- 1,500 school hours in a minimum of 9 months OR
- 54 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1500 hours OR
- Barber licensee crossover hours plus 250 school hours in an approved Cosmetology school OR
- Have completed 3000 hours in a minimum of 18 months via an apprenticeship
OK, so you’ve checked that you’re eligible to take your exams, what’s next?
Step 2: Schedule your theory exam
In Georgia, all Cosmetology exams take place at PSI centers and you are required to schedule your exams yourself.
Now, if you have studied at a Cosmetology school, your education provider will inform PSI that you are eligible to take your tests. You will then receive an eligibility notice containing your ID number along with instructions as to how to book your exams.
However, if you have trained via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers before you can book your tests.
To make this request, you need to send all original transcripts of hours to the Board office, along with a letter requesting a ‘Letter of Eligibility’ to sit for the exams.
There is no charge for your first request for the Letter of Eligibility; however, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.
Once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam.
Scheduling your exams:
The easiest method for scheduling your exams is online via the PSI website.
And to apply online, you will need to:
- Log onto the PSI website and create an account
- Select your written exam
- Enter the ID number
- Enter your zip code and select your examination center
- Choose from the available dates
- And finally, make a payment of $45 using a credit or debit card
Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:
- By phone: (833) 333-4741
- By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
- Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Once you have booked your exam, be sure to make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!
Step 3: Arrive at the exam center on exam day
You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled examination time to allow time to sign in and familiarize yourself with the exam process.
It is important to note that PSI does not allow candidates to speak to one another in the test center.
And if you arrive late, you will not be allowed to sit your exam and your fees will be forfeited.
You will then need to reschedule your exam and will have to pay again.
When signing in at your test center, you must produce 2 forms of identification. One must be a government-issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport), which bears your signature and has your photograph. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name.
The following forms of ID are acceptable:
Photo bearing ID:
- State-issued driver’s license
- State issued identification card
- US Government Issued Passport
- US Government Issued Military Identification Card
- US Government Issued Alien Registration Card
- Credit Card (must be signed)
In the interest of security, and to prevent cheating, you will not be allowed to bring any of the following items into your test with you:
- Electronic devices
- Bulky or loose clothing
- Hats or headgear (except those worn for religious reasons)
- Bags or purses
- Notebooks or reference books
- Food and drink
- Writing implements
- Good luck charms
When you arrive at the examination center, you will be told where to leave your bags and other personal items. Then, before you enter the examination room, you will be asked if you have any prohibited items and may be asked to empty your pockets.
Then, it’s time to take your exam!
Step 4: Take the written theory exam
The Georgia theory exam is completed entirely via a computer.
Once you have been directed to your seat, you will be prompted to confirm:
- Your name
- Identification number
- And the examination you are sitting
Then, you will be given 15 minutes to complete an introductory tutorial. This tutorial includes sample questions, but the time you take on this task doesn’t impact the amount of time you’ll have to complete your test.
When your test begins, you will have 90 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Scientific Concepts (30%)
- Hair Care and Services (40%)
- Skin Care and Services (15%)
- Nail Care and Services (15%)
And you will also be given 10 minutes to answer an additional 10 questions which do not count towards your score.
In Georgia, Cosmetology examinations are developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This means that you can find a full breakdown of what will be covered in your exam here.
Step 5: Get your results
As soon as you complete your first exam, your results will appear on the screen. And an official score sheet will be printed on-site, for you to take away with you.
In order to pass your written exam, you must score at least 70%. And if you fail, you will need to book your test again.
However, try not to be disheartened. If you fail your exam, a diagnostic showing which questions you struggled with will show on screen, allowing you to concentrate your revision on your weaker subjects.
OK, now you’ve taken your theory exam, it’s time to concentrate on your practical exam.
Step 6: Schedule your practical exam
Like the theory, all practical Cosmetology exams in Georgia take place at PSI centers, and the easiest way to schedule your exam is via the PSI website.
To do this you will need to:
- Log onto the PSI website
- Select your exam
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your zip code and select your examination center
- Choose from the available dates
- And finally, make a payment of $64 using a credit or debit card
Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:
- By phone: (833) 333-4741
- By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
- Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Then, once you have booked your exam, make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!
Step 7: Arrive at the test center
Arriving at your test center for your practical exam is very similar to what you experienced when taking your written test.
You should arrive 30 minutes early and will be asked to show your ID (don’t forget, if you’re late, you won’t be allowed to sit your exam and will forfeit your fee!).
However, there are some differences you should be aware of:
- Students taking their practical exams are expected to wear closed-toe shoes and a smock/lab coat. If you don’t meet this requirement, you will not be allowed to sit your exam and your fee will be forfeited.
- You will be expected to bring some supplies with you. (A full list of the supplies you’ll need can be found here)
Step 8: Take your practical exam
After you have signed in and put away any prohibited items (like your purse etc.), it’s time to take your practical exam!
The examination will last for 185 minutes, and you will be given verbal instructions before your test begins.
- work area and client preparation, and set up of supplies
- thermal curling
- haircutting
- work area and new client preparation, and set up of supplies
- chemical waving
- predisposition test and strand test with simulated product
- highlighting with foil, virgin application with colored simulated product
- hair color retouch with colored simulated product
- virgin relaxer application with colored simulated product
- blood exposure procedure
- basic facial
- sculptured nail
Your examiner will read detailed instructions before each stage of the exam begins, and they will let you know when your time for each task is running out.
If you would like to read about each task in more detail, a full breakdown can be found here.
