All states · Tennessee
Licensing in Tennessee
In Tennessee, beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, and contractors are licensed by the Board for Licensing Contractors — both under the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Massage therapists and nurses are licensed by boards under the Department of Health.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Written and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years | — |
| Aesthetician | 750 hours | Written and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years | — |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | Written and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years | — |
| Master Barber | 1,500 hours | Board exam (PSI) | Every 2 years | — |
| Barber Technician | 340 hours | Written and practical (PSI) | Every 2 years | — |
- Licenses renew every 2 years. No CE is required for practitioners — only for instructors (16 hours).
- A Tennessee-licensed cosmetologist can receive up to 300 hours of credit toward the 1,500 barber school hours.
- The board also issues Natural Hair Stylist, Eyelash Specialist and Hair Braider licenses.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 500 hours | MBLEx or NCBTMB | Every 2 years | 24 |
- Licenses are issued by the Board of Massage Licensure under the Department of Health. The school must be approved by THEC or the Tennessee Board of Regents.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Tennessee Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Tennessee Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | Department of Health | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Tennessee is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Board for Licensing Contractors | License for projects of $25,000 or more |
| Home Improvement | Board for Licensing Contractors | $3,000 to $25,000 — in 9 counties |
| Limited Licensed Electrician | Board for Licensing Contractors | For work under $25,000 |
| Limited Licensed Plumber | Board for Licensing Contractors | For work under $25,000 |
- Contractor licenses come in several classifications: building, electrical, mechanical/plumbing/HVAC, masonry, roofing and others.
- A home improvement license is required in Bradley, Davidson, Haywood, Hamilton, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | Establishment license; renewed every 2 years |
| LLC | Secretary of State | Registration — file Articles of Organization |
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
Tennessee specifics
- One board for beauty and barbers. Cosmetologists and barbers are licensed by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
- No CE for practitioners. Beauty licenses renew without continuing education — only instructors need CE.
- Barber technician. In 340 hours you can get a license for coloring, shampooing and manicuring in a barbershop.
- Aesthetician — 750 hours. Manicurists need 600 hours.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Contractors — from $25,000. Smaller projects have separate licenses: home improvement, electrician and plumber.
What professionals earn in Tennessee
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 hours at a school of cosmetology, then the written and practical exams.
Is CE required to renew a beauty license?
No. Licenses renew every 2 years without CE; only instructors must complete CE.
How many hours does a massage therapist need?
500 hours at an approved school, plus 24 CE hours every 2 years for renewal.
When is a contractor license required?
For projects of $25,000 or more. Home improvement work from $3,000 in 9 counties needs a separate license.
*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: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure, Tennessee Board of Nursing, Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Tennessee Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.