Your Georgia License Path Starts with the Right Record
Use this guide to become a Georgia Master Cosmetologist, renew or reinstate an existing license, verify a professional or salon, complete CE Broker reporting, resolve GOALS access problems or transfer an out-of-state license by endorsement.
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers makes licensing decisions. GOALS handles most applications and license services, PSI administers examinations and CE Broker stores continuing-education records.
Quick Answer: How to Get a Georgia Cosmetology License
School route: complete 1,500 approved hours over at least nine months, pass the written and practical examinations, then submit the Master Cosmetologist application and both score reports.
Apprenticeship route: obtain an apprentice license before training, complete 3,000 hours over at least 18 months in the registered salon under the approved master, meet apprentice testing and record rules, then pass both licensing examinations.
Out-of-state license: Georgia does not use automatic reciprocity. Apply by endorsement and provide active license verification, education records and proof of approved written and practical examinations taken in English.
Georgia License Action Helper
Select your situation. This helper provides directions only and does not access GOALS, submit an application, verify a live record or accept payment.
Do You Need a Cosmetology License in Georgia?
A person generally needs the appropriate active Georgia license before performing regulated cosmetology services for compensation. The location where services are performed may also need a separate facility license.
Active personal license
Hair cutting, coloring, chemical texture services, styling and other covered cosmetology work must be performed under the license category that authorizes the service.
Separate facility license
A personal license does not replace the salon/shop license required for the business location, suite, home salon or other regulated facility.
Some services fall outside cosmetology
A cosmetology license does not automatically authorize cosmetic laser services, body art, tattooing, medical procedures or another activity regulated by a different agency.
Official source: confirm current license categories, Board notices and service-scope information on the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers page.
Choose the Correct Georgia Beauty License
Do not select Master Cosmetologist simply because it is the best-known credential. Choose the license whose legal scope matches the services you plan to provide.
| Credential | Best match | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Master Cosmetologist | Broad cosmetology practice within Georgia’s authorized scope. | Requires the full cosmetology education or apprenticeship route and both licensing exams. |
| Hair Designer | Applicants whose planned work is limited to Georgia’s hair-design scope. | Training hours, renewal timing and examination category differ from Master Cosmetologist. |
| Esthetician | Skin-care services authorized by Georgia esthetics law and rules. | Does not automatically authorize every cosmetology, medical or laser service. |
| Nail Technician | Manicuring, pedicuring and other services within Georgia’s nail-technology scope. | Has separate school hours and an odd-year renewal schedule. |
| Apprentice | A person completing Board-registered training in an approved salon/shop. | It is a training credential, not a permanent Master Cosmetologist license. |
| Salon/Shop | The business facility where regulated services are offered. | It does not replace the individual licenses of people performing services. |
Georgia Cosmetology School vs. Apprenticeship
| Comparison | School route | Apprenticeship route |
|---|---|---|
| Required hours | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours |
| Minimum duration | At least nine months | At least 18 months |
| Where training occurs | Board-licensed or Board-approved cosmetology school | The salon/shop registered on the apprentice record |
| Supervision | Licensed or approved cosmetology instructor | Approved master-level supervisor |
| Online education | Limited theory hours may be delivered online; practical work remains hands-on. | Limited theory may be online when properly monitored; practical work occurs in the approved salon/shop. |
| Can hours be combined? | No. Georgia’s apprentice rule states that apprentice hours cannot be combined with school hours. | |
| Final licensing step | Pass written and practical exams, then apply. | Complete apprentice requirements, pass both exams, then apply. |
Official rules: review the cosmetology-school curriculum and the Georgia apprentice rules.
The 1,500-Hour Georgia Cosmetology School Route
Verify the school’s Board license
Search the school in GOALS before enrolling. Accreditation, a business license or a social-media page does not prove that Georgia will accept the training hours.
Review the full enrollment cost
Ask for tuition, registration, kit, books, uniform, transfer-hour, absence-makeup, transcript, graduation and refund charges in writing.
Complete 250 Level 1 hours
Level 1 includes 225 hours of theory and mannequin training, 15 hours of skin care and 10 hours of nail care before live-patron services begin.
Earn at least 75% on the school assessment
The student must complete the initial 250 hours and meet the school’s 75% progression standard before entering Level 2 clinical work.
