 90-minute time limit. Candidates who completed their required training hours on or after July 1, 2018 have 48 months from completion to pass both the written and practical exams; there is no limit on retake attempts for initial licensure applicants. A combined Written+Practical registration is $109 versus $45 + $64 booked separately. [2]

  4. 4

    Cosmetology Practical (Skills) Examination

    Pass the Cosmetology Practical (Skills) Examination (fee: $64). Hands-on demonstration of NIC Cosmetology Practical Examination (CORE) skills at a PSI test center in Georgia (the practical exam must be taken in-state); each section of the exam has its own maximum time allowance. Candidates must bring their own cleaned/disinfected supply kit; only EPA-registered disinfectant wipes are allowed in the testing room (sprays are prohibited). [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers with the $30 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers issues your Master Cosmetologist for Georgia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $30
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $50
Cosmetology Theory (Written) Examination [2] $45
Cosmetology Practical (Skills) Examination [2] $64
Processing Fee (Online Application) [3] $5
Processing Fee (Paper Application) [3] $10
Late Renewal Fee (within 30 days of expiration) [3] $100
Application for Reinstatement [3] $200
Application for Licensure by Endorsement [3] $75

The $30 'Application for Licensure by Exam' fee covers both the application and license issuance -- Georgia does not charge a separate license fee. PSI examination fees ($45 written / $64 practical, or $109 combined) are billed separately by the exam vendor and are recorded under the exams[] fact group above, not here. sos.ga.gov blocks direct automated fetches (Cloudflare); content verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-03-10.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 5 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Master Cosmetologist licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years (late-renewal grace period April 1-30). The first renewal after initial licensure does not require continuing education; every renewal after that requires 5 CE hours per 2-year cycle (3 hours must be a Board-approved health & safety course, 2 hours from an approved trade show or other registered industry course). Licensees who have held a license 25+ years, or who can show hardship, may request a CE waiver; reinstatement applications are never eligible for a CE waiver. sos.ga.gov blocks direct automated fetches (Cloudflare); content verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-11-10.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Georgia does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but a licensee who is actively licensed and in good standing in another state or U.S. territory may apply for licensure by Endorsement without acquiring additional training hours, and without retaking exams if proof of passing a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English is provided (Endorsement application fee $75). The Cosmetology Licensure Compact (cosmetologycompact.gov) is a newly forming interstate compact -- as of this research Georgia is not listed among its enacted member states, and the compact commission has not yet activated interstate license portability, so no compact is recorded here. sos.ga.gov blocks direct automated fetches (Cloudflare); content verified via archive.org snapshot 2025-11-10.

43 state-approved training providers in Georgia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $30
  • $45
  • $64
Total$139

Frequently asked questions

How can I obtain a Georgia cosmetology license?

Through a Board-approved cosmetology school (1,500 hours over a minimum of 9 months) followed by passing the state exams, through an 18-month/3,000-hour apprenticeship, or by Endorsement if you are already actively licensed in another state or U.S. territory.

Who administers the Georgia cosmetology licensing exam?

PSI Services LLC administers both the written and practical exams under contract with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, using the National Cosmetology Examination developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

Can I reciprocate or transfer my cosmetology license from another state to Georgia?

Georgia does not have formal reciprocity, but if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another state or U.S. territory, you may apply for licensure by Endorsement without needing additional training hours or retaking your exams.

How often do I need to renew my Master Cosmetologist license?

Every 2 years, by March 31 of even-numbered years. Your first renewal after initial licensure does not require continuing education; every renewal after that requires 5 CE hours.

What happens if I fail part of the exam?

You may retake only the portion you failed by contacting PSI. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts for initial licensure applicants, though both parts must be passed within 48 months of completing your training hours if those hours were completed on or after July 1, 2018.

Sources

  1. [1] rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-15 — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] proctor2.psionline.com/programs/GA%20COS/942.2023.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/28%20Reference%20-%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers-faq — accessed 2026-07-10