Georgia licenses cosmetologists through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, which operates under the Georgia Secretary of State. You need a Georgia Master Cosmetologist license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Georgia requires 1,500 hours of approved training at a Board-approved cosmetology school (or 3,000 hours through apprenticeship) and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $139. Most people complete the full process in 9 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Georgia Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Master Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Secretary of State) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old (16 for apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved school (minimum 9 months) OR 3,000 hours apprenticeship (minimum 18 months) |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (100 questions, 70% to pass) + Practical Exam (hands-on, 70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Written Exam Fee | $45 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $64 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $30 (non-refundable) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $139 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | Georgia GOALS Portal |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in a Georgia cosmetology program and apply for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree. Georgia also requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character, which means a criminal background check may be required as part of the application process.
If you are at least 16 years old and want to start training immediately, you can begin through the apprenticeship pathway while completing your education requirements. Georgia regulates both barbers and cosmetologists through the same board, but the licenses have different scopes. See our Barber vs Cosmetology License comparison to decide which path is right for you.
Step 2: Complete Your Training
Georgia offers two pathways to satisfy the training requirement for a Master Cosmetologist license.
Option A: Cosmetology School (1,500 Hours)
Complete 1,500 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a cosmetology school licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. The program must span a minimum of 9 months.
The curriculum covers hair cutting, styling, and shaping, hair coloring, bleaching, and chemical services, permanent waving and relaxing, scalp treatments and hair care, facial treatments and skincare, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), manicuring and pedicuring, sanitation and infection control, and Georgia laws and rules.
Most full-time programs take 9 to 12 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take 15 to 18 months. Tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and location.
Georgia allows schools to teach the theory portion of the curriculum online. However, all hands-on practical training must take place inside the school on the clinic floor under direct supervision of a licensed instructor.
Option B: Apprenticeship (3,000 Hours)
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised training as a registered apprentice in a licensed salon or shop. The apprenticeship must span a minimum of 18 months.
To begin an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old, register for an apprentice license with the Georgia Board, train under a Master Cosmetologist who has held a license for at least 36 months, and record your hours daily on the appropriate training form.
Important: Apprentices who receive their license on or after July 1, 2019 must take the theory (written) portion of the examination within the first 12 months of their apprenticeship per O.C.G.A. § 43-10-13(c).
Each supervising licensee in a salon may have only one apprentice at a time.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Examinations
Georgia requires both a written (theory) examination and a practical examination for licensure. Both exams are administered by PSI Services LLC using the National Cosmetology examination developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
Exam Eligibility
After completing your training, your school will notify PSI of your eligibility to take the examinations. You will receive an eligibility notice with instructions for scheduling your exams. If you completed training through apprenticeship, you must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Georgia Board by submitting your completed training transcripts.
If you completed your training hours on or after July 1, 2018, you have 48 months to take and pass your state board exams. If you do not pass within 48 months, you will be required to repeat the required training hours.
Written (Theory) Examination
The written exam is a computer-based test consisting of 100 graded multiple-choice questions plus 10 unscored pretest items. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam (plus a 15-minute tutorial). A passing score is 70% or higher.
Topics covered include sanitation and infection control, hair science and services, chemical services, skin care theory, nail technology, and Georgia cosmetology laws and regulations.
The written exam fee is $45, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your appointment. You will receive your score immediately upon completion, and an official score report will be printed for you to take with you.
Testing locations for the written exam include Atlanta, Macon, Marietta, and Tifton. Online proctored testing (at home) is also available for the theory exam.
Practical Examination
The practical exam tests your hands-on skills through timed demonstrations of salon services. A passing score is 70% or higher. The practical exam is administered at PSI testing centers in Atlanta and Macon.
The practical exam fee is $64, paid directly to PSI. The exam covers multiple sections including hair cutting, chemical services, facials, and nail services, with specific time limits for each section.
You must bring your own supplies and equipment, including a mannequin head with hair, all required tools and implements, and appropriate products. Review the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the complete supply list and requirements.
Professional all-black attire with closed-toe shoes is required. Clothing must be free from logos or school names.
Retakes
If you fail either exam, you may retake only the portion you failed. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam for initial licensure applicants (within the 48-month eligibility window). A separate fee is required for each retake attempt.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both the written and practical examinations, you may apply for your Master Cosmetologist license. Georgia no longer accepts paper applications. All applications must be submitted through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS).
The application fee is $30 (non-refundable).
Required documents include proof of citizenship or legal status (driver’s license, passport, or qualified alien documentation), government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, high school diploma, GED, or college transcript, and exam score reports from PSI.
Processing time is approximately 15 business days for complete applications. Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if deficiencies are not corrected within 60 days.
Important: Passing the written and practical examination does not guarantee licensure. All criminal convictions and board sanctions will be reviewed by the Board before granting a license.
License Renewal
Georgia Master Cosmetologist licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years and must be renewed every two years. The Board will send courtesy email reminders during the renewal period, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.
The renewal fee is $50.
Master Cosmetologist renewals for the current cycle open January 1, 2026. Licenses expire March 31, 2026. The late renewal period runs April 1 through April 30, 2026.
Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia requires 5 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years for license renewal.
Three hours must be a health and safety course developed or approved by the Board. The remaining two hours may be fulfilled by attending a trade or product show, or completing courses in health and safety issues, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or related areas of practice. All courses must be registered with the Board.
All 5 hours can be completed online. There are no online limitations for Georgia CE.
CE Exemptions and Waivers
First-time renewal: If this is your first license renewal, you are not required to complete continuing education.
25-year exemption: Licensees who have held a Georgia license for 25 years or longer are eligible for a waiver of the continuing education requirement.
