How to Become a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts

Who can apply

• You must complete a course of at least 1,000 hours in a Board-approved cosmetology school (240 CMR 2.01).
• You must pass the written cosmetology theory exam given by PSI.
• You must submit a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form with your application.

Step by step

1. Complete a 1,000-hour cosmetology program at a Board-approved school.
2. Create a MyMassGov account and apply for the cosmetologist license in eLIPSE, the Division of Occupational Licensure's online system. Upload the CORI form and pay the $68 application fee.
3. Wait for Board approval. PSI then emails you to schedule the exam.
4. Pay PSI $155 and take the Cosmetology Theory Test at a PSI test center or online.
5. After you pass, the Board issues a digital license through eLIPSE.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: At least 1,000 hours of professional training in a cosmetology school approved by the Board. The Board's out-of-state rules say the 1,000 hours include 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics. Board-approved apprentice programs run through licensed schools: an enrolled student must finish 25 school hours of basic safety, sanitation and shampooing, then register as an apprentice before doing any services in a licensed shop.

Exam: PSI gives the PSI National Master Cosmetology Theory test: 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions in 120 minutes. You need at least 70% to pass. The fee is $155 and is not refundable. The Board requires only this written theory exam; there is no practical exam. Exam eligibility lasts 12 months. After that you must reapply to the Board and pay the fees again.

What it costs in Massachusetts

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: The license renews every 2 years on your birthday. The renewal fee is $68. Renew online in eLIPSE. The Board's renewal page lists no continuing education requirement.

Good to know in Massachusetts

New application system: Since August 3, 2026, all cosmetology applications go through eLIPSE, not PSI. PSI still gives the exam.

Incomplete applications: The Board holds an incomplete application open for 180 days. After that it is abandoned and you must apply and pay again.

Transferring from another state: If you hold a current license from another state, passed a licensing exam in the U.S., trained at least 1,000 hours, and your license covers hair, nails and skin, you can apply without an exam for $204. Otherwise you apply for $136 and take the exam. Apprenticeship-trained applicants must take the exam.

Trained outside the U.S.: Out-of-country applicants send a notarized school affidavit or transcript with hours per subject (or proof of two years of work), pay $136, and must pass the exam.

Other licenses: Massachusetts also licenses aestheticians (600 hours), manicurists (100 hours) and barbers (1,000 hours) separately.

Sources

• Mass.gov - How can I become a cosmetologist, electrologist, manicurist, aesthetician, or barber?
• Mass.gov - Renew a barber, cosmetology, or electrology license
• Mass.gov - Transfer a cosmetology, aesthetics, manicuring, barber, or electrology license to Massachusetts
• Mass.gov - Apply for cosmetology and barbering apprenticeship or shop employment
• Mass.gov - Fees and license renewal schedules for cosmetology, barbering, and electrology
• 240 CMR 2.01 - Licensure Requirements for Cosmetology (Cornell LII)
• 240 CMR 2.03 - Reciprocity Licenses (Cornell LII)
• PSI - Massachusetts Cosmetology Test Taker Guide (v1.4, eff. 8/3/26)