Your Guide to a Cosmetology License in Georgia
Navigating the licensing process can be tricky. This interactive guide breaks down the essential steps, costs, and requirements to launch your career in Georgia's beauty industry.
The Path to Your License
Follow these key steps to become a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia. The journey involves meeting prerequisites, completing extensive training, and passing state-mandated exams.
Meet the Prerequisites
Before you begin, you must meet Georgia's basic requirements. This ensures all applicants have a foundational level of education and maturity.
- ✓ Be at least 17 years of age.
- ✓ Hold a high school diploma or a GED.
Complete Training Hours
You must complete a specific number of training hours at a board-approved school. The required hours vary by specialization, with cosmetology being the most comprehensive. See the chart below for a full breakdown.
Pass the State Board Exams
After completing your training, you must pass two exams administered by PSI Exams to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
- Theory Exam: A written, multiple-choice test covering cosmetology theory, safety, and regulations.
- Practical Exam: A hands-on test where you perform various cosmetology services to prove your practical skills.
Receive Your License!
Once you successfully pass both exams and pay the initial license fee, the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers will issue your official license. You are now legally qualified to work in Georgia!
Understanding the Costs
Licensing involves several fees paid at different stages of the process. This chart shows an estimated breakdown of the primary costs, not including school tuition. These fees are subject to change.
Total Estimated Cost (excluding tuition): ~$214
Keeping Your License Active
Renewal Period
In Georgia, cosmetology and related licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal deadline is based on the specialty.
- Cosmetology: March 31st of even-numbered years.
- Esthetician & Nail Tech: August 31st of odd-numbered years.
Continuing Education (CE)
To be eligible for renewal, you must complete 5 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. At least 3 hours must be in Health and Safety courses approved by the Board.
The remaining 2 hours can be on any industry-related topic of your choice.
Transferring a License to Georgia
If you are licensed in another state, you may be able to transfer your license to Georgia through a process called "endorsement." Here are the answers to common questions about this process.
Endorsement is the process for obtaining a Georgia license if you already hold a valid, active license in another state. Instead of starting from scratch, Georgia reviews your existing credentials to see if they meet its standards. You typically do not have to retake the full training hours if your original state's requirements are similar to Georgia's.
To qualify, your home state's licensing requirements must be "substantially equal" to Georgia's. This generally means:
- Similar or greater number of training hours.
- You passed a written and practical exam in your home state.
- Your current license is active and in good standing (no disciplinary actions).
You will need to provide official verification of your license and training hours from your home state's licensing board.
Most endorsement candidates do not have to retake the full practical or theory exams. However, the Georgia board may require you to pass a specific written exam covering state laws, rules, and regulations to ensure you understand the standards unique to practicing in Georgia.