Tennessee Cosmetology License Requirements

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.

1. Meet eligibility requirements. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a Tennessee cosmetology program.
2. Complete domestic violence recognition training. Tennessee requires all new applicants to complete an approved DV training course before licensure.
3. Enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school. The school must hold an active license from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
4. Complete 1,500 training hours. Your school submits your hours to the Board upon completion of the program.
5. Apply through CORE. Create an account at core.tn.gov and submit your cosmetology application with the $60 non-refundable fee.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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.

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.

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

1. Log in to your CORE account at core.tn.gov.
2. The renewal option appears 60 days before your expiration date.
3. Verify your contact information and mailing address.
4. 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.

The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues the following individual license types with their training hour requirements:

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.