Complete the remaining 1,250 hours
Finish theory, sanitation, chemical services, cutting, styling, hair and scalp care, skin care, nail care and supervised service applications.
Reconcile attendance before graduation
Compare the school’s official total with your own records. Resolve transferred, missed, make-up or online-theory hours before the final transcript is produced.
Obtain examination eligibility
Follow the school and Board process for releasing candidate eligibility to PSI. Do not create a duplicate candidate identity with a nickname or different email.
Pass both exams and apply
Keep the written and practical score reports. Georgia instructs recent graduates to pass both sections before submitting the final Master Cosmetologist application.
Online Theory Hours and School-Record Protections
Georgia permits limited online delivery for theory. It does not permit the hands-on practical curriculum to be replaced by unmonitored online videos or home practice.
Up to 250 hours online
A Master Cosmetology student or apprentice may earn up to 250 Level 1 theory hours through an approved online delivery system.
Up to 100 hours online
Up to 100 Level 2 theory hours may be delivered online when the school or approved supervisor monitors progress and testing.
Hands-on training required
Practical work must occur on the school clinic floor or inside the Board-approved apprenticeship salon under the proper supervisor.
Records worth keeping personally
- Enrollment agreement and complete fee schedule.
- School’s Georgia license number and current status.
- Weekly and monthly attendance summaries.
- Online login reports, test results and completion records.
- Transfer-hour decision and curriculum-credit explanation.
- Level 1 completion and progression score.
- Final transcript, diploma and exam-eligibility notice.
Official rule: review Chapter 240-13 School Requirements for online theory, practical-training and record rules.
The 3,000-Hour Georgia Cosmetology Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a Board-registered training arrangement. Ordinary salon employment, assisting, shadowing or booth rental does not automatically create valid apprenticeship hours.
Verify the entire training chain
- Obtain the apprentice license before training begins.
- Verify the exact salon/shop shown on the apprentice record.
- Verify the supervising master’s active Georgia license.
- Confirm the supervisor has held the qualifying master-level license for at least 36 months.
- Confirm that the supervisor is not already assigned more apprentices than permitted.
Avoid unapproved work
- Hours completed before the apprentice license was issued.
- Hours completed at a different or unregistered location.
- Training under an expired or ineligible supervisor.
- Hours without complete weekly worksheets and signatures.
- Training after an unreported supervisor or salon change.
- Attempting to combine prior school hours with apprentice hours.
Complete the full apprentice curriculum.
The month requirement applies even when hours accumulate quickly.
Later-issued apprentice licenses cannot be renewed.
Covered apprentices must take the apprentice theory exam during the first year.
Apprentice Records, Quarterly Reports and Salon Changes
Weekly worksheet requirements
- Record the hours completed in each curriculum subject.
- Subtotal the record each week.
- Obtain the apprentice’s signature.
- Obtain the salon owner or manager’s signature.
- Obtain the supervising master’s signature.
- Keep the records available for Board inspection.
- Store a separate personal copy away from the salon.
Quarterly reporting months
January
Reconcile the prior reporting period before filing.
April
Confirm signatures and subject-hour totals.
June
The current rule lists June rather than July.
September
Keep filing proof with the apprentice records.
Changing salon or supervisor
Stop and total the old hours
Prepare a notarized transcript showing the accumulated hours and required signatures.
Report the termination or change
The salon/shop owner or manager must notify the Board and submit the apprentice license and transcript within 30 days.
File a new application
A change in the registered salon or supervising master requires a new Board application.
Verify the new arrangement
Do not assume hours at the new location will count until the salon, supervisor and apprentice relationship are properly recorded.
Official rule: use Chapter 240-5 Apprentices for current hour, record, supervisor and change requirements.
Georgia Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams
PSI administers Georgia’s Board-approved examinations. The current Georgia bulletin is identified as Cosmetology v2.1, effective April 28, 2026. Use that bulletin—not an old commercial kit list—for current registration, ID, testing format and practical instructions.
Minimum passing score
70%Study sanitation, safety, science, chemical services, hair care and professional rules using the current content outline.
Minimum passing score
70%Follow the current service sequence, supply, labeling, sanitation and test-day directions.
