Cosmetologist
Georgia
Master Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers - Georgia Secretary of State
Official website →1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$139
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 17 years old with a high school diploma, GED, or higher education degree
Complete 1,500 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school (minimum 9 months) or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship (minimum 18 months)
Submit initial license application and $30 fee to the Georgia Secretary of State
Schedule and pass the theory examination ($45) through PSI
Schedule and pass the practical examination ($64) through PSI
Application processing takes approximately 15 business days
Receive your Master Cosmetologist license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
High school diploma, GED, or higher education degree
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply by endorsement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
3,000 apprenticeship hours over a minimum of 18 months as an alternative to the 1,500 school hours over 9 months minimum. Apprentice sponsors must hold a license for at least 36 months. Apprentice licenses issued after July 1, 2015 are valid for 4 years with no renewals.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedOnce licensed, master cosmetologists can provide hair, skin, and nail services in salons or independently. Services include hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical texture services, skin care, facials, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, and other beauty services. All cosmetology services shall only be performed on intact, healthy scalp, skin, and nails.
Examination
Written Exam
Georgia Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Questions
- 100
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $45
Computer-based multiple-choice exam with a 15-minute tutorial followed by 90 minutes to answer 100 graded questions. Covers sanitation procedures, hair science, chemical services, skin care theory, nail technology, and Georgia cosmetology laws and regulations.
Practical Exam
Georgia Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $64
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills in hair cutting, styling, chemical services, skin care, and nail services.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license application fee | $30 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($45) + practical exam ($64) | $109 |
License Fee | Included in $30 application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($30) + theory exam ($45) + practical exam ($64) | $139 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $8,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Georgia requires 1,500 hours, and program costs vary by school. Apprenticeship may be a lower-cost alternative.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
5 hours — 5 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal period. Must include at least 3 hours on health and safety topics.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedGeorgia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists. However, Georgia does NOT reciprocate with California, Florida, Hawaii, or New York. Applicants from those states may need to pass additional exams.
Additional Requirements: Applicants from CA, FL, HI, and NY are excluded from standard reciprocity and may need to take exams. Must provide proof of current, active license in good standing.
Related Licenses in Georgia
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Georgia is one of the few states that uses the title 'Master Cosmetologist' for its standard cosmetology license. It requires applicants to be 17 (not 16) and hold a high school diploma or GED, which is more restrictive than many states. Georgia also specifically excludes California, Florida, Hawaii, and New York from reciprocity agreements.
Georgia uses the title 'Master Cosmetologist' for its full cosmetology license.
Georgia also offers a 'Hair Designer' license for those who only want to provide hair services (not skin or nails).
Apprentice sponsors must have held their license for at least 36 months.
Apprentice licenses issued after July 1, 2015 are valid for 4 years with no renewals allowed.
Georgia does not reciprocate with CA, FL, HI, or NY.
The Board is located in Macon, GA (not Atlanta), at 237 Coliseum Drive.
Sources
Official Board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Training hours and apprenticeship
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms hours and apprenticeship details
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official rules on training requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
PSI scheduling URL
Accessed 2026-02-24
Biennial renewal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Georgia
Georgia requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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