6.12 Georgia Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Georgia cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Georgia requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Georgia licensing board before scheduling.
Georgia Cosmetology License Requirements
Georgia requires 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours OR 3,000 apprenticeship hours |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Apprenticeship Option
Georgia offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring:
- 3,000 hours of supervised training
- Completion under a licensed master cosmetologist
Examination Details
Georgia uses NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations for both written theory and practical skills testing.
Reciprocity
Georgia grants reciprocity to applicants licensed in states with similar requirements that also grant reciprocity to Georgia licensees.
State Board Contact
Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
- Website: sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-cosmetology-and-barbers
- Phone: (478) 207-2440
Exam Focus
For Georgia, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license. Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.