Tennessee licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). You need a Tennessee cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of approved training plus written theory and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is $200. Most people complete the full process in 10 to 16 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislation Affecting Tennessee Cosmetology Licensing
Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Signed May 29, 2024): Tennessee became the sixth state to enact the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (SB 2732/HB 2781). Once fully operational (expected 18–24 months after activation in June 2024), Tennessee cosmetologists with multistate licenses will be able to practice in all compact member states without additional licensure. Current member states include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
Domestic Violence Training Requirement (Effective January 1, 2022): All cosmetology applicants must complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training from an approved nonprofit organization before applying for their initial license. Existing licensees must complete the training by December 31, 2025.
Eyelash Specialist License (Effective July 1, 2023): SB 93/HB 103 created a new eyelash specialist license requiring 300 hours of training. Licensed cosmetologists may continue performing eyelash services under their existing license without obtaining the new specialty license.
License Reinstatement Reform (2024): SB 1247/HB 1291 gave the Board more flexibility to reinstate lapsed licenses. Practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may qualify for reinstatement without re-examination.
Tennessee Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (under TDCI) |
| Statutory Authority | TCA Title 62, Chapter 4 — Tennessee Cosmetology Act of 1986 |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a licensed school of cosmetology |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 750 classroom hours + 750 apprenticeship hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion, GED (score 450+), or HiSET (38%+) |
| Exam Required | Written theory + practical exams (PSI Services, National Exam content) |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $60 |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years (biennial anniversary of issuance) | $60 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Tennessee CORE Licensing Portal |
| Exam Registration | PSI Exams |
| Board Website | tn.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Tennessee cosmetology program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: Completed at least two years of high school (10th grade), OR obtained a GED score of at least 450, OR achieved a passing score of 38% on the HiSET examination
- Domestic Violence Training: Complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training from an approved nonprofit (this is typically completed as part of your school program or online through the Barbicide training portal)
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Tennessee requires completion of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school. Full-time programs typically take 10 to 16 months. The curriculum must cover:
- 300 hours — General studies: Sterilization, sanitation, bacteriology, anatomy and physiology, shop ethics, personality and salesmanship, state law
- 600 hours — Chemical and technical services: Permanent waves, hair relaxer, hair coloring, bleaching and toning, sculptured nails, hair structure, chemistry
- 600 hours — Practical and theory: Hair cutting, styling, skin care, nail care, and other cosmetology services
Apprenticeship Pathway: Tennessee offers an apprenticeship option. You must complete 750 classroom hours first, pass the theory exam, then complete the remaining 750 hours under a licensed professional who has held an active license for at least 10 years. The mentor may supervise only one apprentice at a time. You must enroll as an apprentice student from the start — you cannot switch from a traditional enrollment.
Master Barber Crossover: Licensed Tennessee master barbers may complete just 300 hours of additional cosmetology training (focusing on cosmetology technique and pedicuring) to qualify for a cosmetologist license.
At 1,500 hours, Tennessee’s requirement matches the national average for cosmetology training. See how all states compare in our cosmetology license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your 1,500 hours, you must pass both a written theory exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services. As of February 1, 2022, Tennessee uses National Exam content.
How to register: Your cosmetology school submits your application to PSI electronically. PSI sends you an approval postcard with payment and scheduling instructions. Schedule your exams through PSI Exams or call 855-340-3710.
Written Theory Exam:
- 110 multiple-choice questions (100 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions)
- Covers sanitation/safety, shampooing/conditioning, hair cutting/styling, chemical texture services, hair coloring, skin care, nail care, and state laws
- Available via remote proctoring or in-person at PSI testing centers
- A passing score of 70% is required
Practical Exam:
- Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills
- Available as a virtual practical or in-person at PSI centers
- You must bring a model with valid ID for in-person practical exams
- A passing score of 70% is required
Exam Fees: $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 total (paid to PSI). Fees expire if you do not test within 6 months. A $15 rescheduling fee applies if you reschedule with less than 10 business days’ notice.
Retake Policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake it by rescheduling through PSI and paying the exam fee again. Results are available same day.
Step 4: Apply for Your Tennessee Cosmetology License
After passing both exams, apply for your cosmetology license through the Tennessee CORE licensing portal. The application fee is $60.
- Create an account at core.tn.gov
- Select “New Application” for Cosmetologist
- Upload required documentation
- Pay the $60 application fee
- Receive your license by mail once approved
You may NOT practice until you receive your license or confirm active status at verify.tn.gov.
Tennessee Cosmetology License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Theory Exam | $70 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $70 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $60 | TDCI / Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $60 | TDCI / Board |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $25 | TDCI / Board |
| Reciprocity Application | $100 | TDCI / Board |
| Duplicate License | $25 | TDCI / Board |
License Renewal
Tennessee cosmetology licenses expire every two years on the biennial anniversary of the original issuance date. The Board sends renewal notices approximately one month before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the CORE licensing portal
- Pay the $60 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Tennessee does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee and update your information.
Late Renewal: A $25 late penalty applies to renewals submitted after the expiration date. If your license has lapsed for 3 or more years, you must pass the state law and practical examinations to reinstate. Practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may qualify for reinstatement without re-examination under the 2024 reform (SB 1247).
