StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Georgia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
525 hrs
Upfront cost
$139
Exam
Nail Technician Theory Examination, Nail Technician Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, High school diploma or GED/equivalent. Must be at least 17 years of age. High school diploma or GED required. Routine fingerprint background check is not required, but applicants must self-disclose criminal history. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-17. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 525 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires 525 credit hours of training at a Board-approved school over a period of at least 4 months (consisting of 140 Level 1 theory hours and 385 Level 2 service application hours), or 1,050 hours of registered apprenticeship over at least 8 months. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-17. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technician Theory Examination

    Pass the Nail Technician Theory Examination (fee: $45). Written theory exam. Passing score is 70%. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10. [2]

  4. 4

    Nail Technician Practical Examination

    Pass the Nail Technician Practical Examination (fee: $64). Hands-on practical exam. Passing score is 70%. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers with the $30 application fee. Typical processing time: 15 business days. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

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

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $30
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] $45
Nail Technician Theory Examination [2] $45
Nail Technician Practical Examination [2] $64
Apprentice License Application [1] $90
Reinstatement Fee [1] $200

There is no separate license fee beyond the $30 application fee. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-17.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses expire biennially on August 31st of odd-numbered years. Continuing education (CE) is not required for the first renewal. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Georgia offers licensure by endorsement to applicants holding active licenses in other states but does not offer direct reciprocity. Georgia is not currently a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-10.

12 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 nail technician license?

A license can be obtained through completing a Board-approved study course of at least 525 hours or through an apprenticeship program of at least 1,050 hours. If you are licensed in another state, you may apply by endorsement.

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

The state of Georgia does not offer direct reciprocity with other states. However, if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another state or a United States territory, you may apply for licensure by Endorsement.

What happens if I fail one or both parts of the licensing examination?

You may retake only the portion failed. Contact PSI for re-examination registration and details.

Are first-time license renewals exempt from continuing education requirements?

Yes, the first time you renew your license you are not required to meet the continuing education (CE) requirements. Every renewal after that, you must complete 5 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Does Georgia offer an apprentice license for nail technicians?

Yes, you can register as a Nail Technician Apprentice. You must train for a minimum of 8 months and 1,050 hours under a licensed master cosmetologist or nail technician who has held their license for at least 36 months.

Sources

  1. [1] sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-nail-technician-nail-tech-instructor — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers-faq — accessed 2026-07-12