Massachusetts Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training — among the lowest in the country — before you can sit for the PSI written theory exam. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering issues all cosmetology licenses through the Division of Occupational Licensure.
- Enroll in a Board-approved cosmetology school. Massachusetts maintains a list of approved schools. Confirm your school's approval status before enrolling.
- Complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Your program must include a minimum of 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics within the 1,000-hour curriculum. Your school will provide a School Certification Form upon completion.
- Apply online through PSI. As of January 27, 2026, all applications must be submitted online through the PSI system. Paper applications are no longer accepted. The application fee is $68.00.
- Pass the written theory exam. After PSI processes your application, you will receive an email to schedule your exam. The exam covers cosmetology sciences, Massachusetts state laws, and sanitation standards.
- Receive your Massachusetts cosmetology license. If you pass the exam, your license will be mailed to you.
Training Requirements
Massachusetts cosmetology schools must be approved by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The 1,000-hour cosmetology curriculum must include a minimum of 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics training. Key subject areas include:
- Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling, and scalp care
- Skin care (aesthetics): Facials, waxing, skin analysis, and hair removal (minimum 80 hours)
- Nail care (manicuring): Manicures, pedicures, and basic nail enhancements (minimum 50 hours)
- Sanitation and infection control: Massachusetts-specific sanitation standards and safety protocols
- Massachusetts state laws: Board rules, scope of practice, and professional conduct requirements
Upon completing the program, your school director must sign a School Certification Form verifying your hours. This form is required as part of the PSI application. Massachusetts uses the term "aesthetician" rather than "esthetician" for skin care — this is a naming distinction only and does not affect scope of practice.
The state's 1,000-hour requirement means faster completion for students compared to states requiring 1,500+ hours, though some employers in other states may prefer candidates with higher training hours when evaluating Massachusetts-trained cosmetologists.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Massachusetts administers cosmetology licensure examinations through PSI. First-time applicants must pass a written theory exam to receive their license.
Written Theory Exam
The written exam covers cosmetology sciences, Massachusetts state laws, and sanitation standards. Testing is available at PSI testing centers in Massachusetts or by phone scheduling at (855) 340-0093.
Application Process
As of January 27, 2026, all exam applications must be submitted online through the PSI system. Paper applications by email, U.S. mail, or fax are no longer accepted. The application fee is $68.00 for cosmetologists.
Your application must include a completed School Certification Form signed by your school director, plus a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form. After PSI processes your application, you will receive an email to schedule your exam.
After the Exam
If you pass, your license will be mailed to you. Incomplete applications are held for 180 days — after that period, abandoned applications require a new submission and payment. PSI also offers practice tests and AI-powered study packs through the PSI Online Store.
How to Renew Your Massachusetts Cosmetology License
Massachusetts cosmetology licenses renew every two years on your birthday. The renewal fee is $68.00. Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours for license renewal.
How to Renew Online
- Log in to the ePLACE Portal (or create an account if you have not already).
- Select "Manage Licenses, Permits, and Certificates."
- Locate your cosmetology license and select the renewal option.
- Confirm your personal information and pay the $68.00 renewal fee.
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
If your license has expired but is less than three years past its expiration date, you may still renew through ePLACE by paying the renewal fee. After three years without renewal, the license is considered lapsed under Massachusetts General Law 112, Section 87GG. Reinstatement of a lapsed license requires passing a written practical exam through PSI and paying a $136.00 reinstatement fee.
Practicing cosmetology with an expired or lapsed license in Massachusetts violates state law and can result in disciplinary action. Keep your address current with the board to receive renewal reminders.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering issues licenses for the following professions, each with distinct training requirements and fees:
| License Type | Training Hours | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,000 hours | $68.00 |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | $20.00 |
| Aesthetician | 600 hours | $68.00 |
| Manicurist | 100 hours | $68.00 |
| Electrologist | 1,100 hours | $97.00 |
Instructor Licenses
Massachusetts offers both full instructor and assistant instructor licenses for cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, manicuring, and electrology. Requirements for a full instructor license:
- Active practitioner license in the relevant field
- Two years of full-time work experience (three years for manicuring instructors)
- High school diploma or GED
- Pass a written examination (no practical exam required)
Instructor application fees: $136.00 for cosmetology/aesthetics, $170.00 for barbering, $66.00 for electrology. Assistant instructor licenses cost $68.00 (cosmetology/aesthetics) and are valid for two years, non-renewable.
Important Note on Aesthetician Hours
Effective June 1, 2019, Massachusetts increased the aesthetician training requirement from 300 hours to 600 hours. Applicants who completed a 300-hour program before that date may still qualify under the previous standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for a Massachusetts cosmetology license?
- Complete 1,000 hours at an approved school, then apply online through PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/macos. Pay the $68 application fee and pass the written theory exam. Paper applications are no longer accepted as of January 27, 2026.
- How many hours of training does Massachusetts require?
- Cosmetologists and barbers need 1,000 hours. Aestheticians need 600 hours (increased from 300 effective June 2019). Manicurists need 100 hours. Electrologists need 1,100 hours.
- Does Massachusetts require a practical exam for cosmetology?
- First-time applicants take a written theory exam only. Practical exams are required for reinstatement of lapsed licenses (expired more than three years) and some transfer situations.
- How do I transfer my cosmetology license to Massachusetts?
- Apply through the Board with proof of equivalent training hours (1,000 for cosmetology, 600 for aesthetics, 100 for manicuring). If your state has lower hour requirements, you may need additional training. The transfer application fee is $136 if an exam is required, or $204 without exam.
- Does Massachusetts require continuing education for renewal?
- No. Massachusetts does not require CE hours for any cosmetology, barbering, or aesthetics license renewal. You renew every two years on your birthday and pay the $68 fee through the ePLACE Portal.
- What happens if I let my Massachusetts license expire?
- If your license is less than three years past expiration, you can still renew online. After three years, the license is considered lapsed under state law and requires passing a written practical exam through PSI plus a $136 reinstatement fee.
- Why does Massachusetts use "aesthetician" instead of "esthetician"?
- Massachusetts uses the spelling "aesthetician" while most states use "esthetician." Both refer to the same skin care license. PSI uses "esthetician" in their test taker guides, but the license issued by Massachusetts uses "aesthetician."