Reactivation (Age 65+): Individuals aged 65 or older may reactivate a lapsed license with proof of age and payment of the renewal fee.
Transferring Your Cosmetology License to Tennessee (Reciprocity)
Tennessee grants reciprocity without examination to cosmetologists who hold a valid license from another state or D.C. and have substantially met Tennessee’s qualifications. There are no state-specific restrictions — all U.S. states and D.C. are eligible.
Reciprocity Requirements:
- Hold a valid, active cosmetology license in good standing from another state
- Submit a Certification of License from your issuing state board
- Provide valid photo ID matching your license name
- Complete the Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act form
- Pay the $100 reciprocity fee
If your training hours are lower: If your original state required fewer than 1,500 hours, you may qualify by submitting proof of at least 5 years of continuous, lawful cosmetology practice immediately preceding your application. Acceptable documentation includes notarized affidavits, employer statements on letterhead, tax records, and shop licenses.
Practical exam requirement: If your previous state did not require a practical exam, you must pass Tennessee’s practical exam before receiving your license.
Processing time: Allow 3–4 weeks after all required documents are submitted. You may NOT work until you receive your license or confirm active status at verify.tn.gov.
If you are considering a move between states, compare requirements with neighboring states like Georgia (1,500 hours) or Florida (1,200 hours).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Tennessee provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through multiple pathways:
Military License Exemption: Active members of the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or Tennessee National Guard stationed in Tennessee — and their spouses — may practice without obtaining a Tennessee license if they hold a valid license from another state with reasonably similar standards. Register through the CORE portal by selecting “Armed Forces Registration for License Exemption.” You must apply for full Tennessee licensure before your out-of-state license expires or within one year of registering, whichever comes first.
Expedited Licensing (Rule 0440-01-.18): If your out-of-state credentials meet substantial equivalency with Tennessee standards, the Board may issue an immediate license upon application and payment of fees. If equivalency cannot initially be established, a temporary permit may be issued allowing you to practice while completing additional requirements.
Renewal Protection: Active-duty personnel whose licenses expire during activation may renew without late fees or penalties. Renewal eligibility extends 6 months from release from active duty.
Cosmetology Compact: Once the Cosmetology Licensure Compact is fully operational, military cosmetologists will benefit from multistate license portability across all compact member states.
Contact the Regulatory Boards Division at reg.boards@tn.gov or (615) 741-3449 for military licensing questions.
What Can You Do with a Tennessee Cosmetology License?
A Tennessee cosmetology license authorizes you to perform:
- Hair cutting, styling, curling, waving, and singeing
- Hair coloring, bleaching, and chemical treatments (permanent waves, relaxers)
- Shampooing and scalp treatments
- Skin care, facials, and makeup application
- Waxing and hair removal by tweezing or depilatories
- Manicuring and pedicuring
- Application of artificial eyelashes
- Shaving with a safety razor (since July 1, 2015)
- Wig and hairpiece care and servicing
- Beard and mustache grooming (arranging, coloring, trimming, shaving with safety razor)
Scope limitation: Cosmetology does not include any treatment or attempt to treat any abnormality or disease-related condition of the skin. If you are choosing between license types in Tennessee, see our Barber vs Cosmetology License comparison.
Related License Options in Tennessee
| License Type | Hours Required | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Hair, skin, and nail services |
| Master Barber | 1,500 hours | Hair cutting, shaving, grooming (straight razor) |
| Aesthetician | 750 hours | Skin care services only |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | Nail services only |
| Natural Hair Stylist | 300 hours | Natural hair styling |
| Eyelash Specialist | 300 hours | Eyelash services only |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Tennessee?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 16 months. Full-time cosmetology programs (1,500 hours) typically take 10 to 14 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 Tennessee?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is $200: $140 in exam fees paid to PSI ($70 theory + $70 practical) and $60 application fee paid to the Board.
Does Tennessee require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Tennessee does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $60 biennial renewal fee. The one-time domestic violence awareness training (1 hour, free) is the only additional requirement.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Tennessee?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). You must hold a valid license from another state and have substantially met Tennessee’s 1,500-hour requirement. If your state had fewer hours, 5 years of continuous practice can substitute. If your state did not require a practical exam, you must pass Tennessee’s practical exam. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
Does Tennessee offer an apprenticeship for cosmetology?
Yes. Complete 750 classroom hours first, pass the theory exam, then apprentice for the remaining 750 hours under a licensed professional with at least 10 years of experience. You must enroll as an apprentice student from the start.
What is the Cosmetology Compact and does Tennessee participate?
The Cosmetology Licensure Compact allows licensed cosmetologists to practice across member states with one multistate license. Tennessee signed the compact in May 2024. The compact is expected to be fully operational by late 2025 or 2026. Current member states include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
Can a barber become a cosmetologist in Tennessee?
Yes. Licensed Tennessee master barbers may complete 300 additional hours of cosmetology training (focusing on cosmetology technique and pedicuring) to qualify for a cosmetologist license, instead of the full 1,500 hours.
Official Resources
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application (CORE Portal)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- License Verification
- Reciprocity Information
- Military License Exemption
- Board Phone: (615) 741-2515 | Toll-Free: (800) 480-9285
- Email: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
- Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0565