Retake the failed section
Georgia’s rule requires a candidate to repeat the section that did not receive a passing score.
Safe examination workflow
Confirm candidate eligibility
Make sure the school, apprenticeship or Board has completed the required eligibility step before paying for an appointment.
Select the Georgia Master Cosmetologist program
Avoid choosing another state, barber, hair designer, esthetician, nail technician or instructor examination.
Open the current bulletin
Check its version and effective date. Replace old screenshots, school handouts and saved practical-kit lists.
Match the legal name
Use the same name on the school or apprentice record, PSI account, government identification and later GOALS application.
Review the live exam fee
PSI controls current examination and retake charges. Review the amount and cancellation terms before submitting payment.
Save both score reports
Download or retain the written and practical results because the Board’s application checklist requires proof of passing.
Exam Deadline, English Rule, Accommodations and Absences
48 months
Candidates completing required hours on or after July 1, 2018 must pass both sections within 48 months.
English
Georgia’s rule states that exams are administered in English and foreign-language translators are not provided.
Request by deadline
A written ADA accommodation request and supporting documentation must be provided through the designated process.
10-day proof window
A written excuse with proof must be submitted within 10 days after the missed examination to avoid another fee.
Official examination rule: review Chapter 240-6 Licensure by Examination.
Apply After Passing Both Georgia Exams
The Board instructs recent school and apprenticeship graduates not to submit the final license application until both examination sections have been passed.
Confirm both passing results
Keep separate proof for the written and practical sections. Passing one section does not complete the license requirement.
Verify an existing GOALS account
Applicants who already have an apprentice or other Georgia licensing record should verify the existing account instead of creating a duplicate.
Select Master Cosmetologist
Answer the GOALS eligibility questions carefully so the correct examination-based checklist appears.
Upload every required document
Use clear, complete files and place each item under the matching checklist category.
Review state and processing fees
The Board-linked base fee is separate from PSI charges and the current $10 GOALS online processing fee.
Submit and save proof
Keep the application number, payment receipt, uploaded-document list and submission confirmation.
Verify license issuance
Wait until the public record shows an active Master Cosmetologist license before accepting clients or performing paid services.
Official application guide: use the Master Cosmetologist how-to guide for the current checklist and GOALS route.
Georgia Cosmetology Application Documents
Prepare before opening the application
- Full legal name and former names.
- Secure and verifiable identity document.
- Written examination score report.
- Practical examination score report.
- High school diploma, GED/HSE or qualifying higher-education record where requested.
- Affidavit of citizenship.
- Current email, physical address and mailing address.
- Payment method for the official GOALS transaction.
Upload when the application requires them
- Immigration or lawful-presence documentation.
- Certified court records and sentencing documents.
- Probation or parole status records.
- Certified professional-board disciplinary orders.
- Written explanation of a conviction or sanction.
- Legal name-change document.
- Foreign-education credential evaluation.
- Certified English translation when required.
What Happens After the Application Is Submitted?
Initial staff review
Applications are reviewed in received order. Staff checks the route, fee, score reports, identity documents and disclosure answers.
Deficiency response
When an item is missing or unacceptable, submit all requested corrections together rather than sending repeated partial replies.
Board review or issuance
A complete straightforward application may proceed to issuance. Applications involving discipline, criminal history or another issue may require Board review.
Application follow-up checklist
- Check GOALS and the application email regularly.
- Save every deficiency notice and its deadline.
- Submit complete readable records in the requested category.
- Keep proof of every upload and payment.
- Update email and address information promptly.
- Search the public record after approval.
- Do not work until active status is displayed.
Georgia Cosmetology License Fees and Payment Warnings
The Board-linked PDF below is marked as a March 2022 revision. Treat its figures as published base fees, not a guaranteed final checkout total. PSI charges and the current $10 GOALS online processing fee are separate.
