You want your cosmetology license in Georgia, and the first step is understanding exactly what the state expects
Wouldn’t it be easier to have everything you need: requirements, hours, paperwork, and sign-up steps, all in one place?
Below you’ll also find what’s on the test, how it’s scored, and what comes next: guidance on retakes, renewal timelines, and how to start working without losing momentum.
And if you’d like to take a short practice test before diving in,
1. How to become a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia?
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia, you must complete 1,500 training hours at an approved beauty school, pass both the written and practical exams, and apply for licensure through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Detailed Steps to Get Licensed in Georgia:
Complete Education Requirements Enroll in a Georgia Board-approved cosmetology program and complete at least 1,500 hours of training covering hair, skin, and nail services.
Apply for the Exam After training, apply for the Georgia cosmetology exams via PSI Services, the official testing provider. You’ll register online, pay exam fees, and schedule your test dates.
Pass Both Exams The theory exam covers safety, sanitation, and professional practices, while the practical exam tests hands-on skills such as cutting, styling, and chemical services.
Apply for Your License Once you pass both exams, submit your license application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers online.
Maintain and Renew Licenses are renewed every two years. Keep your information updated and complete any required continuing education hours.
Have a look:
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2. How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Georgia?
It typically takes about 10 to 12 months to get a cosmetology license in Georgia, depending on your school schedule, how quickly you complete 1,500 training hours, and how soon you pass both state licensing exams.
Estimated Timeline to Get Licensed in Georgia
Stage
Timeframe
What Happens
Cosmetology School Training
10–12 months (full-time) / up to 18 months (part-time)
Complete 1,500 hours at a Georgia-approved cosmetology school.
Exam Registration & Testing
1–2 months
Apply and schedule your exams with PSI Services, then take both written and practical tests.
License Processing
2–4 weeks
Submit your application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering for final approval.
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3. How much does cosmetology school cost in Georgia?
Cosmetology school in Georgia typically costs between $18,000 and $21,000, including tuition, fees, and supplies. Costs vary by school, program type, and whether financial aid or grants are applied for.
What you’re paying for (typical bundle)
Classroom + salon-floor training (1,500 hours)
Professional kit/tools (shears, mannequins, brushes, hot tools)
Textbooks/digital access and school fees (application, registration, student services)
Smart ways to trim the bill
File FAFSA early; stack grants with school scholarships.
Ask if you can source parts of the kit yourself to avoid markups.
Choose monthly payment plans with zero/low setup fees.
Reuse or buy gently used textbooks when allowed.
Quick budgeting snapshot (example)
Program tuition & fees: ~$18,000–$20,000
Kit + books: ~$2,000–$2,500
Licensing exams & app: ~$225
Working total: roughly $20,000–$22,500
If grants/scholarships cover $3,000–$5,000, the net cost could land near $17,000–$19,500.
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4. How many questions are on the cosmetology exam in Georgia?
The Georgia cosmetology theory exam includes 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored pretest items. The practical exam measures performance across 11 timed salon tasks like haircutting, chemical services, and facials.
Theory Exam
The PSI theory exam tests your knowledge of professional cosmetology practices and state safety regulations.
5. What is the passing score for the cosmetology exam in Georgia?
To pass the Georgia cosmetology exam, you must score at least 70% on both the theory (written) and practical exams. Each part is graded separately by PSI Services, and both must be passed to earn your license.
How the Georgia Exam Is Scored
Theory Exam: Graded by computer; you’ll see your score immediately after completing your exam.
Practical Exam: Results are released within a few business days after being scored by trained PSI evaluators based on your technique, sanitation, and safety.
You must earn 70% or higher on each section to pass overall.
If you fail one part, you only need to retake that specific portion.
Results and retest details are provided directly through your PSI account.
6. What is the dress code for the cosmetology state board in Georgia?
For the Georgia cosmetology state board exam, you must wear professional, clean, all-black attire with closed-toe shoes. Avoid jeans, sleeveless tops, or open footwear. Dress must reflect salon professionalism and meet PSI’s safety and sanitation standards.
