Tennessee licenses estheticians as aestheticians through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). Tennessee officially uses the spelling “aesthetician” in its statutes and regulations. You need a Tennessee aesthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Tennessee requires 750 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 5 to 9 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Tennessee Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Aesthetician |
| 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 | 750 hours at a licensed school of cosmetology |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No — Tennessee does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified beyond age and school enrollment requirements |
| 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 |
| Board Website | tn.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Tennessee aesthetician program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Domestic Violence Training: Complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training from an approved nonprofit organization (typically completed as part of your school program or through the Barbicide online portal)
Tennessee does not specify a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite for aesthetician licensure in the statute, though most approved schools require one for enrollment.
Step 2: Complete 750 Hours of Aesthetician Training
You must complete 750 hours (22.5 credit hours) of aesthetician training at a licensed school of cosmetology. Full-time programs typically take 5 to 9 months. The curriculum is divided into three categories:
| Category | Hours | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Instruction | 150 | Sterilization, sanitation, bacteriology, professional ethics, personality, salesmanship, anatomy and physiology, state law |
| Chemical Instruction | 150 | Skin conditions and disorders, nutrition, aging factors, product ingredients and usage, waxing, lash and brow tinting, OSHA and EPA requirements |
| Physical Instruction | 450 | Massage movements, masks and packs, facial treatments with and without machines, skin analysis and consultation, product and machine application, color psychology, makeup and corrective makeup, arching |
No Apprenticeship: Tennessee does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians. All training must be completed at a licensed school of cosmetology.
At 750 hours, Tennessee’s requirement is above the national average for esthetician training. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your 750 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 school submits your eligibility to PSI electronically. PSI sends you an approval postcard with payment and scheduling instructions. Schedule through PSI Exams or call 855-340-3710.
Written Theory Exam:
- 75 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute time limit
- Content areas: sanitation/disinfection/safety (20%), client consultation/analysis (10%), basic facial treatments (20%), advanced facial treatments (20%), hair removal (10%), facial makeup (10%), licensing (10%)
- Available via remote proctoring or in-person at PSI testing centers
- A passing score of 70% is required
Practical Exam:
- Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills
- Available as virtual practical or in-person at PSI centers
- You must bring a live model who is at least 16 years old (the model cannot be another aesthetics student, operator, instructor, or shop owner)
- You must bring your own supply kit
- A passing score of 70% is required
Exam Fees: $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 total. Fees expire if unused within 6 months. A $15 rescheduling fee applies with less than 10 business days’ notice. Results available same day.
Step 4: Apply for Your Tennessee Aesthetician License
After passing both exams, apply for your aesthetician license through the Tennessee CORE licensing portal. The application fee is $60.
You may NOT practice until you receive your license or confirm active status at verify.tn.gov.
License Renewal
Tennessee aesthetician 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 aesthetician license renewal.
Late Renewal: A $25 late penalty applies for renewals submitted after expiration. Licenses lapsed for 3+ years require reinstatement exams, though the 2024 reform (SB 1247) allows the Board to waive re-examination for practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago.
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 Esthetician License to Tennessee (Reciprocity)
Tennessee grants reciprocity without examination to aestheticians who hold a valid license from another state or D.C. and have substantially met Tennessee’s qualifications. All U.S. states and D.C. are eligible.
Reciprocity Requirements:
- Hold a valid, active aesthetician or esthetician license in good standing
- Submit a current 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 750 hours, you may qualify by submitting proof of at least 5 years of continuous, lawful esthetician practice immediately preceding your application.
Processing time: Allow 3–4 weeks after all documents are submitted. You may NOT practice until your license is confirmed active.
Compare requirements with nearby states like Georgia (1,000 hours) or Florida (260 hours). For a broader comparison, see our cosmetology vs esthetician guide.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Tennessee provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
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 licensure before your out-of-state license expires or within one year of registering, whichever comes first.
Expedited Licensing: If your out-of-state credentials meet substantial equivalency, the Board may issue an immediate license. If not, a temporary permit may be issued while you complete additional requirements.
Renewal Protection: Active-duty personnel whose licenses expire during activation may renew without late fees or penalties, extending 6 months from release from active duty.
Contact: reg.boards@tn.gov or (615) 741-3449.
Scope of Practice
A Tennessee aesthetician license authorizes you to perform:
- Facials and facial treatments (with and without machines)
- Skin analysis and consultation
- Massage, cleansing, stimulating, and beautifying the skin
- Makeup application and corrective makeup
- Waxing, tweezing, and depilatory hair removal
- Application of artificial eyelashes
- Lash and brow tinting
- Masks, packs, and body treatments
- Arching (eyebrow shaping)
Cosmetic Microneedling (HB 915): Licensed aestheticians in Tennessee may perform cosmetic microneedling, but only under the supervision of a physician licensed under TCA Title 63, Chapter 6 or 9. Microneedling performed without physician supervision is outside the aesthetician scope of practice.
Services outside scope: Aestheticians may not treat any abnormality, disease-related condition, or disease process of the skin. Lasers, injectables, and medical-grade procedures are outside the scope of practice. If you want a broader scope that includes hair and nail services, a cosmetology license (1,500 hours in Tennessee) covers all esthetic services plus hair cutting, coloring, and nail care.
Recent Legislation
Microneedling Authorization (HB 915/SB 1339): Licensed aestheticians may now perform cosmetic microneedling when performed under the supervision of a physician. This amended TCA 62-4-109 to specifically allow this advanced service under medical oversight.
Eyelash Specialist License (Effective July 1, 2023): HB 103/SB 93 created a new eyelash specialist license. Existing aesthetician license holders may continue performing eyelash services without the additional specialty license.
License Reinstatement Reform (2024): SB 1247/HB 1291 relaxed reinstatement rules. Aestheticians with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may now qualify for reinstatement without re-examination.
Domestic Violence Training (Effective January 1, 2022): All new applicants must complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training. Existing licensees must complete the training by December 31, 2025.
Tennessee Esthetician Salary and Job Outlook
According to BLS data, skincare specialists in Tennessee earn a median annual salary of approximately $35,000 to $42,000. The Nashville metro area tends to offer higher wages due to its concentration of spas, medical aesthetics practices, and tourism. Tips typically add 15–20% to base compensation. Aestheticians who specialize in advanced services or work in medical settings can earn considerably more.
See how Tennessee compares in our easiest states for esthetician licensing comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Tennessee?
You need 750 hours of aesthetician training at a licensed school of cosmetology. Full-time students typically complete the program in 5 to 9 months. Tennessee does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for aestheticians.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Tennessee?
State fees total $200: $140 for PSI exams ($70 theory + $70 practical) and $60 for the license application. This does not include school tuition.
Why does Tennessee spell it “aesthetician” instead of “esthetician”?
Tennessee uses the traditional spelling “aesthetician” in its statutes and regulations. The two spellings refer to the same profession. If you transfer your license from Tennessee to another state, your credentials will be recognized regardless of the spelling difference.
Does Tennessee require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Tennessee does not require continuing education for aesthetician 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 an esthetician perform microneedling in Tennessee?
Yes, but only under the supervision of a physician licensed under TCA Title 63. Cosmetic microneedling performed without physician supervision is outside the aesthetician scope of practice.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Tennessee?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). You must hold a valid license in good standing and have substantially met Tennessee’s 750-hour requirement. If your state had fewer hours, 5 years of continuous practice can substitute. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
What is the passing score for the Tennessee esthetician exams?
You must score at least 70% on both the written theory exam and the practical exam, both administered by PSI Services.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician licensing guide.
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