How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Who can apply

• Georgia's full cosmetology license is called 'Master Cosmetologist'.
• School route: complete a cosmetology course of at least 1,500 hours (250 theory plus 1,250 service hours) over at least nine months at a licensed school.
• Apprentice route: be at least 16, hold a Board apprentice license, and train at least 18 months and 3,000 hours under a master cosmetologist licensed at least 36 months. Apprentice and school hours cannot be combined.
• You must pass a written (theory) and a practical exam in English.

Step by step

1. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school, or a 3,000-hour, 18-month apprenticeship (apprentice license $90).
2. Your school verifies your eligibility to PSI through its School Reports Portal (apprentices get an Exam Approval Letter from the Board instead).
3. Apply online with PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/gacos and schedule the theory ($45) and practical ($64) tests.
4. Pass both tests with at least 70% on each section.
5. Apply to the Board for your Master Cosmetologist license online through GOALS and pay the $30 application fee. The Board reviews any criminal convictions or sanctions before licensing.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Board Rule 240-15-.02 sets the school course at a minimum of nine months and 1,500 hours: 250 Level 1 theory hours (taught by a master cosmetology instructor before you work on clients) plus 1,250 service application hours. The apprenticeship alternative (Rule 240-5-.01) is at least 18 months and 3,000 hours in a salon under a master cosmetologist licensed at least 36 months. A master may train only one apprentice at a time. Apprentices licensed after July 1, 2019 must take the theory exam within their first 12 months.

Exam: PSI gives the national cosmetology theory (written) test and practical test. Fees: theory $45, practical $64, not refundable. You need at least 70% on each section and retake only the section you fail. All exams are in English; no translators are allowed. If you finished your hours on or after July 1, 2018, you have 4 years (48 months) from course completion to pass, with unlimited retakes; after that you must repeat the required hours.

What it costs in Georgia

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Master Cosmetologist licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years and are renewed every two years for $50 (late renewal April 1-30: $100; reinstatement $200). To renew you need 5 hours of continuing education: 3 hours in a Board-approved health and safety course and 2 hours in registered courses (trade shows, industry trends, business, your practice area and similar). First-time renewals, licensees of 25+ years, people 65 and older, and some military members are exempt. Reinstating a lapsed license needs 5 CE hours for each lapsed period.

Good to know in Georgia

Licensed in another state: Georgia does not have reciprocity, but you can apply by endorsement ($75) if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another state or U.S. territory, are at least 17, and have a high school diploma, GED or college degree. If you passed a national or state written and practical exam in English, no Georgia exams are needed, even if your state required fewer hours. Otherwise you get exam eligibility and may test up to three times.

Military and spouses: Active-duty and transitioning service members and their spouses can be licensed with a valid license from another state or with military training that meets Georgia's requirements.

Veterans: Eligible veterans may add 5 or 10 points to their test scores by sending a DD-214 (and disability documentation, if any) to the Board with the license application.

Sources

• Georgia SOS - State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
• Georgia SOS - Cosmetology and Barbers FAQ
• Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers - Fee Schedule (Rev 03/22)
• PSI - Georgia Cosmetology Test Taker Guide (v2.1, eff. 4/28/2026)
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 240-3-.01 - Continuing Education
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 240-5-.01 - Application for Apprentice License
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 240-6-.01 and 240-6-.02 - Examinations
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 240-11-.01 - Licensure by Endorsement
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 240-15-.02 - Cosmetology School Curriculum