Once your exam is finished, you’ll be directed to take a seat to wait for your results. This should only take 5-10 minutes.
Step 9: Get your results
After 5-10 minutes, you will be given a printed score report. The passing grade for your practical exam is 70%.
If you have passed both your theory and practical exams, you are now ready to apply for your license – congratulations!
However, if you didn’t score 70% or higher, you’ll need to book your test again.
Step 10: Apply for your Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ Master Cosmetology license!
Now that you’ve passed both your written and practical exams, it’s time to get your license!
The cost of applying for a Cosmetology Master license is $30. And you can apply for your license online.
Or if you prefer, you can download, complete, and post this application form to:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers,
237 Coliseum Drive,
The most common reason for not getting your license is failing your written exams: However, students who use our Cosmetology Exam Preparation Package has a pass rate of 98.5%!
Frequently asked questions about the Georgia Master Cosmetologist exams
How do I apply for the Georgia Cosmetology exams, if I am a Cosmetology school-based applicant?
If you have completed an approved Cosmetology program via Cosmetology school, your education provider will inform PSI that you are eligible to take your tests.
You will then receive an eligibility notice containing your ID number along with instructions as to how to book your exams.
You must schedule your exams directly with PSI, which you can do:
- Online here
- By phone: (833) 333-4741
- By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
- Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
How do I apply for the Georgia Cosmetology exams if I have studied via an apprenticeship?
If you have completed your Cosmetology training via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers before you can schedule your exams.
To make this request, you need to send all original transcripts of hours to the Board office, along with a letter requesting a ‘Letter of Eligibility’ to sit for the exams.
There is no charge for the first request for the Letter of Eligibility. However, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.
Once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam:
- Online here
- By phone: (833) 333-4741
- By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
- Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?
If you need to reschedule your examination, you must give at least 2 days’ notice. If you don’t give a minimum of 2 days notice, you may forfeit your exam fees.
How much does it cost to take the Georgia Cosmetology exams?
- Written Theory Test – $45
- Practical Test – $64
Where do the examinations take place?
In Georgia, both the theory and practical Cosmetology exams take place in PSI test centers.
How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Georgia Master Cosmetologist exams?
If you have studied via a Cosmetology program at a beauty school, you must have completed:
- 1,500 school hours in a minimum of 9 months OR
- 54 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1500 hours OR
- Barber licensee crossover hours plus 250 school hours in an approved Cosmetology school
If you have trained as an apprentice, you must have completed:
- 3,000 hours in a minimum of 18 months via an apprenticeship
Can I complete my hours through an apprenticeship instead of attending cosmetology school in Georgia?
Yes, the state of Georgia recognizes Cosmetology apprenticeships.
Can I take the examinations before I’ve completed the required hours?
No, you must complete your designated hours before you are eligible to take your exams.
How long is the Cosmetology written examination?
When you arrive at your exam center, you will have 15 minutes to complete a tutorial explaining how to sit your exam.
You will then have 90 minutes to answer 100 graded questions, and 10 minutes to answer 10 non-graded questions.
What’s the format of the written examination?
Your written exam will take place on a computer. It is comprised of multiple-choice questions and a breakdown of what the test includes can be found here.
How long is the Cosmetology practical examination in Georgia?
The Cosmetology practical examination lasts for 185 minutes.
What’s the format of the practical examination?
You will be given a set amount of time to demonstrate a range of different Cosmetology techniques.
What scores do I need to pass both portions of the Cosmetology exam?
- Written Theory Exam – 70%
- Practical Exam -70%
Check if you’re on track to pass your exam by taking our free cosmetology practice test.
Can I take my Cosmetology examinations again if I fail?
Yes, but you must pass both exams within 24 months of completing your credit hours.
How long does Cosmetology school take in Georgia?
The length of time it takes to complete a program at Cosmetology school in Georgia varies. However, your program must be at least 9 months in order for you to be eligible to take your Cosmetology exams.
How long does a Cosmetology apprenticeship take in Georgia?
In order to be eligible to take the Georgia Cosmetology exams, your apprenticeship must last for a minimum of 18 months.
How do I transfer my Cosmetology license to Georgia?
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers are currently determining the endorsement requirements due to a law change which became effective July 1, 2015.
How do I get my Cosmetology license in Georgia?
To get your Cosmetology license in Texas, you need to:
- Graduate from Cosmetology school having completed 1,500 hours of practical experience in a minimum of 9 months OR
- Gain 54 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1,500 hours OR
- Hold enough Barber licensee crossover hours plus 250 school hours in an approved Cosmetology school OR
- Complete an apprenticeship lasting a minimum of 19 months having completed 3,000 hours of practical experience AND
- Pass two examinations (written and practical) AND
- Submit a successful application with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be issued with a license.
How do I renew my cosmetology license in Georgia?
In Georgia, you must renew your Cosmetology license every other year.
But, in order to renew your license, you must complete 5 hours of training. These short courses are known as ‘continuing education’ and are provided by many schools and organizations.
You will receive a reminder approx. 6 weeks before your license is due for renewal. And, once you have completed your mandatory training, you can apply to renew your license.
The cost of renewing your license is currently $50.
How should I study for the Georgia cosmetology written exam?
Use our Cosmetology Exam Preparation Package to learn everything you need to pass the written exam.
- Our package includes a study guide that’s structured to help you learn the RIGHT information rather than ALL the information, which can help you cut your preparation/revision time in half.
- Then use our simulated exams to practice for the written exam under test conditions. This part is really important: it’s the key to helping you succeed!
Georgia cosmetology state board exam practice test
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