Cosmetologist
Tennessee
Cosmetologist License Requirements
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Cycle
$200
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedBe at least 16 years old and have a 10th-grade equivalent education
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a TN Board-approved school (or complete an approved apprenticeship)
School submits eligibility to PSI after completing training hours
Receive Authorization to Test from PSI
Create a PSI account and schedule your theory exam ($70 fee)
Pass the theory (written) exam with a minimum score of 70%
Schedule and pass the practical exam through PSI ($70 fee)
Apply for initial license at www.core.tn.gov with $60 application fee
Complete one-time domestic violence awareness training (required since January 1, 2022)
Receive your Tennessee cosmetology license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th-grade education equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via reciprocity
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,500 hours required
Apprenticeship pathway available: students must first complete 750 classroom hours, pass the theory exam, then engage in apprenticeship with a pre-approved salon/mentor. The mentor must have been licensed for a minimum of 10 years. 50% of hours through classroom instruction and 50% under direct supervision. This is optional for schools to offer, and students cannot transfer between traditional and apprentice programs.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified in official sources. Contact the Board for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
VerifiedArranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work on the hair; caring for or servicing wigs or hairpieces; manicuring; massaging, cleaning, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, beautifying the hands, arms, face, neck, or feet with hands or cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions or creams; placing or applying artificial eyelashes; giving facials; applying makeup; giving skin care; removing superfluous hair by tweezing, depilatories, or waxing.
Examination
Written Exam
Tennessee Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $70
110 multiple-choice questions with 90 minutes allowed. Minimum passing score of 70. Topics include sanitation and safety, shampooing/conditioning, hair cutting and styling, braid/extension services, chemical texture services, hair coloring, skin care, nail care, and state laws.
Practical Exam
Tennessee Cosmetology Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $70
Hands-on assessment of cosmetology skills. Candidates must provide their own mannequin head, service-specific supplies, clean and labeled kits, disinfectants, towels, and sanitation materials. Must pass theory exam before taking practical exam.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application/license fee | $60 |
Exam Fee Written ($70) + Practical ($70), paid to PSI | $140 |
License Fee License fee is included in the $60 application fee for Tennessee | $0 |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($60) + exam ($140). No separate license issuance fee. | $200 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Required — Effective January 1, 2022, all licensees must complete approved training on domestic violence awareness. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring CE obligation. No other continuing education is required for renewal.
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedTennessee offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Applicants must hold a current, valid license in another state and may need to meet equivalent training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity fee of $100. Must submit certification from the licensing state.
Related Licenses in Tennessee
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
Tennessee is one of few states where the minimum age for cosmetology licensure is 16 (with only a 10th-grade education requirement). The state also has a unique one-time domestic violence awareness training requirement for all licensees, enacted in 2022.
Tennessee requires a one-time domestic violence awareness training for all licensees, effective January 1, 2022.
The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is a combined board regulating both cosmetologists and barbers.
A $15 rescheduling fee applies if you fail to give at least 10 days' notice before an exam date.
The apprenticeship pathway is optional for schools to offer and requires a mentor licensed for at least 10 years.
Sources
Official state board website
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official page states 1,500 hours required
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms 1,500 hours and curriculum details
Accessed 2026-02-24
Links to PSI scheduling portal
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Tennessee fee regulation
Accessed 2026-02-24
Details reciprocity process
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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