Esthetician License Requirements in Tennessee
- Training hours
- 750 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $194
- Exam
- Aesthetician Theory Examination, Aesthetician Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old. No criminal background check specific to aesthetician licensure was found in the Board's individual-license materials. All new applicants must complete up to one hour of free domestic violence awareness training as a Board requirement. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-01-16 (this page returned a connection error on direct fetch). [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 750 hours of training at a state-approved program. 750 hours must be completed at a school of cosmetology; Tennessee does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-01-16 (this page returned a connection error on direct fetch). [1]
- 3
Aesthetician Theory Examination
Pass the Aesthetician Theory Examination (fee: $67). written, remote-proctored or at a PSI testing center National exam content administered by PSI. Candidates may test via remote proctoring or, if their home setup lacks a required camera, at a PSI testing center. [2]
- 4
Aesthetician Practical Examination
Pass the Aesthetician Practical Examination (fee: $67). remote-proctored or at a PSI testing center Reinstatement exams (theory or practical) cost $35 per component. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners with the $60 application fee. Typical processing time: Reciprocity/out-of-state applications: allow three to four weeks for processing once the online application is submitted. No standard processing time is published for initial in-state applications by exam.. [4]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues your Aesthetician for Tennessee.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $60 |
| License fee [3] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [3] | $60 |
| Aesthetician Theory Examination [2] | $67 |
| Aesthetician Practical Examination [2] | $67 |
| Late renewal fee (per license) [3] | $25 |
| Reinstatement exam fee (per component) [3] | $35 |
The $60 is a single combined original-license fee (called 'the fee for an initial application' on the aesthetician page and 'Original License Fee' on the fee schedule) — it is one payment, not a separate application fee plus a separate license-issuance fee, so license is left null to avoid double-counting. Exam fees ($67 per component, confirmed on the Board's PSI fee table: Aesthetician Theory Only $67.00, Practical Only $67.00, Reinstatement Theory/Practical $35.00 each) are paid separately to PSI and are tracked under exams[]. Verified via Wayback Machine archive snapshot 2026-07-11 (www.tn.gov blocks direct fetches).
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
No continuing education is required for aesthetician renewal; the Board's 16-hour CE requirement applies only to instructors. Renewal fee is $60, set forth in Rule 0440-1-.13(3) of the Tennessee Rules of Cosmetology; a $25 late fee applies per license if not renewed before expiration, and licenses expired more than 3 years become invalid, requiring reinstatement exams. Renewal cycle and fee verified via archive snapshot 2026-01-16 (this page returned a connection error on direct fetch); no-CE-for-aestheticians fact confirmed on the live renewal/reciprocity page.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Tennessee requires a minimum hour requirement (750 hours for aestheticians) as well as a theory and practical exam for all license types, including out-of-state/reciprocity applicants — hours and exams are not automatically waived. Applicants request a Certification of License from their current state board and complete the 'Out of State' application at core.tn.gov with a non-refundable application fee (amount not published for aestheticians specifically). Applicants completing fewer hours than Tennessee requires may submit tax returns or employer letters documenting relevant work history in lieu of hours. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not confirmed as operational, and its coverage of estheticians in Tennessee is unconfirmed, as of this research date, so no compacts are listed.
20 state-approved training providers in Tennessee — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $60
- $67
- $67
Frequently asked questions
What does an aesthetician do in Tennessee?
An aesthetician may massage, clean, stimulate, manipulate, exercise, or beautify using hands or mechanical/electrical apparatus or cosmetic preparations; apply artificial eyelashes; give facials; apply makeup; give skin care; or remove superfluous hair by tweezing, depilatories, or waxing.
How many training hours are required to become an aesthetician?
Satisfactory completion of a course of instruction of not less than 750 hours in the practice and theory of aesthetics at a school of cosmetology, since Tennessee does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians.
Who administers the aesthetician licensing exam?
PSI Services administers both the written theory and practical exams, available via remote proctoring or at a PSI testing center; each component costs $67.
How often must an aesthetician license be renewed?
Renewals are required every two years; the renewal fee is $60, and a $25 late fee applies per license if not renewed on time.
Can I transfer my out-of-state aesthetician license to Tennessee?
Yes, via the 'Out of State' reciprocity application at core.tn.gov — request your current state board send a Certification of License, submit the application with the required fee, and allow three to four weeks for processing. Tennessee's hour and exam requirements still apply.
Sources
- [1] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/individual/aesthetician.html — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/psi-exam-info.html — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/fees.html — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/renewal-reciprocity-other-resources.html — accessed 2026-07-11