Massachusetts licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, which operates under the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. You need a Massachusetts cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of approved training plus a written theory exam administered through PSI Services. The state eliminated its practical exam in October 2023, making the licensing process faster and more accessible. The total cost including the exam and application fee is approximately $223. Most people complete the full process in 7 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Changes to Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing
Practical Exam Eliminated (October 2, 2023): Massachusetts eliminated the practical (hands-on) portion of the cosmetology licensing exam effective October 2, 2023. Applicants now only need to pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. This change significantly reduces both the cost and scheduling time for new applicants.
Board Merger: The former Board of Registration of Cosmetology was merged with the Board of Registration of Barbers to form the current Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Both professions are now governed by a single board under DOL, though cosmetology and barbering remain legally separate license types with distinct requirements.
Massachusetts Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist — Type 2 (Operator) or Type 1 (Manager) |
| Governing Agency | Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (under DOL) |
| Statutory Authority | MGL Chapter 112, Sections 87T–87JJ; 272 CMR 2.00–7.00 |
| Training Hours Required | 1,000 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway |
| Minimum Age | Not specified by statute (schools typically require 16 or 17) |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade education or equivalent |
| Exam Required | Written theory exam only (PSI Services) — practical exam eliminated October 2023 |
| Exam Fee | $155 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $68 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $223 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years on your birthday | $68 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Massachusetts eLicensing Portal |
| Exam Registration | PSI Exams |
| Board Website | mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Massachusetts cosmetology program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: Massachusetts statutes do not specify a minimum age for cosmetology licensure, though most approved schools require applicants to be at least 16 or 17 years old for enrollment
- Education: Completion of the 10th grade or equivalent education
Massachusetts does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board evaluates criminal backgrounds on a case-by-case basis under the state’s CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) review process.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Massachusetts requires completion of 1,000 hours of cosmetology training at a Board-approved school. Full-time programs typically take 7 to 12 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Hair cutting, styling, and chemical treatments (coloring, perming, relaxing)
- Skin care services (facials, makeup application, waxing)
- Nail care services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails)
- Sanitation, sterilization, and infection control
- Anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
- Massachusetts laws and regulations (272 CMR)
- Business management and professional ethics
No Apprenticeship: Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology. All training must be completed at an approved school program.
At 1,000 hours, Massachusetts is below the national average for cosmetology training requirements. For a comparison of requirements across all states, see our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing your 1,000 hours, you must pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. Massachusetts eliminated its practical exam effective October 2, 2023, so only the written portion is required.
How to register:
- Complete your training program and receive your school completion certificate
- Register for the exam through the PSI Exams website or by calling PSI
- Pay the $155 exam fee to PSI
- Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center
Written Exam Details:
- Computer-based multiple-choice format
- Covers cosmetology theory, sanitation, safety, anatomy, chemistry, and Massachusetts laws and regulations
- A passing score of 75% is required
- Results are available immediately after completing the exam
Retake Policy: If you fail the exam, you may retake it by re-registering through PSI and paying the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts.
Step 4: Apply for Your Massachusetts Cosmetology License
After passing the written exam, apply for your cosmetology license through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal. The application fee is $68.
You will need to provide:
- Proof of completing 1,000 hours at an approved school
- Passing exam score (PSI sends results to the Board automatically)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment of the $68 application fee
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, your license will be available through the eLicensing portal. New cosmetology applicants receive a Type 2 (Operator) license, which authorizes you to perform all cosmetology services in any licensed establishment.
Type 1 (Manager) License: After gaining at least 2 years of experience as a licensed Type 2 operator, you may apply for a Type 1 (Manager) license. A manager license is required to supervise other operators and manage a cosmetology establishment.
Massachusetts Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Theory Exam | $155 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $68 | DOL / Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $223 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $68 | DOL / Board |
| Late Renewal Penalty | Varies | DOL / Board |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State, no exam) | $204 | DOL / Board |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State, with exam) | $136 | DOL / Board |
License Renewal
Massachusetts cosmetology licenses expire every two years on your birthday. The Board sends renewal notices before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the Massachusetts eLicensing portal
- Pay the $68 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Massachusetts does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and update your information.
