Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers FAQ
FAQ Sections
General Questions
A license can be obtained through an apprenticeship or by examination. If you are currently licensed in another state or United States territory, you may apply by endorsement.
The first page of each application has a complete checklist of all items needed to obtain licensure in Georgia. If you need further assistance, check out the How To Guides and helpful videos.
Download the Health and Safety Curriculum (PDF) contains the health and safety curriculum for cosmetology and barbers' classes:
Cosmetic Laser Services are regulated by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB).
You may review rules, Frequently Asked Questions, and application information for pulse light, laser, and other services at the GCMB website:
https://medicalboard.georgia.gov/licensure-information/cosmetic-laser-practitioner
Originally enacted in 2007 as House Bill 528, the Cosmetic Laser Services Act O.C.G.A. § 43‐34‐244 became effective February 26, 2014 when Governor Nathan Deal signed the House Bill 743, the General Appropriations Act, which authorized the Board to begin licensing cosmetic laser practitioners. There are two levels of licensure for this profession: assistant laser practitioner and senior laser practitioner. The Cosmetic Laser Services Act specifies the qualifications for each of these levels. The "grandfather period" for Assistant Laser Practitioner applications has ended.
If you graduated from a cosmetology or barber school or if you completed an apprenticeship program in Georgia, you will need to contact PSI using one of the following methods:
- Via the Internet 24 hours a day at www.psiexams.com.
- Using a touch-tone phone, call PSI 24 hours a day at (855) 744-0314.
- With a PSI registrar at (855) 744-0314, available Monday through Friday, between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm and Saturday, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, Eastern Time.
- Contact PSI about the examinations, fees, dates, locations, exam content and grade notifications. You can download the NIC Candidate Information Bulletins for Georgia from PSI here:
- After you have taken and passed both sections of the examination, you may apply with the Board for a cosmetology or barber license. You may apply online via GOALS.
- If you cannot apply online, download a paper application for licensure. Submit the application along with the non-refundable application fee.
- Passing the written and practical examination does not guarantee licensure. All criminal convictions and board sanctions will be reviewed by the Board while considering licensure for applicants…
A fee schedule may be found here. All application fees are non-refundable.
What happens if I fail one or both parts of the examination?
You may retake only the portion failed. Contact PSI for re-examination information using one of the following methods:
- Via the Internet 24 hours a day at www.psiexams.com.
- Using a touch-tone phone, call PSI 24 hours a day at (855) 744-0314.
- PSI registrars are available Monday through Friday, between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm, and Saturday, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, Eastern Time.
Any applicant applying for a certificate of registration must pass both a board approved written and practical examination in English. If the candidate completed their required hours on or after July 1, 2018, they have 48-months to take and pass their state board exams. If not, they will be required to repeat the required credit hours before they will be allowed to take or retake the exams. There is no limit on the number of times the exam may be taken for initial licensure applicants.
The application for examination lists possible examination dates and application deadlines. You may determine the week you would like to retake the exam, based on the exam deadlines.
No. You may sit for examination. However, the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers will have to review this matter before you can be licensed.
Contact PSI for information about reevaluating exam results using one of the following methods:
- Via the Internet 24 hours a day at www.psiexams.com.
- Using a touch-tone phone, call PSI 24 hours a day at (800) 744-0314.
- PSI registrars are available Monday through Friday, between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm, and Saturday, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, Eastern Time.
Apprentice Questions
Yes. There are six types of apprentice licenses:
- Cosmetology apprentice
- Esthetician apprentice
- Nail Technician apprentice
- Hair Design apprentice
- Master Barber apprentice
- Barber II apprentice
Due to a change in Cosmetology and Barbering statute O.C.G.A. § 43-10-13(c), beginning July 1, 2019, any apprentice who was licensed after July 1, 2019, is required to take the theory portion of the state Board examination within the first 12 months of being licensed. The theory portion of your transcripts must be completed, signed by the apprentice and Master (or supervising licensee in front of a Notary Public) before being submitted to the Board for review. Once approved by the Board, the apprentice will be mailed a Letter of Eligibility to be submitted to PSI with your testing application. This law applies to ALL apprentice license types. There are NO exceptions. Apprentices who were issued a license before July 1, 2019 are exempt from this requirement.
O.C.G.A. § 43-10-13(c) states:
A barber apprentice and any other individual serving as an apprentice in a beauty shop, beauty salon, or barber shop shall take the theory portion of the examination provided for in Code Section 43-10-9 within the first 12 months of his or her apprenticeship.
