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Georgia requires 1,500 training hours and both NIC written and practical exams. It also offers an apprenticeship path for students who prefer learning on the job. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
1,500
Training Hours
NIC
Exam Type
~$50
Renewal Fee
5 hrs
CE per Renewal
Georgia has one of the higher training hour requirements in the country at 1,500 hours. For context, California requires 1,000, Texas requires 1,000, and the national average sits around 1,000-1,500. The upside is that Georgia uses the NIC exam, which is the most common cosmetology exam nationally, so study resources are widely available.
Licensing is overseen by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, which operates under the Secretary of State's office. You need to pass both the NIC written exam and the NIC practical exam. Georgia also offers an apprenticeship alternative for students who want to learn while working in a salon rather than attending a traditional school.
You must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 9th grade or its equivalent. Georgia has a lower education threshold than some states, which require a high school diploma or GED.
Attend a Georgia-approved cosmetology school and complete 1,500 hours of training. At full-time enrollment (about 35 hours per week), this takes approximately 10-11 months. Alternatively, you can pursue the apprenticeship path (see below).
After completing your training hours, apply to take the NIC cosmetology exams through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Your school will provide the documentation needed for your application.
The NIC written exam has 110 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. It covers Scientific Concepts (35%), Hair Care and Services (45%), Skin Care and Services (10%), and Nail Care and Services (10%). The passing score is set by the NIC, typically around 70-75%.
The practical exam tests your hands-on skills under observation by examiners. You will need to bring a mannequin and your own tools. Sections include haircutting, chemical services, and proper sanitation procedures. Follow the NIC rubric exactly for full credit.
After passing both exams, the Georgia State Board processes your license. You are not legally allowed to perform cosmetology services until your license is issued and active. Check your status through the Board's online portal.
Georgia is one of the states that offers an apprenticeship path to cosmetology licensure. Instead of attending a traditional cosmetology school, you can learn under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a working salon.
The apprenticeship requires 3,000 hours, which is double the school requirement of 1,500 hours. This reflects the fact that apprentices learn in a working environment where not every hour is structured instruction. The 3,000 hours must be completed over a minimum period of 18 months.
Your supervising cosmetologist must hold a valid Georgia license and have at least 3 years of experience. The apprenticeship must be registered with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. After completing the hours, you still need to pass both NIC exams, just like school graduates.
The apprenticeship takes longer (3,000 hours over 18+ months vs. 1,500 hours over 10-11 months at school) but costs significantly less since you are not paying tuition. You also gain real salon experience from day one. The trade-off is that exam preparation is often less structured, so you may need to do more self-study. Both paths lead to the same license and the same NIC exams.
Georgia uses the NIC cosmetology exam, which is the same exam used by the majority of U.S. states. This is good news for study purposes because NIC-specific practice questions and study materials are widely available.
The written exam has 110 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Scientific Concepts makes up 35% of the exam and is the hardest section for most students. Hair Care and Services is 45%, while Skin Care and Nail Care are 10% each. You also need to pass the NIC practical exam, which evaluates your hands-on skills.
Since Georgia requires both exams, make sure to prepare for each one separately. The written exam rewards theory knowledge, while the practical rewards procedural precision and time management. Many students who do well on the written exam are surprised by how strict the practical grading is.
Georgia cosmetology licenses renew every 2 years at a cost of approximately $50. You need to complete 5 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. The CE requirements become more specific after your first renewal.
After your first renewal, at least 3 of your 5 CE hours must cover health and safety topics. This includes sanitation, infection control, and workplace safety procedures as required by the Georgia State Board.
The remaining 2 CE hours can cover any industry-related topic: new techniques, product knowledge, business management, or advanced services. Courses must be approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
The approximately $50 renewal fee plus CE course costs ($20-$40 for 5 hours) puts your total at around $70-$90 every 2 years. CE courses are available both online and in person through Board-approved providers. Renew on time to avoid late fees and potential license suspension.
Georgia's 1,500-hour requirement is among the highest in the country. For comparison, California requires 1,000, Texas requires 1,000, and New York requires 1,000. States have been trending toward reducing hours in recent years, with the argument that many hours do not directly translate to better outcomes on the licensing exam or in practice.
The higher hour requirement does mean more time and tuition investment for Georgia students. On the positive side, you get more comprehensive training and more hands-on practice time before entering the workforce. If you are considering relocating to a state with lower hours, your Georgia training will meet or exceed every other state's requirements, making license transfer easier.