Massachusetts Cosmetology License Requirements

Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training — among the lowest in the country — before you can sit for the PSI written theory exam. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering issues all cosmetology licenses through the Division of Occupational Licensure.

1. Enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school. Massachusetts maintains a list of approved schools. Confirm your school's approval status before enrolling.
2. Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Your program must include a minimum of 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics within the 1,000-hour curriculum. Your school will provide a School Certification Form upon completion.
3. Apply online through PSI. As of January 27, 2026, all applications must be submitted online through the PSI system. Paper applications are no longer accepted. The application fee is $68.00.
4. Pass the written theory exam. After PSI processes your application, you will receive an email to schedule your exam. The exam covers cosmetology sciences, Massachusetts state laws, and sanitation standards.
5. Receive your Massachusetts cosmetology license. If you pass the exam, your license will be mailed to you.

Massachusetts cosmetology schools must be approved by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The 1,000-hour cosmetology curriculum must include a minimum of 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics training. Key subject areas include:

• Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling, and scalp care
• Skin care (aesthetics): Facials, waxing, skin analysis, and hair removal (minimum 80 hours)
• Nail care (manicuring): Manicures, pedicures, and basic nail enhancements (minimum 50 hours)
• Sanitation and infection control: Massachusetts-specific sanitation standards and safety protocols
• Massachusetts state laws: Board rules, scope of practice, and professional conduct requirements

Upon completing the program, your school director must sign a School Certification Form verifying your hours. This form is required as part of the PSI application. Massachusetts uses the term "aesthetician" rather than "esthetician" for skin care — this is a naming distinction only and does not affect scope of practice.

The state's 1,000-hour requirement means faster completion for students compared to states requiring 1,500+ hours, though some employers in other states may prefer candidates with higher training hours when evaluating Massachusetts-trained cosmetologists.

Massachusetts administers cosmetology licensure examinations through PSI. First-time applicants must pass a written theory exam to receive their license.

Written Theory Exam

The written exam covers cosmetology sciences, Massachusetts state laws, and sanitation standards. Testing is available at PSI testing centers in Massachusetts or by phone scheduling at (855) 340-0093.

Application Process

As of January 27, 2026, all exam applications must be submitted online through the PSI system. Paper applications by email, U.S. mail, or fax are no longer accepted. The application fee is $68.00 for cosmetologists.

Your application must include a completed School Certification Form signed by your school director, plus a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form. After PSI processes your application, you will receive an email to schedule your exam.

After the Exam

If you pass, your license will be mailed to you. Incomplete applications are held for 180 days — after that period, abandoned applications require a new submission and payment. PSI also offers practice tests and AI-powered study packs through the PSI Online Store.

Massachusetts cosmetology licenses renew every two years on your birthday. The renewal fee is $68.00. Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours for license renewal.

How to Renew Online

1. Log in to the ePLACE Portal (or create an account if you have not already).
2. Select "Manage Licenses, Permits, and Certificates."
3. Locate your cosmetology license and select the renewal option.
4. Confirm your personal information and pay the $68.00 renewal fee.

Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses

If your license has expired but is less than three years past its expiration date, you may still renew through ePLACE by paying the renewal fee. After three years without renewal, the license is considered lapsed under Massachusetts General Law 112, Section 87GG. Reinstatement of a lapsed license requires passing a written practical exam through PSI and paying a $136.00 reinstatement fee.

Practicing cosmetology with an expired or lapsed license in Massachusetts violates state law and can result in disciplinary action. Keep your address current with the board to receive renewal reminders.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering issues licenses for the following professions, each with distinct training requirements and fees:

Instructor Licenses

Massachusetts offers both full instructor and assistant instructor licenses for cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, manicuring, and electrology. Requirements for a full instructor license:

• Active practitioner license in the relevant field
• Two years of full-time work experience (three years for manicuring instructors)
• High school diploma or GED
• Pass a written examination (no practical exam required)

Instructor application fees: $136.00 for cosmetology/aesthetics, $170.00 for barbering, $66.00 for electrology. Assistant instructor licenses cost $68.00 (cosmetology/aesthetics) and are valid for two years, non-renewable.

Important Note on Aesthetician Hours

Effective June 1, 2019, Massachusetts increased the aesthetician training requirement from 300 hours to 600 hours. Applicants who completed a 300-hour program before that date may still qualify under the previous standard.