Late Renewal: If your license expires, you may still renew within a grace period by paying an additional late fee. If your license has lapsed for an extended period, you may need to retake the licensing exam or provide evidence of continued practice in another state.
Transferring Your Cosmetology License to Massachusetts (Endorsement)
Massachusetts offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Two endorsement options are available:
Option 1 — Endorsement Without Exam ($204): If you hold an active cosmetology license in good standing from another state with substantially equivalent training requirements, you may apply for endorsement without taking the Massachusetts exam. You must provide verification of licensure from your current state and proof of your original training hours.
Option 2 — Endorsement With Exam ($136): If your original state’s requirements do not fully match Massachusetts standards, or if you prefer, you may apply for endorsement and take the Massachusetts written theory exam. The total cost is $136 plus the $155 PSI exam fee.
To apply for either endorsement option:
- Submit your application through the eLicensing portal
- Request that your current state send official license verification directly to the Board
- Provide proof of your original training hours
- Pay the applicable endorsement fee
If you are considering a move between states, compare requirements with neighboring states like New York (1,000 hours) or Ohio (1,500 hours).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Massachusetts provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Expedited Processing: The Board prioritizes license applications from active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses. Applications are processed on an expedited basis.
Military Spouse Provisions: Under Massachusetts law, military spouses who hold a valid cosmetology license from another state and are relocated to Massachusetts due to military orders may receive expedited licensure by endorsement.
SCRA License Portability (2023): The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), amended in January 2023, allows servicemembers and their spouses to use professional licenses from their home state when relocated due to military orders. To qualify, you must provide a copy of your military orders and hold an active license in good standing from another state.
Contact the Board directly for the most current military licensing accommodations.
What Can You Do with a Massachusetts Cosmetology License?
A Massachusetts cosmetology license authorizes you to perform:
- Hair cutting, styling, coloring, perming, relaxing, and chemical treatments
- Skin care services including facials, makeup application, and waxing
- Nail services including manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail application
- Shampooing and scalp treatments
- Eyelash and eyebrow services
All cosmetology services must be performed in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own salon, you will need a separate shop license from the Board.
If you are deciding between cosmetology and other beauty licenses in Massachusetts, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License comparison or learn about the differences in our cosmetology vs esthetician guide.
Related License Options in Massachusetts
| License Type | Hours Required | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist (Type 2) | 1,000 hours | Hair, skin, and nail services |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | Hair cutting, shaving, grooming |
| Aesthetician (Type 7) | 600 hours | Skin care services only |
| Manicurist (Type 3) | 100 hours | Nail services only |
Note that Massachusetts uses the spelling “aesthetician” rather than “esthetician” in its official regulations.
Massachusetts Cosmetology Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists in Massachusetts earn a median annual salary of approximately $38,000 to $45,000, with top earners exceeding $55,000. The Boston metro area tends to offer higher wages due to higher cost of living and demand. Tips typically add 15–25% to base earnings, so actual take-home pay is often higher than reported figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Massachusetts?
Most people complete the process in 7 to 12 months. Full-time cosmetology programs (1,000 hours) typically take 7 to 10 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Massachusetts?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $223: $155 in exam fees paid to PSI and $68 application fee paid to the Board. This is significantly lower than it was before the practical exam was eliminated in 2023, which previously added additional exam costs.
Does Massachusetts still require a practical exam for cosmetology?
No. Massachusetts eliminated the practical (hands-on) exam effective October 2, 2023. You now only need to pass the written theory exam administered by PSI Services. A passing score of 75% is required.
Does Massachusetts require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $68 biennial renewal fee on your birthday.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Massachusetts?
Yes, through endorsement. Massachusetts offers two options: endorsement without exam ($204) if your state has substantially equivalent requirements, or endorsement with exam ($136 plus $155 exam fee) if additional verification is needed. You must provide license verification from your current state.
What is the difference between a Type 2 and Type 1 cosmetology license in Massachusetts?
A Type 2 license is the standard operator license issued to new cosmetologists. It authorizes you to perform all cosmetology services. A Type 1 license is a manager license that requires at least 2 years of experience as a Type 2 operator. A Type 1 license is required to supervise other operators and manage a cosmetology establishment.
Official Resources
- Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application (eLicensing Portal)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL)
- Board Contact: mass.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barbering