Tennessee Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Tennessee are issued and regulated by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. 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
16 years old
Exam Provider
PSI
Application Fee
$60
Renewal Fee
$60
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
None
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Phone
(615) 741-2515Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners was created as a combined board in 2014, merging oversight that had previously been split between Tennessee's cosmetology act, passed in 1986, and its barbering act, passed in 1929. Licensing requirements for cosmetologists, aestheticians, manicurists, natural hair stylists, eyelash specialists, cosmetology shops, and cosmetology and specialty schools appear in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 4, while master barbers, barber technicians, barber shops, barber schools, and barber instructors are governed by Title 62, Chapter 3.
The board operates under the Department of Commerce and Insurance's Regulatory Boards Division and shares the department's Nashville office at 500 James Robertson Parkway. Rather than maintaining a separate walk-in office, the board conducts all licensing, renewal, and complaint intake online: applicants and licensees manage their credentials through the state's CORE licensing portal, consumers verify a license through Verify.tn.gov, and the public files complaints through the department's online complaint portal.
Licensees and applicants with questions can reach the board directly at (615) 741-2515 or by emailing cosmetology.board@tn.gov. General correspondence to the Department of Commerce and Insurance can also be mailed to 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0565.
Tennessee licenses cosmetologists, master barbers, manicurists, aestheticians, natural hair stylists, eyelash specialists, and barber technicians as individual disciplines, each with its own training-hour minimum, plus cosmetology and barber instructors, registered hair braiders, shops, and schools. Personal licenses run on a two-year cycle, and most disciplines require no continuing education to renew — the notable exception is instructors, who must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Tennessee
To practice cosmetology in Tennessee, you must complete 1,500 hours of approved training, pass PSI theory and practical examinations, and obtain a license through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
- Meet eligibility requirements. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a Tennessee cosmetology program.
- Complete domestic violence recognition training. Tennessee requires all new applicants to complete an approved DV training course before licensure.
- Enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school. The school must hold an active license from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
- Complete 1,500 training hours. Your school submits your hours to the Board upon completion of the program.
- Apply through CORE. Create an account at core.tn.gov and submit your cosmetology application with the $60 non-refundable fee.
- Pass the PSI theory and practical exams. After application approval, schedule both exams through PSI ($67 each). A minimum score of 70% is required on each exam.
- Receive your Tennessee cosmetology license. Your license is mailed to the address on file after passing both exams and application processing. Verify your status at verify.tn.gov.
Training Requirements
Tennessee cosmetology schools must hold an active license from the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum covers the following required areas:
- Hair services: Cutting, styling, chemical services including coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, and scalp treatments
- Skin care: Facials, waxing, makeup application, and skin analysis
- Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail applications
- Sanitation and safety: Infection control, proper use of disinfectants, chemical safety, and bloodborne pathogens
- Tennessee laws and rules: Board rules, scope of practice, professional conduct, and salon regulations under TCA Title 62, Chapter 4
All training must be completed in a Board-licensed school. Hours earned in another state may be accepted if the out-of-state school was accredited — the Board evaluates each case individually. Reciprocity applicants who completed fewer than 1,500 hours must demonstrate proof of work history (practicing 1 of the last 3 years, or 2 of the last 5 years) to supplement their training.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Tennessee uses PSI to administer both the National Theory exam and Practical Skills exam for cosmetology licensure. Contact PSI at (855) 340-3710 or visit psiexams.com to schedule.
National Theory Exam — $67
The written theory exam is a multiple-choice examination covering cosmetology sciences, state laws, and sanitation procedures. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. The exam is available at PSI testing centers or online via remote proctoring from your home.
Practical Skills Exam — $67
The practical exam evaluates your hands-on skills using a mannequin. The examiner assesses hair cutting, chemical service execution, and sanitation practices. A passing score of 70% is required. This exam is administered at designated PSI testing locations.
