Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
Information verified:About the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers operates under the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division. The board is one of the few in the country that regulates both cosmetology and barbering professions under a single regulatory body — most states maintain separate boards for each industry.
The board is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor, including licensed Master Cosmetologists, a Nail Technician, an Esthetician, Master Barbers, a Barber Instructor, a Cosmetology Instructor, and a consumer member. The current chair is Kay Kendrick (Master Cosmetologist), and the Executive Director is Chris Jones. The board's mission is protecting Georgia consumers by ensuring practitioners meet education, examination, and continuing education standards.
The Professional Licensing Boards Division recently moved to a new office at 3920 Arkwright Rd., Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210 (formerly at 237 Coliseum Drive). The office phone number remains (404) 424-9966. All licensing transactions are processed through the GOALS (Georgia Online Application Licensing System) portal at goals.sos.ga.gov — the board no longer accepts paper applications.
Georgia's licensing program is notable for offering an apprenticeship pathway for every license type, a 70% passing score on PSI-administered NIC examinations, and a mandatory CE Broker tracking requirement that took effect January 1, 2026. License verification is available through the GOALS licensee search tool.
Licenses Regulated
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers regulates the following license types under O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 10:
- Master Cosmetologist — Full cosmetology services including hair, skin, and nail services. Requires 1,500 hours of approved school training or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (18 months minimum). Renews March 31, even years.
- Hair Designer — Hair cutting, styling, and chemical services only. Requires 1,325 school hours or 2,650 apprenticeship hours (14 months minimum). Renews September 30, even years.
- Esthetician — Skin care services including facials, makeup application, and hair removal. Requires 1,000 school hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours (18 months minimum). Renews August 31, odd years.
- Nail Technician — Nail care services including manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Requires 525 school hours or 1,050 apprenticeship hours (8 months minimum). Renews August 31, odd years.
- Master Barber — Full barbering services including chemical services. Requires 1,500 school hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours (18 months minimum). Renews December 31, even years.
- Barber II — Basic barbering services excluding chemical services. Requires 1,140 school hours or 2,280 apprenticeship hours (14 months minimum). Renews December 31, even years.
- Instructor — Teaching in a board-approved school. Requires an active practitioner license, 1 year of work experience, and 750 hours of instructor training. Available for cosmetology, hair design, esthetics, nail technology, and barbering. Renews June 30, odd years.
- Salon/Shop License — Required for all establishments where cosmetology or barbering services are performed. You do not need to be a licensed practitioner to own a salon. Renews June 30, odd years.
- School License — Required for all schools teaching cosmetology or barbering programs. Schools are not required to be accredited by a third-party agency.
All licenses must be prominently displayed at the work location. Practicing without a valid Georgia license is a violation of state law and may result in fines, cease-and-desist orders, or criminal prosecution.
Renew Your Georgia Cosmetology License
Georgia cosmetology licenses renew on a two-year cycle. The renewal fee for a Master Cosmetologist is $50.00. Georgia requires 5 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle — 3 hours must be a board-approved health and safety course developed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and 2 hours must be in board-registered topics such as industry trends, business management, or trade shows.
First Renewal Exemption
Your first license renewal does not require continuing education hours. CE requirements begin with your second renewal cycle (Rule 240-3-.01(2)(a)(1)).
CE Broker Requirement (Effective January 1, 2026)
All Georgia cosmetologists and barbers must register with CE Broker and record all completed CE activities. A free basic account is sufficient. Load all CE certificates into CE Broker before applying to renew — the board uses CE Broker to audit compliance and will take action if required hours are not recorded.
25-Year CE Waiver
A licensee who has held a license for 25 years or longer may request a waiver of the CE requirement. Hardship waivers are also available on a case-by-case basis.
How to Renew
Renewals are processed exclusively online through GOALS. Paper renewals are no longer accepted. Log in, locate your active license, confirm CE completion, and pay with a credit card. You will receive approximately 6 email reminders during the renewal period.
Late Renewals and Reinstatement
Late renewal is available for 30 days after the expiration date at double the standard fee ($100 for Master Cosmetologist). After 30 days, the license lapses and requires a reinstatement application ($200) with proof of all CE hours since the lapse date. Practicing on an expired license violates Georgia law and may result in fines or prosecution.
File a Complaint
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers investigates complaints against licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, and establishments operating in Georgia. The board has jurisdiction over violations of O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 10 — including unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, operating without a salon license, and professional misconduct.
To file a complaint, submit it online through the GOALS portal at goals.sos.ga.gov. You can search for a licensee's name and license number using the GOALS licensee search if needed. Your complaint must include your name, address, telephone number, and email; the name and license number of the person or facility; a detailed description of the alleged violation; and any supporting documentation such as receipts, photos, or contracts.
The board does not have authority over billing disputes, fee disagreements, or matters that are purely civil in nature. These must be resolved through civil court or the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Investigations are confidential by law. After investigation, the board may issue a letter of concern, impose fines, enter a consent order, suspend, or revoke a license. Formal hearings are conducted by an administrative law judge under the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act. Appeals go to the Superior Court of Bibb County. The process may take several months to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new address for the Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers?
- The board moved to 3920 Arkwright Rd., Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210. The phone number remains (404) 424-9966. All applications and renewals are processed online through the GOALS portal at goals.sos.ga.gov.
- How many CE hours does Georgia require for cosmetology license renewal?
- Georgia requires 5 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle — 3 hours in a board-approved health and safety course (developed by TCSG) and 2 hours in registered elective topics. Instructors require 15 hours. Your first renewal is exempt from CE. Licensees with 25+ years may request a waiver.
- What is CE Broker and is it required in Georgia?
- CE Broker is a mandatory CE tracking platform for all Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees as of January 1, 2026. You must create at least a free basic account and record all completed CE activities before applying to renew. The board audits CE compliance through CE Broker.
- What is the passing score for the Georgia cosmetology exam?
- Georgia requires a minimum passing score of 70% on both the written and practical NIC examinations administered by PSI. Exams are in English only. You may retake only the section you failed — there is no limit on retakes for initial licensure applicants.
- Does Georgia offer reciprocity for out-of-state licenses?
- No. Georgia does not reciprocate with any state. However, if you are actively licensed and in good standing in another state or U.S. territory, you may apply for licensure by endorsement ($75). You may need to pass the Georgia exam if you cannot provide proof of passing a national written and practical exam in English.
- What is the renewal fee for a Georgia cosmetology license?
- Master Cosmetologist and Hair Designer licenses renew at $50, Esthetician and Nail Technician at $45, and Instructor licenses at $75. All renewals are processed online through GOALS — paper renewals are no longer accepted.