6.44 Tennessee Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Tennessee 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 Tennessee licensing board before scheduling.
Tennessee Cosmetology License Requirements
Tennessee requires 1,500 training hours and is a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,500 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | None specified |
| Exam Type | Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years |
| CE Required | No |
Examination Details
Tennessee requires both written theory and practical skills examinations.
Cosmetology Compact Member
Tennessee has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, enabling multistate practice with a single license.
Reciprocity
Tennessee offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists from states with equivalent requirements.
State Board Contact
Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Website: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo.html
- Phone: (615) 741-2515
Exam Focus
For Tennessee, 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.