Reinstatement Exams
Licensees whose license has been expired more than three years must pass reinstatement exams: theory ($35) and practical ($35). These are scheduled through PSI after completing a new Application to Test form.
Both initial exams must be scheduled separately through PSI. If you fail, you may retake after paying the exam fee again. Remote proctoring is available for the theory exam only.
How to Renew Your Tennessee Cosmetology License
$30–$70
Renewal Fee
2 years
Renewal Period
Tennessee cosmetology licenses renew every two years. No continuing education is required for cosmetologist, aesthetician, manicurist, natural hair stylist, or eyelash specialist renewal. Only instructors must complete 16 hours of approved CE.
How to Renew
- Log in to your CORE account at core.tn.gov.
- The renewal option appears 60 days before your expiration date.
- Verify your contact information and mailing address.
- Pay the $60 biennial renewal fee online.
Late Renewal and Penalties
Failure to remit fees by the expiration date results in a penalty fee. All penalties are strictly enforced and never waived. Continuing to practice with an expired license is a violation subject to disciplinary action.
Expired Over Three Years
Licenses expired more than three years become invalid. To reinstate, you must pass reinstatement exams (theory $35, practical $35) and complete a new Application to Test form. There are no waivers to this provision.
Tennessee and the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
Compact member stateTennessee has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, joining it in 2024. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, so a cosmetologist can work across member states without applying for a separate license in each one.
Enacting the compact is not the same as being able to use it, and this is where most guidance gets it wrong. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission is still standing up the rules, data system, and fee structure needed to issue multistate licenses, so no state — Tennessee included — is issuing them yet. Until that happens, moving a license into or out of Tennessee still runs through the ordinary reciprocity and endorsement process.
When multistate licenses do become available, eligibility will depend on holding an active, unencumbered license in your primary state of residence. A license that is expired, suspended, or subject to discipline will not qualify, which makes keeping your Tennessee renewal current worth doing regardless.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist |
1,500 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Master Barber |
1,500 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Aesthetician |
750 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Manicurist |
600 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Natural Hair Stylist |
300 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Eyelash Specialist |
300 hrs | $60 | $60 |
|
Barber Technician |
340 hrs | $60 | — |
|
Instructor (Cosmetology or Barber) |
— | $80 | $70 |
|
Registered Hair Braider |
16 hrs | $30 | $30 |
|
Cosmetology/Barber Shop License |
— | $150 | $75 |
|
Dual-Licensed Shop |
— | $200 | $100 |
|
School License |
— | $350 | $150 |
Notes
Master Barber: Up to 300 hours from a valid Tennessee cosmetology license can count toward the required barber-school hours.
Eyelash Specialist: Training must include at least 8 hours of theoretical instruction and a domestic-violence awareness component.
Barber Technician: Limited scope — shampooing, manicuring, and scalp/skin treatments; no cutting.
Instructor (Cosmetology or Barber): Requires at least 3 years licensed in the discipline taught, 300 hours of instructor training, and 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew.
Registered Hair Braider: One-time 16-hour health and hygiene training; does not cover cutting, coloring, or chemical treatments.
Cosmetology/Barber Shop License: Covers new shops, relocated shops, and changes of ownership.
Dual-Licensed Shop: For shops offering both cosmetology and barbering services.
School License: Relocation or change of ownership: $175. Cosmetology schools renew annually on August 31; barber schools renew one year from their original license month.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues the following individual license types with their training hour requirements:
| License Type | Training Hours | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 | $60 |
| Master Barber | 1,500 | $60 |
| Aesthetician | 750 | $60 |
| Manicurist | 600 | $60 |
| Natural Hair Stylist | 300 | $60 |
| Eyelash Specialist | 300 | $60 |
| Barber Technician | 340 | $60 |
| Instructor (Cosmetology) | 300 (instructor training) | $80 |
| Barber Instructor | 300 (instructor training) | $80 |
Instructor applicants must hold an active license in their discipline for a minimum of three years, complete 300 hours of instructor training, serve as a junior instructor for at least one year, and pass both theory and practical instructor exams.