To apply for an apprentice license, download the Apprentice Application. Choose the appropriate apprentice license on the application, complete the application, and submit it along with the application fee.
Please note: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Please be sure to review the required checklist of items.
How long must I apprentice before I can take the exam?
- Cosmetology Apprentice – minimum of 18 months and 3000 hours.
- Esthetician Apprentice – minimum of 18 months and 2000 hours.
- Nail Technician Apprentice – minimum of 8 months and 1050 hours.
- Hair Design Apprentice – minimum of 14 months and 2650 hours.
- Master Barber Apprentice - minimum of 18 months and 3000 hours.
- Barber II Apprentice - minimum of 14 months and 2280 hours.
Download the appropriate training form, record your hours daily, and maintain the record at the salon/shop where you are working for inspectors to view upon request. Be sure to keep a copy of your training record for your own records.
When you have completed your apprenticeship, mail the completed training form to:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Download a new apprentice application and complete and follow the instructions for change of master or salon. Submit the completed application along with the application fee. Any time you change Master or salon/shop or complete your program, submit your hours to the Board office.
Please note: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Please be sure to review the required checklist of items.
Apprentice licenses issued prior to July 1, 2015 are allowed 1 renewal. Apprentice licenses issued after July 1, 2015 are issued for 4 years with no renewals allowed.
Send all original transcripts of hours to the Board office along with a letter requesting a “Letter of Eligibility” to sit for the exams. There is no charge for first request for the Letter of Eligibility. However, if you must request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.
Once you receive your Letter of Eligibility, you must contact PSI to obtain an exam application. You may contact PSI:
- Via the Internet 24 hours a day at www.psiexams.com.
- Using a touch-tone phone, call PSI 24 hours a day at (855) 744-0314.
- PSI registrars are available Monday through Friday, between 7:30 am and 8:00 pm, and Saturday, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, Eastern Time.
After you pass both parts of the examination, you may apply online. Submit the application along with the application fee.
Please note: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Please be sure to review the required checklist of items.
Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician, and Nail Technicians must hold a license for at least 36 months before you can apprentice someone else. Master Barbers or Barber II must hold a license for at least 18 months before accepting an apprentice.
You may have one apprentice for each master or supervising licensee in the salon/shop.
No. A master may apprentice only one person at a time.
- Master Cosmetologist/Cosmetology Instructor
- Hair Designer/Hair Designer Instructor
- Esthetician/Esthetician Instructor
- Nail Technician/Nail Instructor
- Master Barber/Barber Instructor
- Barber II
- Please refer to O.C.G.A. § 43-10-1 for definitions.
No. Fees submitted with applications are processing fees and are non-refundable.
Eligible veterans may qualify for reimbursement of all or part of their examination fees through the Georgia Department of Veteran Service and the Veterans Administration. For more information, please click the following link: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/licensing_certification.asp
Endorsement (Reciprocity) Requirements
The state of Georgia does not reciprocate with any other state. However, if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another state or a United States territory, you may apply for licensure by Endorsement.
If you are actively licensed in another state, you may still apply for Endorsement without needing to acquire additional hours.
If you can provide proof that you passed a national or state approved written and practical exam in English, additional examinations are not required.
If you have been licensed in multiple states, the Board will need a verification of licensure from every state in which you have been licensed.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Board will issue you an exam approval letter. You will provide that letter and a completed exam application to the Board's approved testing provider. Applicants who are made exam eligible under this section will not be allowed to take the exam more than three times without passing.
Please log into your account in GOALS to request a license verification. You must also provide $35.00 fee.
For more information, please refer to Board Rule Chapter 240-11.
License Renewal Information
Yes. You will receive approximately 6 courtesy email reminders during the renewal period. However, it is your responsibility to renew your license every 2 years on or before the expiration date. To avoid delays in processing your renewal, please be sure to keep your mailing address and email address current with the Board.
- Master Cosmetologists – March 31 of even numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, April 1st through April 30th.
- Cosmetology Salons/Shops – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Cosmetology Instructors – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Cosmetology Schools – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Estheticians – August 31 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Sept. 1st through Sept. 30th.
- Esthetician Instructors – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Esthetician Schools – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Nail Technicians – August 31 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Sept. 1st through Sept. 30th.
- Nail Technician Instructors – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Nail Care Schools – June 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Hair Designers – September 30 of even numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Oct. 1st through Oct. 31st.
- Hair Design Instructors – September 30 of odd numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Oct. 1st through Oct. 31st.
- Hair Design Schools – September 30 of even numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Oct. 1st through Oct. 31st.
