All states · Georgia
Licensing in Georgia
In Georgia, professional licenses are issued by state boards under the Secretary of State: one board for beauty and barbers, and separate boards for massage, nursing and contractors. Businesses are registered there as well.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Written and practical | Every 2 years | 5 |
| Hair Designer | 1,325 hours | Written and practical | Every 2 years | 5 |
| Esthetician | 1,000 hours | Written and practical | Every 2 years | 5 |
| Nail Technician | 525 hours | Written and practical | Every 2 years | 5 |
| Master Barber | 1,500 hours | Written and practical | Every 2 years | 5 |
- All licenses are issued by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
- Of the 5 CE hours, 3 cover health and safety. The first renewal needs no CE; licensees with 25+ years can request a waiver.
- Instead of school, you can complete an apprenticeship: for example, 3,000 hours and at least 18 months for cosmetology.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 500 hours | MBLEx | Every 2 years | 24 |
- Licenses are issued by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. Renewal is due by October 31 of even years.
- At least 12 CE hours must be hands-on. The board does not license massage businesses — counties and cities issue permits.
| License | Issued by | Exam | Renewal | Renewal condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Georgia Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN | Every 2 years | 30 CE hours or another option, such as 500 practice hours |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Georgia Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN | Every 2 years | 20 CE hours |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Georgia Nurse Aide Registry | State exam | Every 24 months | Work as a nurse aide |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification | — | — |
- Georgia is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
- RNs have 5 renewal options: 30 CE hours, national certification, academic study, 500 practice hours, or a reentry program.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Contractor | State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors | Basic and Light Commercial tiers; net worth and insurance requirements |
| General Contractor | State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors | Net worth from $150,000 and insurance; a limited tier caps projects at $1 million |
| Electrical, Plumbing | State Construction Industry Licensing Board | License in the specific trade |
| Conditioned AirHVAC | State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors | Conditioned air contractor license |
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers | Establishment license |
| LLC | Secretary of State | Registration — $100 online |
| Annual Registration | Secretary of State | Every year between January 1 and April 1 — $50 |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Georgia specifics
- One board for beauty and barbers. Cosmetologists and barbers are licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
- 5 CE hours. Beauty license renewal needs 5 hours every 2 years; the first renewal needs no CE.
- Apprenticeship path. Instead of school, you can train under a licensed professional — twice the school hours.
- A separate Hair Designer license. Hair services only — 1,325 training hours.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Annual LLC registration. Every year by April 1 — $50 to the Secretary of State.
What professionals earn in Georgia
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Which exams do beauty professionals take?
Board-approved written and practical exams.
How many CE hours are needed for renewal?
5 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of health and safety. The first renewal needs no CE.
How many hours does a massage therapist need?
500 training hours and the MBLEx.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate license is valid.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, Georgia Board of Nursing, Georgia Contractors Boards, Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations. Wage data — BLS.