| Transaction | Board-linked base fee | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Master Cosmetologist application by examination | $30 | Add the current GOALS processing fee and separate PSI examination charges. |
| On-time Master Cosmetologist renewal | $50 | Applicable only during the regular renewal period. |
| Late Master Cosmetologist renewal | $100 | Available only during the April 1–30 late period. |
| Master Cosmetologist reinstatement | $200 | CE, disclosure and additional requirements may apply. |
| Licensure by endorsement | $75 | License verifications, examination or document charges may be additional. |
| Apprentice license | $90 | Confirm current four-year apprentice terms and supporting records. |
| Change apprentice salon or supervisor | $90 | A notarized hour transcript and new application are required. |
| Initial salon/shop license | $75 | Local business licensing and facility costs are separate. |
| Salon/shop renewal | $75 | Salon/shop renewal occurs June 30 in odd-numbered years. |
| Salon/shop reinstatement | $300 | Ownership changes require a new application rather than reinstatement. |
| Official license verification | $35 | Use when another licensing board requires an official verification. |
| Duplicate license | $25 | Check whether a GOALS printout or public verification is sufficient first. |
Georgia Cosmetology License Renewal and Reinstatement
Master Cosmetologist licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years. The regular and late 2026 renewal windows have passed.
March 31, 2026
$50 baseThe on-time renewal period is closed.
April 1–30, 2026
$100 baseThe published 30-day late period is also closed.
Reinstatement
$200 baseUse this route when the license still shows lapsed after April 30.
Renewal or reinstatement workflow
Search the license first
Confirm the exact status, expiration date and license category before choosing a transaction.
Complete the applicable CE
Most later renewals require five hours. Reinstatement requires five CE hours for each lapsed renewal period.
Report CE in CE Broker
Enter each qualifying course and upload readable completion proof before filing.
Use the connected GOALS account
Verify an existing account so the correct license and transaction are available.
Update contact information
Correct the email, physical address, mailing address and legal name before final submission.
Answer disclosure questions
A conviction or professional sanction may require certified documents and Board review before the status changes.
Pay and save the confirmation
Keep the receipt, transaction number and completed-application screen.
Verify active status
A payment receipt does not authorize practice. Check that the public record shows active status and the correct expiration date.
Georgia Cosmetology Continuing Education
Use a Board-developed, Board-approved or otherwise accepted health-and-safety course.
Topics may include industry trends, business management, computers, health and safety, trade shows or the licensed practice area.
Complete the total every two-year cycle unless a valid exemption applies.
Possible active-license exemptions
| Exemption category | What to document |
|---|---|
| First renewal | Confirm that this is the first renewal after the original license was issued. |
| Licensed for at least 25 years | Provide license-history evidence satisfactory to the Board. |
| Age 65 or older | Submit proof of age with the required exemption request. |
| Qualifying military service | Provide active-duty, reserve or qualifying transition-service evidence. |
| Disability or illness | Provide the disability award or medical documentation specified by the rule. |
| Other hardship | Submit a sworn, notarized statement and supporting evidence for Board review. |
Official rule: review Chapter 240-3 Continuing Education.
How to Choose a Valid Georgia CE Course
Do not purchase a five-hour package solely because an advertisement says “Georgia approved.” Verify the provider, course category and completion certificate first.
Course is built for Board acceptance
- Provider or course is Board-approved, Board-developed or preapproved by rule.
- Health-and-safety content covers the complete approved curriculum.
- Promotional material shows the provider registration number.
- Certificate identifies the licensee, course, date and hours.
- Provider supplies a readable completion record.
- Course can be accurately entered in CE Broker.
Course may not receive credit
- Provider presents itself as the Georgia Board or Secretary of State.
- No Board registration number appears where one is required.
- Course is marketed as call-in or mail-in Board-approved CE.
- Certificate omits the provider, course or awarded hours.
- Package does not separate the three-hour health-and-safety component.
- Seller promises that buying the course automatically renews the license.
Preapproved provider categories
- Qualifying University System of Georgia or state education institutions.
- Technical College System of Georgia programs.
- American Red Cross programs.
- Accredited Georgia postsecondary institutions.
- National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology programs.
- NABBA, NACCAS and Professional Beauty Association qualifying courses.
Report Georgia Cosmetology CE in CE Broker
Beginning January 1, 2026, covered Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees must record qualifying CE activities and proof of completion in CE Broker.
Create at least the free account
Select Georgia and choose the no-cost Basic Limited Access account unless optional paid features are useful to you.
Match the GOALS license
Use the exact legal name and complete license number displayed in the official record.
Report each course separately
Enter the provider, course title, completion date, hours and correct health-and-safety or elective category.
