Georgia Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Georgia are issued and regulated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. This page covers what it takes to get licensed, what renewal costs, how the board handles license transfers, and how to reach it.
Training Hours
1,500 hrs
Minimum Age
17 years old
Exam Provider
PSI Exams
Application Fee
$30
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
5 hrs
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Phone
(404) 424-9966Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
3920 Arkwright Rd, Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time. No walk-in licensing service; all applications, renewals, and complaints are filed through the online GOALS portal.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers regulates the practice of cosmetology and barbering across the state under the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) Title 43. Rather than operating as a standalone agency, the board is one of dozens administered by the Professional Licensing Boards Division inside the Georgia Secretary of State's office, which handles the shared licensing infrastructure, staff, and online systems used by the cosmetology and barbering board and its counterparts.
The division's office is at 3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195, in Macon. The board no longer accepts paper applications, renewals, or complaints — every transaction, including new license applications, renewals, and complaint filings, must go through the Georgia Online Application and Licensing System (GOALS) portal. Board meetings and hearings are also generally held at the Macon office.
Phone support is available Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, at (404) 424-9966. General questions can also be routed through the online contact form linked from the board's website. Because license and complaint investigations are confidential by law, staff cannot discuss the status of a specific complaint over the phone.
Georgia licenses six personal disciplines — Master Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Hair Designer, Master Barber, and Barber II — along with Instructor licenses in each discipline, Salon/Shop establishment licenses, and School licenses. Each license type renews on its own fixed two-year cycle tied to a specific calendar date rather than the licensee's birthday, and continuing education is required for most renewals after the first.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Georgia
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Training Requirements
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.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
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.
How to Renew Your Georgia Cosmetology License
$45–$50
Renewal Fee
2 years (staggered by license type)
Renewal Period
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
- Complete 5 hours of approved CE (3 health/safety + 2 elective) through an approved provider.
- Ensure your CE is reported in CE Broker before your renewal deadline.
- Log in to goals.sos.ga.gov with your GOALS account.
- Locate your active license and select the renewal option.
- Pay the renewal fee ($50 or $45 depending on license type).
Does Georgia Take Part in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Not a member stateGeorgia has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, and a state has to pass it into law before its licensees can take part.
In practical terms, that means a Georgia license cannot be converted into a multistate license, and a multistate license issued elsewhere will not authorize you to work in Georgia. If you are moving into or out of Georgia, you will go through the normal reciprocity or endorsement route: applying directly to the receiving state's board, documenting your training hours, and meeting whatever additional requirements that state sets.
It is worth noting that even in the 12 states that have enacted the compact, multistate licenses are not being issued yet — the Commission is still building the system that will administer them. So at the moment, a Georgia licensee is not at a practical disadvantage compared with one in a member state.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Master Cosmetologist |
1,500 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Hair Designer |
1,350 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Esthetician |
1,000 hrs | $30 | $45 |
|
Nail Technician |
525 hrs | $30 | $45 |
|
Master Barber |
1,500 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Barber II |
1,140 hrs | $30 | $50 |
|
Instructor (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech, or Master Barber) |
— | $75 | $75 |
|
Hair Design Instructor |
— | $75 | $75 |
|
Salon/Shop License |
— | $75 | $75 |
|
School License (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech, or Barber) |
— | $300 | $300 |
|
School License (Hair Designer) |
— | $300 | $300 |
Notes
Master Cosmetologist: Full scope: hair, skin, and nails. Renews March 31 of even years.
Hair Designer: Hair services only. Renews September 30 of even years.
Esthetician: Renews August 31 of odd years.
Nail Technician: Renews August 31 of odd years.
Master Barber: Renews December 31 of even years.
Barber II: Limited barbering scope. Renews December 31 of even years.
Instructor (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech, or Master Barber): Requires an existing Georgia license in the discipline taught. Renews June 30 of odd years.
Hair Design Instructor: Renews September 30 of odd years.
Salon/Shop License: Cosmetology and/or barber establishments. Renews June 30 of odd years.
School License (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech, or Barber): Renews June 30 of odd years.
School License (Hair Designer): Renews September 30 of odd years.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Georgia
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.
| License Type | School Hours | Apprenticeship Hours | Application Fee | Renewal Fee | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Cosmetologist | 1,500 | 3,000 | $30 | $50 | March 31, even years |
| Hair Designer | 1,325 | 2,650 | $30 | $50 | September 30, even years |
| Esthetician | 1,000 | 2,000 | $30 | $45 | August 31, odd years |
| Nail Technician | 525 | 1,050 | $30 | $45 | August 31, odd years |
| Master Barber | 1,500 | 3,000 | $30 | $50 | December 31, even years |
| Barber II | 1,140 | 2,280 | $30 | $50 | December 31, even years |
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.