- Master Barber – December 31 of even numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Jan 1st through Jan. 31st.
- Barber II - December 31 of even numbered years.
- Late-Renewal Period, Jan 1st through Jan. 31st.
- Barber Instructor - June 30 of odd numbered year.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Barber Schools - June 30 of odd numbered year.
- Late-Renewal Period, July 1st through July 31st.
- Once the renewal period has been opened by the Professional Licensing Boards Division, you may renew your license via our website with a credit card. Click on the License Renewal icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether or not you have received a conviction or board sanction since the last renewal, whether or not you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Read the questions carefully so that you do not answer a question incorrectly by mistake. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.
- If you answer “yes” to the conviction or board sanction question, your license will not be renewed until you have submitted the required paperwork and it has been reviewed by the Board. For convictions you must submit to the Board the following: a) a copy of conviction/sentencing documents from the Court before which you were convicted and sentenced, signed by the presiding judge, and showing said conviction and sentence; and, if applicable, b) a statement (on official letterhead) from your probation / parole officer regarding your status/completion of any probation / parole. For board sanctions you must request that the licensing board or agency send a certified copy of the action taken against your license with relevant supporting documents to the Board’s office.
We do not accept mailed in renewals. You must complete your renewal online and your license must be active and show a valid expiration date to work.
If a license is not renewed, the license is placed in lapsed-late renewal status for thirty (30) days. An individual who continues to practice with an expired license is in violation of the law and may be subject to a fine, a public disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution. A license that is not renewed within the Thirty (30) days will become lapsed and will require an application for reinstatement
Salon and Barber Shop Questions
No.
Submit an application for a salon or shop license along with the application fee. Please note: Incomplete applications will delay processing. Please be sure to review the required checklist of items.
No. You must be issued a license before you can begin work or open a salon/shop. Anyone performing services must have an active license. Verification of a license may be found here. It is the responsibility of the salon/shop owner to ensure that each person performing services has a license to provide those services. Salon/shop licenses and individual licenses must be posted in the salon/shop.
No.
Yes. You may open a salon/shop in your home. However, you must meet the requirements of all state laws and board rules, including Board Rule 240-4-.01.
No. You must obtain a business license in the county or city in which you are opening your establishment. Changes in name, location, address, or ownership of a salon/shop requires a new application for licensure.
Yes. However, all barber shops are required to meet all the requirements of a barber shop which are listed in the state law and Board rules. These requirements include all physical and sanitation and disinfection requirements.
The salon or shop owner is responsible for ensuring that all state laws and board rules are followed. The state laws and board rules may be found on the board’s website here. All shops and salons are subject to random inspections. Citations will be issued to shops found to be in violation of the laws and rules. The fine schedule for violations may be found in Board Rule 240-2-.02.
School Questions and Information
Please refer to the following Board Rules to determine the specific requirements for the type of school you want to open.
Ch. 240-4 Facility Requirements: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-4
Ch. 240-13 School Requirements: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-13
Ch. 240-14 Barber School Equipment, Curriculum, Instructors: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-14
Ch. 240-15 Cosmetology School Equipment, Curriculum, Instructors: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-15
Ch. 240-16 Esthetics School Equipment, Curriculum, Instructors: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-16
Ch. 240-17 Nail Care School Equipment, Curriculum, Instructors: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-17
Ch. 240-18 Hair Design School Equipment, Curriculum, Instructors: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/240-18
Cosmetology Schools (COSC) – may teach the full curriculum for Master Cosmetology and Hair Design (including Instructors) programs only. Cosmetology schools may not teach Barbering.
If a COSC wishes to offer a full-time esthetics and/or nail technician program, the school will need to apply to add the esthetics and/or nail technician endorsement onto their COSC license.
School of Nail Tech (NTSC) – may teach the Nail Tech and the Nail Tech Instructor programs only.
School of Esthetics (ESSC) – may teach the Esthetician and the Esthetics Instructor programs only.
School of Hair Design (HDSC) – may teach the Hair Designer and Hair Design Instructor programs only.
School of Barbering (BRSC) – may teach the Master Barber (including Instructor) and Barber II programs only. Barber schools may not teach cosmetology, hair design, nail technician, or esthetics.
Schools may teach the theory portion of the curriculum online. However, all hands-on practical training must take place inside the school on the clinic floor under the direct supervision of the appropriate licensed instructor.
Your school license is non-transferrable. If you are planning to move locations, you will need to apply for a new school license.
You will need to fill out and submit the Change of School Name application.
No. Schools licensed by the Board are not required to be accredited by any 3rd party accrediting agency.