Upload readable proof
Attach the complete certificate rather than a cropped image that hides the provider number, date or awarded hours.
Resolve rejected or missing entries
Correct name, license-number, provider or category errors before submitting renewal or reinstatement.
Keep your own backup
Store the original certificates and CE Broker confirmation outside the provider’s website.
Georgia Cosmetology GOALS Login Help
GOALS uses the account email as the username, and the email is case-sensitive. Existing licensees should verify their prior account rather than creating a new profile.
| Problem | Likely reason | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Existing license is missing | A new account was created rather than consolidating the previous record. | Use Verify Existing Account and the newest PIN. |
| PIN email has not arrived | Delivery delay, spam filtering or repeated PIN requests. | Wait at least two minutes, check spam and use only the most recent PIN. |
| PIN still fails | Old PIN or identity mismatch. | Call 404-424-9966 and be ready to verify identity. |
| Email and password fail | Incorrect capitalization or an outdated password. | Enter the email exactly as registered and use password recovery. |
| License number is unknown | Old certificate is unavailable. | Use the free GOALS License Search before account verification. |
| Application number is unknown | Confirmation email was deleted or filtered. | Search email and spam, then contact the PLB call center. |
| Page displays old information | Cached browser session. | Sign out, clear the cache and reopen GOALS in a current Google Chrome browser. |
| Unsubmitted draft disappeared | Incomplete applications are saved for 30 days. | Gather documents before restarting and submit within the saved-draft period. |
Georgia Cosmetology License Lookup and Verification
The public GOALS lookup is free. Search an individual and the salon/shop separately because each record serves a different legal purpose.
Select individual or facility search
Use individual search for a cosmetologist and business/facility search for a salon, shop or school.
Use the strongest identifier
Enter the complete license number when available. Otherwise search the full legal or business name with minimal extra filters.
Open the detailed result
Match the legal name, license category, number, public status and expiration date.
Check service authority
Confirm that the license category matches the services offered. Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician and Nail Technician are not interchangeable.
Review public discipline
Open any available order, restriction or cease-and-desist information relevant to employment, rental or client safety.
Save dated proof
Keep a screenshot or printout when employment, booth rental, insurance, school enrollment or a complaint depends on current status.
Use for routine verification
Check status, license type and expiration without paying a private directory.
Use for another licensing board
A formal verification ordered through GOALS may be required for endorsement in another state. The Board-linked base fee is $35.
Transfer an Out-of-State License by Endorsement
Georgia does not offer automatic cosmetology reciprocity with another state. An actively licensed, good-standing out-of-state cosmetologist applies for licensure by endorsement.
Prove approved exams taken in English
An applicant who proves passing approved written and practical examinations in English may not need additional Georgia testing.
Not an automatic denial
The Board FAQ says an actively licensed applicant may seek endorsement without completing extra hours solely because the original state required fewer school hours.
Endorsement document checklist
- Current active and good-standing out-of-state license.
- Verification from the original licensing state.
- Verification from the current licensing state when different.
- Verification from every other state where a license has been held.
- Evidence of approved written examination passed in English.
- Evidence of approved practical examination passed in English.
- High school diploma, GED or qualifying postsecondary degree.
- Verification of education or training.
- Secure and verifiable identification.
- Citizenship affidavit and immigration documents when applicable.
- Certified disciplinary records and explanation when applicable.
- Current endorsement application and portal or processing fee.
Official rules and instructions: review Chapter 240-11 Endorsement and the Board endorsement FAQ.
Official-Source Conflicts to Resolve Before Filing
Several Georgia pages and older PDFs do not perfectly agree. Use these safeguards rather than guessing which instruction applies to your transaction.
| Conflict | What the sources show | Safest action |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement filing method | The Master Cosmetologist guide directs applicants to GOALS, while the general online-applications page says endorsement applications are paper-only. | Start with the current Master Cosmetologist guide and GOALS. When no endorsement action appears, call before mailing. |
| Mailing address | Older fee and apprentice documents show 237 Coliseum Drive; the current Board contact is 3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195. | Use the address on the current transaction-specific instruction or confirm it by phone before sending originals. |
| Online processing fee | The older fee PDF shows $5; the current GOALS FAQ and processing-fee page show $10. | Trust the amount displayed in the live GOALS transaction. |
| Paper filing generally | Some Board content emphasizes GOALS, while certain salon changes, endorsement or transaction-specific routes still mention mail. | Follow the current how-to page for the exact transaction rather than applying one universal rule. |
| Apprentice quarterly months | The current rule lists January, April, June and September. | Confirm the current reporting form and exact due date before filing. |
Georgia Cosmetology Salon License and Display Rules
The Georgia salon/shop license is separate from each worker’s professional license and separate from the city or county business license or occupational tax certificate.
