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Georgia cosmetology license
requirements, 2026.

All four Georgia beauty licenses in one place. Georgia uses PSI's own National exams — 70% passing, notarized applications, an apprenticeship pathway for every modality, and CE Broker tracking required as of January 2026.

4
License types
PSI
Exam vendor
Board-verified
Data source
Aug '26
Verified

Prep for this state

Practice tests and flashcards, by license.

Your written exam is the PSI National paper, the same one ten states use. The outline, the pass marks and how the ten differ →

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10 questions from the PSI National cosmetology bank and 10 terminology cards from the decks — the same items, the same rationales, the same study modes you get after checkout. Georgia tests on the PSI National exam, so this is the exam you’ll sit. No email, no signup.

Georgia · Cosmetology

Master Cosmetologist license — 2026.

Georgia's broadest beauty license: 1,500 hours, PSI National exam, 70% passing, notarized GOALS application. Holders don't need separate esthetics or nail tech licenses. Apprenticeship pathway available. CE Broker required for renewal as of January 2026.

At a glance
Training hours
1,500
Or 3,000 apprenticeship hrs / 18 mo min
Total fees
~$144
$45 written + $64 practical + $35 app
Exam format
Written + Practical
PSI National · 70% passing
Renewal
Mar 31, even yrs
5 hrs CE · CE Broker req. (2026)
Georgia uses the PSI National exam — see the notice at the top of this page

Georgia uses PSI National Theory and Practical Examinations administered by PSI Services LLC. NICPrep’s PSI National bank is built to this form — the one California, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland and Michigan share character-for-character in cosmetology, esthetics and nails. The law items sit inside the theory form — passing score is 70%, lower than the 75% standard used by most other states.

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, under the Georgia Secretary of State, governs all beauty and barber licensing. The Master Cosmetologist license is the most comprehensive — holders perform hair, skin, and nail services without needing separate specialty licenses. All applications go through the GOALS portal and must be notarized. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Who qualifies

What the Master Cosmetologist license covers

All hair services (cutting, styling, color, chemical texture); all skin care services (facials, waxing, peels within scope); nail services (manicures, pedicures, enhancements); makeup application. Holders do not need separate esthetics or nail technician licenses.

The examination

Written (theory) — $45 paid to PSI

Practical (hands-on) — $64 paid to PSI

Ready to start studying? See pricing ↑

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved school

    Verify school approval at sos.ga.gov. Min 9 months. After graduation, your school notifies PSI of your eligibility and you receive scheduling instructions. Apprenticeship graduates must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Board.

  2. Schedule and pass both PSI National exams

    Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call (855) 744-0314. Pay $45 (written) and $64 (practical). 70% required on each. Collect printed score reports after each exam — required with your license application. No retake limit but 48-month window applies.

  3. Apply through GOALS — notarize your application

    Apply online at the GOALS portal via sos.ga.gov. Pay $30 application + $5 online processing fee. Include PSI score reports and citizenship verification (Secure and Verifiable Document). Application must be notarized with a legible ink seal. No paper applications accepted.

  4. Receive your license (allow 15 business days)

    License issued digitally through GOALS. An additional 15 days if supplementary documentation is needed.

Reciprocity

Georgia accepts endorsement from out-of-state cosmetologists with a current active license. Applicants from states without substantially equivalent requirements must pass Georgia exams. Georgia does not reciprocate with California, Florida, Hawaii, or New York — applicants from those states must sit for the Georgia written and practical exams.

Renewal

March 31 of even-numbered years · 5 hrs CE per 2-yr cycle (3 hrs TCSG Health & Safety + 2 hrs other approved topics) · CE waived for first renewal · CE Broker registration required as of January 1, 2026 · $50 renewal fee (confirm at sos.ga.gov). Renew through GOALS. Licensees with 25+ years active may apply for a CE waiver. Late renewal window is the following calendar month.

🇪🇸 NICPrep's cosmetology prep is also available in Spanish.

See Cosmetology prep and pricing →

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Georgia · Esthetics

Esthetics license — 2026.

1,000 hours — one of the highest esthetics requirements in the country. PSI National exam, 70% passing, apprenticeship pathway available (2,000 hours / 18 months). Renews August 31 of odd-numbered years. No esthetics apprenticeship restrctions — but no school shortcuts either.

At a glance
Training hours
1,000
Or 2,000 apprenticeship hrs / 18 mo min
Total fees
~$144
$45 written + $64 practical + $35 app
Exam format
Written + Practical
PSI National · 70% passing
Renewal
Aug 31, odd yrs
5 hrs CE · CE Broker req. (2026)
Georgia uses the PSI National esthetics exam — see the notice at the top of this page

Georgia uses the PSI National Esthetics Theory and Practical Examinations administered by PSI Services LLC. NICPrep’s PSI National bank is built to this form — the same one seven states share character-for-character in cosmetology, esthetics and nails. Passing score: 70%.