File a Complaint
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers investigates complaints against licensed master cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, hair designers, instructors, salons, shops, and schools for violations of Georgia's licensing laws and board rules — issues such as sanitation violations, unlicensed practice, and other unsafe or unlawful conduct. The board's jurisdiction is limited to license discipline; it does not have authority to resolve business practice, billing, or fee disputes, which are handled through civil court instead.
Complaints must be submitted in writing through the GOALS portal rather than by phone, mail, or email. A complaint must include the complainant's name, address, phone number, and email; the name, address, and license number (if known) of the person or facility being reported; a detailed description of the alleged violation; and any supporting documentation. Georgia boards reserve the right not to accept or process anonymous complaints.
Once filed, a complaint is reviewed and may be referred for investigation, which is confidential by law — the board cannot disclose the status of an open investigation over the phone. Depending on the findings, a complaint may be closed with no action, a private letter of concern, a private or public consent order, or referred to a formal administrative hearing that can result in a fine, reprimand, suspension, or revocation of the license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Georgia require for a cosmetology license? +
Georgia requires 1,500 hours at an approved school for a Master Cosmetologist license (250 hours Level 1 theory + 1,250 hours Level 2 clinical). The apprenticeship alternative requires 3,000 hours over 18 months. Other types: Hair Designer 1,325, Esthetician 1,000, Nail Technician 525.
What is the passing score for the Georgia cosmetology exam? +
You must score a minimum of 70% on both the NIC written theory exam and the practical skills exam. Both are administered by PSI in English only.
How much does it cost to get a Georgia cosmetology license? +
Total cost is $139: $45 written exam + $64 practical exam (paid to PSI) + $30 application fee + $5 GOALS processing fee (paid to Secretary of State).
How do I renew my Georgia cosmetology license? +
Renew online through the GOALS portal at goals.sos.ga.gov. Fee is $50 (Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Master Barber, Barber II) or $45 (Esthetician, Nail Technician). Complete 5 CE hours and report through CE Broker.
Does Georgia offer cosmetology license reciprocity? +
Georgia does not offer direct reciprocity. Out-of-state licensees must apply by endorsement through GOALS, providing proof of current licensure, exam scores, and training hours meeting Georgia requirements.
What is CE Broker and do I need it? +
CE Broker is a mandatory CE tracking platform for all Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees effective January 1, 2026. You must register and report your CE hours there before your renewal deadline.
How do I verify a Georgia cosmetology license? +
Search the public license database at goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search by name or license number at no charge.
Is Georgia part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
No. Georgia has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. 12 states have enacted it so far.
Can I get a multistate cosmetology license right now? +
Not yet. 12 states have passed the compact into law, but the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission has not started issuing multistate licenses. Until it does, transferring a license between states still goes through each state board's reciprocity or endorsement process.
How do I transfer a cosmetology license to Georgia today? +
Through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers's reciprocity or endorsement process, not the compact. You will typically need proof of licensure in good standing from your current state, documentation of your training hours, and the application fee set by Georgia. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a Georgia cosmetology or barbering license? +
Most personal licenses renew for $45 (Estheticians and Nail Technicians) or $50 (Master Cosmetologists, Hair Designers, Master Barbers, and Barber IIs). Instructor and Salon/Shop licenses renew for $75, and School licenses renew for $300. Renewing late adds a higher late fee.
When does my Georgia cosmetology or barbering license expire? +
Expiration dates are fixed by license type rather than by birthday. Master Cosmetologists expire March 31 of even years, Estheticians and Nail Technicians expire August 31 of odd years, Hair Designers expire September 30 of even years, and Master Barbers and Barber IIs expire December 31 of even years.
Does Georgia require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license? +
Yes, starting with your second renewal. Master Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Hair Designers, Master Barbers, and Barber IIs need 5 CE hours every two years (3 in health and safety, 2 in another approved area); instructors need 15 hours. CE completions must be logged in CE Broker.
How do I contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers? +
Call (404) 424-9966, Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The board's office is at 3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195, in Macon, but all licensing, renewal, and complaint transactions are handled online through the GOALS portal rather than in person.
What license types does the Georgia board regulate? +
The board licenses six personal disciplines — Master Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Hair Designer, Master Barber, and Barber II — plus Instructors in each discipline, Salon/Shop establishment licenses, and Schools.
How do I file a complaint against a Georgia salon or licensee? +
Complaints must be submitted in writing through the GOALS portal, including your contact information, the licensee's name, address, and license number if known, and a detailed description of the violation. Georgia boards reserve the right not to accept or process anonymous complaints.
Helpful Resources
Georgia Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Georgia Esthetician license.
Learn more →Georgia Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Georgia Nail Technician license.
Learn more →Georgia Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Georgia Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Georgia.
Learn more →Georgia Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Georgia license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Georgia and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Georgia or line up with it on training hours or the exam you would sit — useful whether you are planning a move or weighing where to train.