Receive a COSA license
New facilities receive a COSA identifier. Older BRSH records may continue through renewal or reinstatement, but new BRSH identifiers are not issued.
New application required
A buyer cannot simply use the seller’s facility license. Submit the new application and requested bill-of-sale or lease pages.
Business license is separate
Contact the city or county for zoning, business-license and occupational-tax requirements.
Facility application and readiness checklist
- Facility legal name and trade name.
- Physical service address.
- Owner and authorized-agent information.
- Requested bill-of-sale or lease pages.
- Secure and verifiable identification.
- Citizenship affidavit and immigration records when applicable.
- Local business license or occupational tax certificate.
- Required equipment, sanitation and disinfectant setup.
- Current individual licenses for every service provider.
- Active facility status before opening.
Posting and operating rules
| Requirement | What the salon owner should do |
|---|---|
| Facility license | Display the license or current online verification within 15 feet of the entrance in an unobstructed area. |
| Worker licenses | Ensure each employee posts a current license or online verification in an open public area. |
| Inspection report | Post the most recent inspection report as required by the facility rule. |
| Health and safety | Complete the Board-approved health, safety and sanitation course required for facility owners. |
| Ownership or leasing change | File the required Board application within 30 days. |
| Home or mobile setup | Meet all Board facility, equipment, sanitation and applicable local requirements. |
File a Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Complaint
A licensing complaint is appropriate for suspected unlicensed activity, sanitation problems, scope violations, false license claims or another possible violation of Board law or rules.
Give the Board specific facts
- Name and license number of the person or facility.
- Address where the event occurred.
- Date and approximate time.
- Chronological description of what happened.
- Receipts, photographs, messages or advertisements.
- Names and contact information for witnesses.
- Explanation of the suspected licensing violation.
A complaint is not private civil court
- The Board acts only within its legal jurisdiction.
- It does not guarantee a refund or correction of services.
- Investigations are confidential while pending.
- Status information may be limited to ongoing or closed.
- Public discipline may later appear on the license record.
What happens after filing?
Acknowledgment
The Board sends confirmation that the complaint was received.
Jurisdiction review
Staff determines whether the allegations fall within the Board’s authority.
Confidential investigation
When appropriate, the matter is investigated. Detailed investigative updates are generally unavailable.
Closure or public action
The complainant is notified after the process ends. Public disciplinary action can be posted on the license record.
Georgia Cosmetology License Phone Number and Address
Professional Licensing Boards
Use for account verification, PIN issues, license routing, reinstatement and transaction-specific mailing confirmation.
PSI candidate services
Use for examination registration, current fees, appointments, locations, bulletin access, results and retakes.
Macon office
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210
Published Licensing Division service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call before visiting or mailing records.
Board call script
PSI call script
Official Georgia License Action Links
Use the explanations above to identify the correct action. Use these official sources for live applications, payment, license status, examination instructions and final legal decisions.
Apply, renew or reinstate
Use GOALS for available Professional Licensing Boards transactions.
Open GOALSVerify a person or facility
Search individual, salon/shop and school records separately.
Open License SearchMaster Cosmetologist guide
Review examination-based application, endorsement, reinstatement and renewal instructions.
Open Master GuideGeorgia Board page
Check current Board notices, meetings, forms, complaints and contact information.
Open Georgia BoardPSI examination program
Use the current bulletin, registration system and live scheduling information.
Open PSI GeorgiaGeorgia cosmetology rules
Read Department 240 for current examination, CE, apprentice, school, endorsement and salon rules.
Open Department 240Related guides on this website
Use the complete U.S. cosmetology license guide for a broader explanation of school, examinations, renewal and interstate licensing. Use the state cosmetology board guide when comparing official agency names, lookup systems and renewal routes in another state.