Georgia's 1,000-hour esthetics requirement is among the highest in the country — most states require 600 hours or fewer. The apprenticeship pathway (2,000 hours / 18 months minimum) is one of the few in the US for esthetics, making Georgia notable for that flexibility. All training must be supervised; theory may be taught online but hands-on hours must be on-site.

Who qualifies

The examination

Written — $45 paid to PSI

Practical — $64 paid to PSI

Apprenticeship graduates: Letter of Eligibility required

Apprenticeship graduates must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Board by submitting completed training records. First request is free; additional requests cost $25. Once received, schedule PSI exams normally.

Ready to start studying? See pricing ↑

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 1,000 hours at a Board-approved school (or 2,000-hr apprenticeship)

    Programs typically run 9–12 months full-time. For apprenticeship, register for an apprentice license first ($90 fee). Theory may be online; all hands-on hours must be on-site.

  2. Receive PSI eligibility notice (school) or Letter of Eligibility (apprenticeship)

    School graduates receive notice from their school; apprenticeship graduates submit training records to the Board to receive the Letter.

  3. Schedule and pass both PSI National exams (70% required each)

    Written at candidate.psiexams.com ($45). Practical ($64) at Atlanta or Macon — bring live model and supplies per the PSI Esthetics CIB.

  4. Apply through GOALS — notarize your application

    Apply at sos.ga.gov GOALS portal. Pay $30 + $5 online processing. Include PSI score reports and citizenship verification. Application must be notarized.

  5. Receive license (15 business days)

    License issued digitally through GOALS.

Renewal

August 31 of odd-numbered years · 5 hrs CE per 2-yr cycle · CE Broker required as of Jan 1, 2026 · First renewal CE waived · 25+ year waiver available. Renew through GOALS.

See Esthetics prep and pricing →

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Georgia · Barber

Master Barber license — 2026.

Georgia offers two barber tiers: Master Barber (1,500 hrs, full scope including chemical services) and Barber II (1,140 hrs, no chemicals). Both use PSI National exams at 70%. Master Barbers can add cosmetology with just 300 additional hours.

At a glance · Master Barber
Training hours
1,500
Or 3,000 apprenticeship hrs / 18 mo min
Total fees
~$144
$45 written + $64 practical + $35 app
Exam format
Written + Practical
PSI National · 70% passing
Renewal
Annual
5 hrs CE · CE Broker req. (2026)
Georgia uses the PSI National barber exam — see the notice at the top of this page

Georgia’s Master Barber theory examination is administered by PSI Services LLC on the PSI National Barber Theory form (GA TTG Master Barber v1.1, effective 1 Aug 2025): 85 scored + 10 pretest, 120 minutes — Safety and Infection Control 31%, Shaving 22%, Client Consultation and Hair and Skin Analysis 15%, Haircutting 8%, Haircoloring 7%, Chemical Texture 7%, Skin Care 5%, Hairstyling 5% — identical to California’s, Colorado’s, Michigan’s and Massachusetts’. NICPrep’s PSI National barber bank is built to that outline. Passing score: 70%.

Two barber license tiers

Master Barber → Master Cosmetologist crossover

Licensed Georgia Master Barbers need only 300 additional hours of cosmetology training to qualify for the Master Cosmetologist exam and license — covering skin care, nails, and cosmetology techniques not included in barber school.

The Master Barber examination

Ready to start studying? See pricing ↑

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 1,500 hours at a Board-approved barber school

    Verify school approval at sos.ga.gov. Min 9 months full-time. Apprenticeship requires supervisor to have held GA Master Barber license for 18+ months. For apprenticeship, apply for an apprentice barber license first.

  2. Receive PSI eligibility notice and schedule both PSI National exams

    Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com. Written ($45) at Atlanta, Macon, Marietta, or Tifton, or online. Practical ($64) at Atlanta or Macon — bring live model and required implements per PSI Barber CIB.

  3. Apply through GOALS — notarize your application

    Apply online at sos.ga.gov. Pay $30 + $5 processing. Include PSI score reports, citizenship verification. Application must be notarized.

  4. Receive your Master Barber license (15 business days)

    License issued digitally through GOALS.

Renewal

Annual renewal · 5 hrs CE every 2 years · CE Broker required as of Jan 1, 2026 · First renewal CE waived. Confirm current renewal date and fee at sos.ga.gov. Renew through GOALS.

See Barber prep and pricing →

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Georgia · Nail Technology

Nail technician license — 2026.

525 hours — more than most states but the shortest Georgia beauty license. PSI National exam, 70% passing, apprenticeship available (1,050 hours / 8 months). Live model required for the practical. Renews August 31 of odd-numbered years.