Allowed
Not Allowed
Solid black, clean clothing (shirt, pants, or scrub-style uniform)
The initial Georgia cosmetology license costs $30, paid to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers after you pass both exams. Renewal every two years also costs $50, with late fees applying after the renewal window closes.
License Fee Breakdown
Fee Type
Amount
Details
Initial License Fee
$30.00
Paid when applying for the license after passing the exams
Renewal Fee
$50.00
The current published schedule for the two-year renewal
Late Renewal / Reinstatement
Varies
If renewal is late or the license has expired, extra fees apply per the Board schedule
8. How much is it to renew your cosmetology license in Georgia?
The renewal fee for a Georgia cosmetology license is currently $50 every two years. If you renew late, additional fees may apply as set by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
Important Renewal Rules and Deadlines:
Licenses generally expire on the last day of your birth month in an even-numbered year.
You must complete continuing education (five hours) prior to renewal in most cases.
If renewal is not submitted within six months of expiration, it may be treated as a revocation, and full reinstatement (with a higher fee) may be required.
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9. Do you need a cosmetology license to open a salon in Georgia?
Yes. To open a salon or shop offering cosmetology services in Georgia, you must obtain a salon/shop license from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering before doing business.
Requirements to Start a Salon:
Opening a salon in Georgia involves two main licensing steps: one for the business (salon/shop) and one for each individual professional working there.
Salon or Shop License
Apply through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
Submit your application, floor plan, and $75 fee.
The Board inspects your space before issuing the license.
Renew every two years to stay active.
Licensed Professionals
Anyone performing services (cosmetologist, esthetician, nail tech, etc.) must have a valid individual license.
All licenses must be visible at workstations.
Business & Compliance Basics
You’ll also need a local business license from your city or county.
Your salon name must include “Salon” or “Shop.”
Report any ownership or location change within 30 days.
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10. Is Georgia getting rid of a cosmetology license?
No, as of now, Georgia is not getting rid of a cosmetology license. However, proposed legislation (e.g., Senate Bill 354) may exempt certain services like shampooing or blow-drying from licensing requirements.
What’s Changing, and What’s Not:
Senate Bill 354 proposes removing the license requirement for basic beauty tasks (e.g., shampooing, makeup, threading, blow-drying).
The 1,500-hour training and cosmetology license remain mandatory for cutting, coloring, chemical, nail, or skin services.
The bill has not become law; Georgia’s current licensing system is still active.
We’ve answered your questions; now it’s your turn to answer a few of ours.
Free Georgia Cosmetology Practice Test (Updated)
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Bonus Tips On Becoming Georgia’s Cosmetologist
You’ve gone through the steps, the costs, the exams, and even practiced a few questions.
But before you head off to start your cosmetology journey in Georgia, here are a few extra things that might make your path smoother.
You might be wondering, “Are there any beauty services I can do without a license?”
Yes, there are a few. Georgia allows unlicensed work for simple, low-risk tasks like shampooing, blow-drying, or basic makeup application.
Braiding and threading are also fine as long as you’re not using chemicals or heat tools. But if you plan to grow professionally, a full state license opens far more doors, especially if you want to work in a salon or run your own.
In case you’re reading this from another state and thinking, “Can I just transfer my current license to Georgia?”
You can. Georgia accepts license transfers through reciprocity. You’ll just need to share your credentials and training details to see if your hours align.
For anyone starting fresh, remember that the license lasts two years, and renewal is simple: a quick online form, a renewal fee, and a few continuing-education hours to stay current.
Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep practicing your craft.
The Course Awaits
Now, that you know “your dreams are the plans that keep you moving when the days get long and the hours feel heavy. ”
You now know what Georgia expects, what it takes to get licensed, and how to keep growing once you do. The next part is simple: show up, practice hard, and trust the process.
Work with discipline. Practice with intention. Keep your tools clean, your mind curious, and your conduct professional. Let every client see the dignity of your craft in the way you prepare, the way you greet, and the way you finish. If you’re ready to take that next step, our Cosmetology Guru Course is here to guide you, from your first study session to your first day behind the chair.