All individual license types require PSI theory and practical exams. Reciprocity applicants from states with comparable requirements may apply through the CORE portal — the reciprocity fee is $100.
File a Complaint
Consumers can file a complaint against a Tennessee-licensed cosmetologist, barber, aesthetician, manicurist, natural hair stylist, eyelash specialist, shop, or school through the Department of Commerce and Insurance's online complaint portal. The board investigates issues such as unfair or deceptive business practices, unlicensed activity, and other suspected violations of the cosmetology and barbering statutes, but it does not have jurisdiction to recover refunds or reimbursements for consumers — complainants seeking money back are directed to private legal counsel or the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs mediation program.
Anonymous complaints are accepted and reviewed case by case, provided they include enough information to act on — at minimum, the respondent's contact information, a description of the alleged violation, and any supporting documentation. Filing anonymously means forfeiting the right to receive status updates as the complaint moves through the process, and because all complaints are public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act, any identifying information a complainant does include becomes part of that public record.
Once filed, a complaint is forwarded to the named respondent for a response, then reviewed by the department's legal counsel before the facts are presented anonymously to the board at a regularly scheduled meeting. The board votes on whether the facts support discipline; if so, the respondent is typically offered a Consent Order before the matter proceeds to a formal hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Tennessee? +
The total is $194 in fees: $60 application, $67 theory exam, and $67 practical exam. Training costs are separate.
How long does cosmetology school take in Tennessee? +
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours. Full-time students finish in 12-14 months; part-time may take 18-24 months.
Does Tennessee have reciprocity with other states? +
Yes. Licensed cosmetologists from states with comparable requirements can apply for reciprocity through CORE. The fee is $100.
Does Tennessee require CE hours for cosmetology renewal? +
No. Only instructors need 16 CE hours. Cosmetologists renew every 2 years with just the $60 fee.
Can I take the Tennessee cosmetology exam online? +
The theory exam is available via remote proctoring through PSI. The practical exam must be taken in person.
Is Tennessee part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
Yes. Tennessee has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. It joined in 2024, and is one of 12 states to have done so.
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 Tennessee today? +
Through the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners'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 Tennessee. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a Tennessee cosmetology license? +
Most individual licenses — cosmetologists, master barbers, manicurists, aestheticians, natural hair stylists, and eyelash specialists — renew for $60 every two years. Instructors renew for $70 and must also submit 16 hours of continuing education; registered hair braiders renew for $30.
When does my Tennessee cosmetology or barber license expire? +
Individual licenses run on a two-year cycle. You can renew online through the CORE portal once you're within 60 days of your expiration date; missing the deadline triggers a $25 late fee, and a license lapsed more than three years becomes invalid and requires retaking the licensing exams to reinstate.
How do I contact the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners? +
Call (615) 741-2515 or email cosmetology.board@tn.gov. The board doesn't maintain a separate walk-in office — licensing, renewal, and complaints are all handled online through the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
What license types does the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulate? +
The board licenses cosmetologists, master barbers, manicurists, aestheticians, natural hair stylists, eyelash specialists, and barber technicians, plus cosmetology and barber instructors, registered hair braiders, shops, dual-licensed shops, and cosmetology and barber schools.
How do I file a complaint against a Tennessee salon or licensee? +
File online through the Department of Commerce and Insurance's complaint portal. Anonymous complaints are accepted if they include enough detail to investigate, but filing anonymously means you won't receive status updates, and all complaints become public record.
Does Tennessee require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license? +
No, except for instructors, who must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years to renew their instructor license.
Helpful Resources
Tennessee Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Tennessee Esthetician license.
Learn more →Tennessee Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Tennessee Nail Technician license.
Learn more →Tennessee Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Tennessee Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Tennessee.
Learn more →Tennessee Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Tennessee license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Tennessee and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Tennessee 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.