Cosmetologist
Massachusetts
Cosmetologist License Requirements
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Official website →1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Cycle
$291
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 17 years old with at least 10th grade education
Complete a 1,000-hour course at a Board-approved cosmetology school
Complete and submit the cosmetology application form through PSI (available at MACOSprocessing@psionline.com)
Pay the $68 application fee (by check or credit card)
Submit a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form
Include a 2x2 inch photograph and copy of driver's license or state-issued ID
Receive exam approval email from PSI and schedule the written theory exam
Pass the written theory examination (110 questions, 75% passing score)
Receive cosmetology license by mail
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state and out-of-country applicants may apply through the exam process
Background Check
A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form is required for all cosmetology license applications. The CORI form must be either signed in person at the Board's offices in the presence of a DOL employee or signed in the presence of a notary public. The authorization to submit a CORI check is valid for one year from the date of signature.
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school (Board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a Board-approved cosmetology school
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedHair cutting, styling, and chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing); skin care services; basic nail services; makeup application. Cosmetologists may use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology for hair removal. Prohibited services include: injections (Botox, fillers), tattooing, permanent makeup, micro-blading, tanning (UV equipment), body/ear piercing, and laser hair removal (reserved for electrologists).
Examination
Written Exam
Massachusetts Cosmetology Written Theory Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Exams
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $155
110 multiple-choice questions with 90-minute time limit. Must score 75% or higher. As of October 2023, graduates of in-state cosmetology programs and out-of-state/out-of-country applicants only need to pass the written theory exam to become licensed (practical exam no longer required).
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee paid through PSI at end of application process | $68 |
Exam Fee Written theory exam fee; practical exam no longer required | $155 |
License Fee Initial licensing fee following successful completion of examinations | $68 |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($68) + exam fee ($155) + initial license fee ($68). Practical exam is no longer required. | $291 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Massachusetts requires only 1,000 hours, which may result in lower tuition costs than states requiring more hours.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Fee
$68
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$57
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedOut-of-state and out-of-country cosmetology applicants may apply for licensure in Massachusetts. As of October 2023, all applicants (including out-of-state and out-of-country) only need to pass the written theory exam to become licensed.
Additional Requirements: Must submit application through PSI with $68 fee, pass the written theory exam, and complete CORI background check.
Related Licenses in Massachusetts
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam for cosmetology licensure as of October 2023, making it one of only a few states where only a written theory exam is required. The state also has relatively low training hour requirements at 1,000 hours. Nail technicians require only 100 hours of training, one of the lowest thresholds in the country. The CORI background check process requires either in-person signing at the Board offices or notarized submission, a more stringent verification requirement than many states.
Massachusetts requires only 1,000 hours of cosmetology training, one of the lower requirements in the nation.
As of October 2023, Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam requirement. Only the written theory exam is now required for all cosmetology applicants.
A notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check is mandatory for all applications.
Massachusetts nail technician license requires only 100 hours, one of the lowest in the country.
Cosmetologists are authorized to use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology for hair removal.
Incomplete applications are held open for 180 days before being considered abandoned.
The Board oversees cosmetology, barbering, and electrology under a single regulatory body.
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official: complete a 1,000-hour course in a licensed school
Accessed 2026-02-24
25-hour prerequisite for apprentice registration (supplemental, not alternative)
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms $68 application fee
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Renewal every two years on licensee's birthday
Accessed 2026-02-24
Exam changes apply to all applicants including out-of-state
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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