Chapter 9 of 1060% of exam

Georgia Laws, Rules & Licensing

This chapter covers the Georgia-specific legal framework that supplements your national cosmetology theory. It focuses on who regulates the profession in Georgia, the kinds of licenses issued, and the everyday rules every licensee must follow to keep a license in good standing.

The Regulating Authority

In Georgia, cosmetology is regulated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
It operates as a board administered by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Georgia Secretary of State.
The board sets the rules for licensing, sanitation, and professional conduct, and it can investigate complaints and discipline licensees.
Statutes and administrative rules—not individual salons—define what practitioners may legally do.

License Types & Scope of Practice

The board issues distinct credentials such as cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, nail technician, instructor, and shop/salon licenses.
Each license defines a scope of practice; you may only perform services your license authorizes.
Practicing without a valid license, or beyond your scope, is prohibited and subject to discipline.
Salon/shop and individual practitioner credentials are separate—registering a salon does not license its workers.

Display, Renewal & Prohibited Practices

Keep your current license displayed or available at your work station as the board requires.
Licenses are issued for a set term and must be periodically renewed to remain valid.
Renewing on time and meeting any continuing-education the board requires keeps a license active.
Prohibited acts include unlicensed practice, exceeding scope, fraud, and unsanitary conditions.
Do not present unpublished figures (hours, fees, exam length, passing score) as official—verify them with the board.

State-specific details

State exam facts

State regulator
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Exam vendor
PSI (NIC national exams)
Prelicensing education
1,500 hours (or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship)
Passing score
70
Scored questions
110
Time limit
120 minutes
How many training hours does Georgia require for a cosmetology license?

Georgia requires 1,500 hours at an approved school, or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship.

Who licenses cosmetologists in Georgia?

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, under the Secretary of State, licenses cosmetologists and uses PSI to deliver the NIC national exams.

Does Georgia still require a practical exam?

Yes. Georgia requires a hands-on National Practical Test covering 11 timed topic areas, plus the theory exam (110 questions with a 120-minute limit). A 70% score is required on both the theory and the practical.

Sources: https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers, https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/Instructions/GA_TTG_COS_NEW_08.08.2025.pdf

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