Age 65+ exemption: Licensees over 65 years old may also be eligible for a CE waiver.
Hardship waiver: Licensees who can demonstrate hardship to the Board may request a waiver.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If your license is not renewed by March 31, it enters a 30-day late renewal period (April 1-30). During this time, you can still renew but may be subject to additional fees.
After 30 days, the license is considered lapsed and cannot be renewed. You must apply for reinstatement, which requires additional documentation and proof of continuing education for all renewal cycles missed. The Board cannot waive CE requirements for reinstatement applications per O.C.G.A. 43-10-10.
It is illegal to work with an expired license in Georgia. Doing so may result in fines, disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.
Transferring an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Georgia
Georgia offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists who hold a current, active license in another state or U.S. territory. Note: Georgia technically does not have reciprocity agreements—every out-of-state application is reviewed individually.
Requirements for Endorsement
To apply for licensure by endorsement, you must hold an active, current license in good standing from another state or U.S. territory, provide a letter of certification from each state where you have been licensed (sent directly from that state’s board to Georgia), demonstrate that you passed both a written and practical examination in English without the assistance of a translator, and submit proof of high school diploma or GED.
The endorsement application fee is $50 (non-refundable). The application must be notarized.
If you can provide proof that you passed a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English, additional examinations are not required. If you cannot provide this proof, you may be issued a Letter of Eligibility and required to take the Georgia exams.
Your previous training hours do not need to match Georgia’s requirements if you are actively licensed in another state.
States Without Reciprocity
Georgia does not extend reciprocity to certain states. According to multiple sources, Georgia does not reciprocate with California, Florida, Hawaii, or New York. Applicants from these states may need to pass additional examinations or provide additional documentation.
For all other states, endorsement applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis per O.C.G.A. 43-10-9.
International Applicants
Applicants from other countries who do not hold a license from a U.S. state or territory should submit an application for initial licensure along with a credentials evaluation from a Board-approved credentials evaluation provider. The Board will consider education, training, and experience on a case-by-case basis.
Other License Types
In addition to the Master Cosmetologist license, Georgia offers several specialty licenses.
Hair Designer: 1,500 school hours (or 2,650 apprenticeship hours over 14 months). Covers hair services only, not skin or nails.
Esthetician: 1,000 school hours (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours over 18 months). Covers skincare, facials, makeup, and hair removal.
Nail Technician: 525 school hours (or 1,050 apprenticeship hours over 8 months). Covers manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements.
Cosmetology Instructor: Requires a current Georgia cosmetology license, at least one year of work experience, high school diploma or GED, and completion of an instructor training program within four months of application.
If you hold a Master Cosmetologist license, you do not need separate specialty licenses—your cosmetology license covers all hair, skin, and nail services.
Georgia Cosmetologist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the national median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,250 annually). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour.
Salary.com reports the average salary for a cosmetologist in Georgia as approximately $29,201 per year as of January 2026, with a typical range from $24,101 to $35,101. Beauty Schools Directory reports the median salary for cosmetologists in Georgia at approximately $30,790 per year ($14.81 per hour).
Georgia has strong employment demand for cosmetologists, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Job growth in Georgia is projected at 13.6%, faster than the nationwide average of 5%.
Note that BLS data does not capture income from tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment earnings, which are common in the cosmetology industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 12 months. A full-time 1,500-hour school program takes a minimum of 9 months. The apprenticeship pathway requires a minimum of 18 months and 3,000 hours. After completing training, the exam and application process adds another 2 to 4 weeks.
Does Georgia require both a written and practical exam?
Yes. Georgia requires both a written (theory) examination and a practical examination. Both are administered by PSI Services LLC using the National Cosmetology examination (NIC). Both exams require a 70% passing score. If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that portion.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Georgia?
Yes, through licensure by endorsement. Georgia reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. You must provide license verification from all states where you have been licensed and proof that you passed written and practical exams in English. Georgia does not reciprocate with California, Florida, Hawaii, or New York, so applicants from those states may face additional requirements.
Does Georgia offer an apprenticeship pathway?
Yes. Georgia is one of the states that offers a full apprenticeship pathway to licensure. The apprenticeship requires 3,000 hours of supervised training over a minimum of 18 months. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and train under a Master Cosmetologist with at least 36 months of licensure. Apprentices must take the theory exam within the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.
What continuing education is required in Georgia?
Georgia requires 5 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. Three hours must be a health and safety course, and the remaining two hours can be industry-related topics. Your first renewal does not require CE. Licensees with 25+ years of licensure or those over age 65 may request a waiver.
When do Georgia cosmetology licenses expire?
Master Cosmetologist licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal period opens approximately January 1, and the late renewal period runs April 1-30. After 30 days past expiration, the license lapses and requires reinstatement.
Can I work while my renewal application is pending?
You may continue to practice with a pending renewal up until the license expiration date (March 31). After that date, you must wait for your renewal application to be processed before resuming work.
For a comparison of cosmetology licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete cosmetology license guide.
Official Resources
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217
Phone: (404) 424-9966
Website: Georgia Secretary of State – Cosmetology and Barbers
Apply Online (GOALS Portal):
How-To Guide: Master Cosmetologist
FAQ and License Information:
Georgia Board FAQ
Continuing Education Information:
Continuing Education Requirements
Out-of-State (Endorsement) Application:
Endorsement Application (PDF)
Schedule Your Exam (PSI Services):
PSI Georgia Cosmetology
Phone: (855) 744-0314
Candidate Information Bulletin:
PSI Test Taker Guide for Georgia
License Verification:
Georgia Online Licensing
Georgia Administrative Rules (Chapter 130):
Rules of Georgia State Board of Cosmetology