Georgia Cosmetology License Requirements

Getting your Georgia Master Cosmetologist license requires 1,500 hours of approved training, passing NIC examinations administered by PSI, and applying through the GOALS online portal. Here is the complete step-by-step process.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or be enrolled in a secondary school program. If pursuing an apprenticeship instead of school, you must be at least 16.
2. Complete 1,500 hours at a board-approved cosmetology school. Training must be completed at a school licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Your school will verify and certify your hours upon completion. The curriculum includes 250 hours of Level 1 theory before you may perform services on clients.
3. Register with PSI and schedule your examinations. Contact PSI at psiexams.com or call (855) 744-0314 (Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET). You must pass both the written NIC theory exam and the practical exam with a minimum score of 70% on each section. Exams are administered in English only.
4. Apply online through GOALS. After passing both exams, apply at goals.sos.ga.gov. The application fee is $30 plus a $5 online processing fee. Include your PSI score reports with your application. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
5. Receive your Georgia cosmetology license. Completed applications are reviewed by board staff and may be presented at the next board meeting. You may not legally perform services until your license is issued. Display your license prominently at your workplace as required by Georgia law.

Important: If you completed your training hours after July 1, 2018, you have 48 months to take and pass both exams. If you fail to do so, you must repeat the required training hours before retaking the exams.

Georgia requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school for the Master Cosmetologist license. All schools must be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. The curriculum is divided into two levels.

Level 1 — Theory (250 Hours)

Students must complete 250 hours of theory instruction before performing any services on clients. Level 1 covers cosmetology sciences, sanitation and infection control, Georgia cosmetology law, and professional ethics. Students must pass a school-administered theory examination before advancing to Level 2.

Level 2 — Clinical Services (1,250 Hours)

The remaining 1,250 hours are completed in a clinical setting under instructor supervision. Level 2 includes hair cutting, coloring, chemical texture services, skin care, nail services, and business practices. Students perform services on clients while building the skills tested on the practical exam.

Apprenticeship Pathway

Georgia offers apprenticeship as an alternative to cosmetology school. Apprenticeship requirements by license type:

• Master Cosmetologist: 3,000 hours over a minimum of 18 months under a licensed Master Cosmetologist
• Hair Designer: 2,650 hours under a licensed Master Cosmetologist or Hair Designer
• Esthetician: 2,000 hours under a licensed Esthetician or Master Cosmetologist
• Nail Technician: 1,050 hours under a licensed Nail Technician or Master Cosmetologist
• Master Barber: 3,000 hours over a minimum of 18 months under a licensed Master Barber
• Barber II: 2,280 hours under a licensed Master Barber or Barber II

Since July 2019, apprentices must pass a theory examination within their first 12 months of training. The apprentice and supervising licensee must both be registered with the board before training hours count.

48-Month Time Limit

If you completed your training hours after July 1, 2018, you have 48 months from the date of completion to take and pass both the written and practical examinations. If you exceed this time limit, you must repeat the full training requirement before reapplying.

Georgia cosmetology examinations are NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by PSI. You must pass both a written theory exam and a practical skills exam with a minimum score of 70% on each. All examinations are administered in English only per Rule 240-6-.01(3).

Written Theory Exam

The NIC written exam tests cosmetology sciences, Georgia law, sanitation, and professional practices. The exam fee is $45. Register through PSI at psiexams.com or call (855) 744-0314 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM ET; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET). Testing centers are located throughout Georgia.

Practical Skills Exam

The NIC practical exam evaluates hands-on competency in a controlled testing environment. The exam fee is $64. You must demonstrate proficiency in hair cutting, chemical services, and sanitation procedures using a live model or mannequin as specified by PSI's candidate information bulletin.

Exam Fees and Retakes

The combined cost for both exams is $109. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts; however, each retake requires paying the full exam fee again. You may retake individual sections without repeating both.

48-Month Exam Window

Applicants who completed training hours after July 1, 2018 must pass both examinations within 48 months of their training completion date. Failure to do so requires repeating the full training hours before reapplying.

Georgia cosmetology licenses renew every two years. The renewal fee is $50 for Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Master Barber, and Barber II licenses, or $45 for Esthetician and Nail Technician licenses. All renewals must be completed online through the GOALS portal.

Continuing Education Requirements

Georgia requires 5 CE hours per renewal cycle:

• 3 hours in health and safety topics
• 2 hours in industry-related elective topics

Courses must be completed through board-approved CE providers. Your first license renewal is exempt from CE requirements — continuing education begins with your second renewal cycle.

CE Broker Requirement (Effective January 1, 2026)

All Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees must register with CE Broker and report continuing education completions through that platform. CE Broker tracks your courses and confirms compliance with the board. Your CE must be reported in CE Broker before your renewal deadline or your renewal will not be processed.

25-Year CE Waiver

Licensees who have held a Georgia cosmetology or barber license continuously for 25 years or more are exempt from continuing education requirements. You must still renew your license and pay the renewal fee on time.

Staggered Expiration Dates

Georgia licenses expire on staggered dates based on license type:

• Master Cosmetologist: March 31, even-numbered years
• Hair Designer: September 30, even-numbered years
• Esthetician: August 31, odd-numbered years
• Nail Technician: August 31, odd-numbered years
• Master Barber: December 31, even-numbered years
• Barber II: December 31, even-numbered years

Late Renewal and Reinstatement

You have a 30-day grace period after your expiration date to renew with no additional penalty beyond the standard fee. After 30 days, your license lapses and you must apply for reinstatement at a fee of $200. You may not practice on an expired license.

How to Renew

1. Complete 5 hours of approved CE (3 health/safety + 2 elective) through an approved provider.
2. Ensure your CE is reported in CE Broker before your renewal deadline.
3. Log in to goals.sos.ga.gov with your GOALS account.
4. Locate your active license and select the renewal option.
5. Pay the renewal fee ($50 or $45 depending on license type).

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers issues both cosmetology and barber licenses under a single combined board. Below is a comprehensive comparison of all practitioner license types including school hours, apprenticeship hours, fees, and expiration dates.

All license types require passing NIC examinations administered by PSI with a minimum score of 70%. The combined exam fee (written + practical) is $109 for all categories. Georgia also issues shop/salon licenses, instructor licenses, and school permits, which have separate requirements.