Georgia Cosmetology License FAQs
Do you need a cosmetology license in Georgia?
Yes. A person generally needs the appropriate active Georgia license before performing regulated cosmetology services for compensation, unless a specific legal exemption applies. The salon or facility may also need its own license.
How many hours are required for a Georgia cosmetology license?
The approved-school route requires 1,500 hours over at least nine months. The registered apprenticeship route requires 3,000 hours over at least 18 months.
Can Georgia cosmetology school hours be completed online?
Only limited theory may be completed online. A Master Cosmetology student or apprentice may earn up to 250 Level 1 theory hours and 100 Level 2 theory hours online. Practical training must remain hands-on in the approved school or salon.
Can school and apprenticeship hours be combined?
No. Georgia’s current apprenticeship rule states that apprentice hours cannot be combined with school hours.
What exams are required for a Georgia cosmetology license?
Applicants must pass Board-approved written and practical examinations. Georgia requires at least 70% on each section, and a failed section must be retaken.
How long do I have to pass both Georgia exams?
A candidate who completed the required training on or after July 1, 2018 generally has 48 months to pass both examination sections. Missing that period can require repeating the required training hours.
When was the Georgia Master Cosmetologist renewal deadline in 2026?
The on-time deadline was March 31, 2026. The late-renewal period ran from April 1 through April 30, 2026. A license that remains lapsed now requires reinstatement.
How much is Georgia Master Cosmetologist renewal?
The Board-linked fee schedule lists a $50 base on-time renewal fee, $100 during the 30-day late period and $200 for reinstatement. GOALS processing and account-specific requirements may add to the total.
How many continuing-education hours are required?
Most nonexempt licensees need five hours every two years after the first renewal: three approved health-and-safety hours plus two approved elective hours.
Is CE Broker required for Georgia cosmetologists?
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, covered Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees must report qualifying continuing education and completion proof in CE Broker.
How do I look up a Georgia cosmetology license?
Use the free GOALS public search. Verify the individual and salon separately, then check the legal name, license category, status, expiration date and available public discipline.
Does Georgia offer cosmetology reciprocity?
No automatic reciprocity is offered. An actively licensed, good-standing out-of-state cosmetologist applies for licensure by endorsement.
Will Georgia accept an out-of-state license with fewer school hours?
The Board FAQ says an actively licensed out-of-state applicant may apply by endorsement without completing extra hours solely because the original state required fewer school hours.
What is the Georgia cosmetology license phone number?
Call the Professional Licensing Boards Division at 404-424-9966. For PSI examination assistance, call 855-744-0314.
Final Georgia Cosmetology License Checklist
- Choose the credential that legally matches the services you plan to provide.
- Verify the school, salon and supervising master in GOALS before training.
- Complete 1,500 school hours over at least nine months or 3,000 apprentice hours over at least 18 months.
- Do not combine school and apprentice hours.
- Obtain the apprentice license before counting any apprentice hours.
- Complete the apprentice theory examination within the required first-year period.
- Keep weekly apprentice worksheets and quarterly-submission proof.
- Report a salon or supervisor change and submit the hour transcript within 30 days.
- Match the legal name across school, PSI, identification and GOALS.
- Use the PSI bulletin effective for the actual test date.
- Pass both written and practical sections with at least 70%.
- Pass both sections within the applicable 48-month period.
- Request accommodations before the applicable examination deadline.
- Submit documented emergency-absence proof within 10 days when applicable.
- Apply for the Master Cosmetologist license only after passing both sections.
- Upload score reports, identity documents and citizenship records.
- Correct every application deficiency within the stated 60-day period.
- Use reinstatement when the 2026 regular and late renewal periods were missed.
- Complete five CE hours for most later renewals unless a valid exemption applies.
- Report qualifying CE and certificates in CE Broker.
- Use only a valid CE provider and check the certificate for required details.
- Verify the professional and salon licenses separately.
- Use endorsement—not assumed reciprocity—for an out-of-state license.
- Confirm the filing method and mailing address before sending original records.
- Obtain the Georgia facility license and the required local business authorization before opening a salon.
- Wait for active public status before performing paid services.
Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not the Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, GOALS, PSI or CE Broker. Official records, applications, fee totals, examination bulletins, statutes, rules and Board decisions control.