In Georgia, you don’t have to wait until after high school graduation before pursuing opportunities at a cosmetology school. Many high schools throughout the state, in conjunction with a few cosmetology schools will allow you to take cosmetology courses through a college program while in high school, and earn dual credit at both.
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
“I thought about it and decided i would be great if I could go ahead and get my first year done before I even graduate.” –Alexis West, Central High student
Ready to attend cosmetology school?
In order to work as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must first meet the training requirements set by the Georgia Board of Cosmetology. Depending on which beauty specialty you are interested in, your classroom hours will be different. If you are interested in practicing massage therapy, the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy will be your licensing department. Be sure your cosmetology program will meet the following hour requirements for Georgia licensure:
Cosmetologist: 1500 training hours
Barber: 1,500 training hours
Esthetician: 1,000 training hours
Manicurist: 525 training hours
Massage Therapy: 500 training hours
No additional exams are required for people holding a cosmetology license in another state. However, the requirements of that state must be equal or greater to the requirements in Georgia.
Licenses for nail technicians and estheticians expire on June 30 in odd-numbered years. Cosmetologist and barber licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. You must complete five hours of continuing education before you can apply for license renewal.
