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Licensing in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, massage therapists by the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy, and nurses by the Board of Registration in Nursing. Home improvement contractors register with OCABR.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,000 hours | Written (PSI) | Every 2 years, on birthday |
| Aesthetician | 600 hours | Written (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Manicurist | 100 hours | Written (PSI) | Every 2 years |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | Written (PSI) | Per board schedule |
| Electrologist | 1,100 hours | Written (PSI) | Per board schedule |
- All these licenses are issued by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The exam is a written theory exam.
- Apprenticeship is available: first 25 school hours of safety, sanitation and shampooing, then apprentice registration.
- Barber shop licenses expire on June 30 of even years.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 650 hours | Board exam from 2027 | Every year | 3 |
- New regulations took effect on November 7, 2025. Applications submitted after January 1, 2027 require a board-approved exam; the board has approved the MBLEx.
- Licenses expire on the 28th of the birth month. CE must cover ethics or human trafficking.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Board of Registration in Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Board of Registration in Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- The Nurse Licensure Compact law was signed in November 2024 but is not yet in effect: implementation is targeted for May 2027. A Massachusetts license is required for now.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement Contractor | OCABR | Registration for work on 1–4 unit homes |
| Construction Supervisor | Office of Public Safety and Inspections | License for larger work: additions, new structures |
| Electrician | Board of State Examiners of Electricians | State license |
| Plumber | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters | State license |
- HIC and CSL are different credentials. A kitchen renovation may need both, though not necessarily held by the same person.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering | Establishment license; renewed every 2 years |
| LLC | Secretary of the Commonwealth | Registration — file a Certificate of Organization |
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Massachusetts specifics
- Short cosmetology training. Cosmetologists need 1,000 hours, manicurists only 100.
- Written exam only. The beauty exam is theory only, with no practical part.
- New massage rules. Since November 2025 — 650 hours and annual renewal with CE.
- The Compact is not active yet. The law is signed, but multistate nursing licenses will not apply before 2027.
- Two credentials for remodeling. HIC registration and a Construction Supervisor License are different things.
- Birthday renewal. A cosmetologist license expires on the licensee's birthday, every 2 years.
What professionals earn in Massachusetts
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. BLS does not publish barber data for Massachusetts. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,000 hours at a board-approved school, then the PSI written exam.
How many hours does a manicurist need?
100 training hours and a written exam.
How do massage therapists renew?
Every year, by the 28th of the birth month, with 3 CE hours.
Is a multistate nursing license valid in Massachusetts?
Not yet. The law is signed; implementation is targeted for May 2027.
*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: Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, Board of Registration of Massage Therapy, Board of Registration in Nursing, Home Improvement Contractor Program (OCABR), Mass.gov. Wage data — BLS.