At a glance
Training hours
525
Or 1,050 apprenticeship hrs / 8 mo min
Total fees
~$144
$45 written + $64 practical + $35 app
Exam format
Written + Practical
PSI National · 70% passing
Renewal
Aug 31, odd yrs
5 hrs CE · CE Broker req. (2026)
Georgia uses the PSI National nail technology exam — see the notice at the top of this page

Georgia uses the PSI National Nail Technology Theory and Practical Examinations administered by PSI Services LLC. NICPrep’s PSI National bank is built to this form — the same one seven states share character-for-character in cosmetology, esthetics and nails. Passing score: 70%.

Who qualifies

The examination

Apprenticeship graduates must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Board before scheduling PSI exams. First request free; $25 thereafter.

Ready to start studying? See pricing ↑

Step-by-step: how to get licensed

  1. Complete 525 hours at a Board-approved nail technology school

    Verify school approval at sos.ga.gov. Programs typically run 4–6 months full-time. Theory may be taught online; hands-on hours must be on-site.

  2. Receive PSI eligibility notice and schedule both PSI National exams

    Written at candidate.psiexams.com ($45) at Macon or Tifton, or online. Practical ($64) at Atlanta or Macon — bring live model and full supply kit.

  3. Apply through GOALS — notarize your application

    Apply at sos.ga.gov. Pay $30 + $5 processing. Include PSI score reports and citizenship verification. Application must be notarized with legible ink seal.

  4. Receive your nail technician license (15 business days)

    License issued digitally through GOALS.

Renewal

August 31 of odd-numbered years · 5 hrs CE per 2-yr cycle · CE Broker required as of Jan 1, 2026 · First renewal CE waived. Renew through GOALS.

🇻🇳 NICPrep's nail technology prep is also available in Vietnamese.

See Nail Technology prep and pricing →

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Georgia · All license types

Rules that apply to every GA beauty license.

PSI National exams — same structure for all modalities

All four Georgia beauty license types use PSI's own National examinations, administered by PSI Services LLC. Written exam fee: $45. Practical exam fee: $64. Passing score: 70% on both components. The written exam is available at PSI centers in Atlanta, Macon, Marietta, and Tifton, plus online proctored. The practical exam is available in Atlanta and Macon only. Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call (855) 744-0314.

Notarized applications — GOALS portal only

All Georgia beauty license applications must be submitted through the GOALS (Georgia Online Licensing System) portal at sos.ga.gov. Paper applications are no longer accepted. All applications must be notarized with a legible ink seal. Application fee: $30 + $5 online processing. Do not apply until you have passed both the written and practical exams — applications submitted before passing will be rejected.

48-month exam window

Candidates who completed training on or after July 1, 2018 must pass both written and practical exams within 48 months of completing their training. If the window expires without passing, all required training hours must be repeated.

Apprenticeship pathway — available for all four modalities

Georgia is one of the few states with a genuine apprenticeship option across all four license types. Minimum requirements for apprenticeship supervisors: 36 months of active Georgia license (cosmetology, esthetics, nail tech) or 18 months (barber). One apprentice per master at a time. Apprenticeship graduates must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Board (first request free, $25 thereafter) before scheduling PSI exams.

CE Broker — required as of January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, all Georgia beauty and barber licensees must record and submit CE completion through CE Broker (cebroker.com/ga). Create at minimum a free Basic Limited Access account before your next renewal. The Board audits CE through CE Broker. All prior CE should be uploaded before applying to renew.

CE requirements at a glance

Renewal dates by license type

Official Georgia licensing portal

Last verified August 2026 against the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (sos.ga.gov), PSI Services, and CE Broker. Fees and requirements change — always confirm current information with the Georgia Board before applying. NICPrep is an independent prep resource and is not affiliated with the Georgia State Board, PSI, or the State of Georgia.

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Common questions

Which cosmetology exam does Georgia use?

Georgia uses PSI's own National exams, administered by PSI Services LLC. Passing score is 70% on both written and practical. NICPrep's PSI National bank is built to this exam's own ten-domain outline.

What are the training hour requirements for Georgia beauty licenses?

Georgia requires: Master Cosmetologist — 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours; Esthetician — 1,000 school hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours; Master Barber — 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours; Nail Technician — 525 school hours or 1,050 apprenticeship hours.

Does Georgia require a notarized application for beauty licenses?

Yes. All Georgia beauty license applications must be notarized with a legible ink seal, whether submitted online through the GOALS portal or by mail. As of 2026, the Board no longer accepts paper applications — all applications must be submitted through GOALS.

Does Georgia require continuing education for license renewal?

Yes. Georgia requires 5 hours of CE every 2 years for renewal. At least 3 of those hours must be TCSG Health and Safety content. CE is waived for the first renewal cycle. As of January 1, 2026, all Georgia licensees must record CE in CE Broker.

Next step

Study exactly what Georgia's exam tests.

Georgia uses PSI's own National exams — the same content NICPrep is built from. You need 70%. See the full prep on the modality page.

Stay exam-ready.

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