Massachusetts Cosmetology State Requirement for Licensure

Step-by-Step Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Massachusetts, home to a thriving beauty industry and renowned salon hubs like Boston’s Back Bay and Cambridge, sets high standards for cosmetology licensing. Whether you dream of styling in Newbury Street’s luxury salons or launching your own business in Worcester’s growing beauty scene, getting licensed is the first step to success.

Unlike some states, Massachusetts does not require continuing education for license renewal, making compliance easier for professionals. However, it maintains rigorous training standards, requiring applicants to graduate from a state-approved cosmetology school—an approach that helps maintain the state’s reputation for top-tier beauty professionals.

Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials

In Massachusetts, earning a cosmetology license involves meeting specific requirements set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The state classifies licenses based on experience, offering both operator and managerial licenses. Here’s what you need to know to get one:

Start Your Cosmetology Career in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to innovation and artistry—from high-end salons on Newbury Street to boutique studios across Boston, Worcester, and Cape Cod. Whether you’re perfecting color techniques, styling for special events, or launching your own beauty business, your journey begins with earning your Massachusetts cosmetology license.

Here’s everything you need to know to start your career in the Bay State.

Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

To legally practice cosmetology in Massachusetts, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Be at least 16 years old.

• Education Requirement: Complete 10th grade or an equivalent level of education.

• Training Hours: Graduate from a Board-approved cosmetology school after completing 1,000 hours of required training.

• Examinations: Pass both the written and practical exams administered by Pearson VUE.

• Application: Submit a completed application with all supporting documentation to the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.

• Fees: Pay all applicable state licensing fees.

Massachusetts issues two types of cosmetology licenses:

• Type 2 – Operator’s License: For cosmetologists with less than two years of work experience.

• Type 1 – Manager’s License: For cosmetologists with at least two years of professional experience as a licensed Type 2 operator.

Exam Requirements

To qualify for the Massachusetts cosmetology examination, applicants must:

• Complete 1,000 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school.

• Pass both written and practical exams testing core cosmetology techniques and state safety standards.

• Achieve the required passing score as determined by the Board.

• Pay all licensing and examination fees upon passing.

• Utilize available appeal options if a retest is necessary.

Continuing Education

Massachusetts currently does not require continuing education (CEUs) for cosmetologists. However, licenses must be renewed every two years on the license holder’s birthday.

Even though CEUs aren’t mandated, many beauty professionals continue their education to stay up to date on the latest styles, safety protocols, and beauty technology.

Apprenticeship Programs

Massachusetts does not allow apprenticeship programs for cosmetology licensure. All cosmetology training must be completed in a Board-approved school to qualify for the state examination.

License Reciprocity

If you’re moving to Massachusetts from another state, you may be eligible for license reciprocity if:

• Your existing license is active and in good standing.

• Your previous state’s training and licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to those of Massachusetts.

• Your home state provides reciprocal recognition to Massachusetts licensees.

If these conditions aren’t met, you’ll need to meet Massachusetts’ full licensing requirements and pass the state exams.

Instructor Licensing

To become a licensed cosmetology instructor (Type 4 License) in Massachusetts, applicants must:

• Hold a Type 1 Cosmetology License.

• Have at least two years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist or junior assistant instructor.

• Pass both a state-administered written and practical exam specific to instructor qualifications.

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Esthetician Licensing Requirements

Licensing Criteria

Individuals seeking to provide professional skin care services in Massachusetts must obtain an esthetician license. The requirements include:

• Being at least 16 years old.

• Completing the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education.

• Graduating from a Board-approved aesthetics school, completing the mandated training hours.

• Successfully passing both the written and practical state examinations.

• Submitting a completed application with supporting documents and fees.

Massachusetts offers two license classifications for estheticians:

• Type 7 (Operator License): For those with less than two years of work experience.

• Type 6 (Manager License): Requires at least two years of practical work experience as a licensed Type 7 esthetician.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the Massachusetts esthetician licensing examination, candidates must:

• Complete 300 hours of professional training at a Board-approved aesthetics school.

• Pass a written and practical exam administered by Pearson VUE.

• Achieve a passing score determined by the Board.

• Pay all required fees upon passing.

License Reciprocity

Massachusetts offers reciprocity for out-of-state estheticians if:

• The out-of-state license is active and in good standing with no restrictions.

• The license has been held for at least three of the past five years without disciplinary actions or convictions.

• The home state’s licensing standards are substantially equivalent to those of Massachusetts.

• Otherwise, applicants must meet Massachusetts' licensing requirements and pass the state exams.

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Massachusetts Hairstylist/Barber Licensing Requirements

Licensing Criteria

In Massachusetts, hairstylists and barbers are regulated under the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. To legally practice, individuals must get a license by meeting the following qualifications:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Have completed the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education.

• Graduate from a Board-approved barbering school and complete the required training hours.

• Pass both the written and practical state examinations.

• Submit the necessary application materials and fees.

Licensed cosmetologists in Massachusetts are required to complete additional barber-specific training to obtain a barbering license.

Examination Requirements

Candidates for the barbering examination must:

• Complete 1,000 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology and barbering school.

• Pass both the written and practical exams administered by Pearson VUE.

• Meet the Board’s passing score criteria.

• Appeal options are available for failed scores.

• Pay all required licensing fees upon passing.

Additionally, those seeking a Master Barber License must complete an 18-month apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed master barber after passing the initial written exam first.

Apprenticeship Programs

Massachusetts allows barbering apprenticeships, requiring:

• An initial apprentice barber license upon completing school and passing the exam.

• 18 months of supervised experience under a master barber before applying for a Master Barber License.

License Reciprocity

Massachusetts offers reciprocity for out-of-state barbers if:

• The applicant’s license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.

• The license has been held for at least three of the past five years without disciplinary actions or convictions.

• The home state maintains substantially equivalent training and examination standards.

If these conditions are not met, applicants must submit an application and complete Massachusetts' licensing process, including required training and exams.

Instructor Licensing

To become a barbering instructor in Massachusetts, individuals must:

• Hold a Master Barber License.

• Meet additional technical training and examination requirements set by the Board.

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Nail Technician/Manicurist Licensing Requirements

Licensing Criteria

To legally provide nail care services in Massachusetts, individuals must receive a Type 3 Manicurist License by meeting the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Complete the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education.

• Graduate from a Board-approved nail technology program, completing the required training hours.

• Pass both the written and practical licensing examinations.

• Submit a complete application with all necessary documentation and fees.

A licensed manicurist in Massachusetts can work in a manicuring salon, cosmetology salon, nail salon, or aesthetics salon.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the Massachusetts nail technician licensing exam, applicants must:

• Complete 100 hours of professional training at a Board-approved nail technology school.

• Pass both a written and practical examination administered by Pearson VUE.

• Meet the Board’s passing score requirements.

• Appeal options are available for those who do not pass.

• Pay all required licensing fees upon passing

License Reciprocity

Massachusetts allows reciprocity for out-of-state nail technicians if:

• The applicant’s license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.

• The license has been held for at least three of the past five years without disciplinary actions or convictions.

• The home state’s licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to those of Massachusetts.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements must complete school certification portion of the Massachusetts licensing process, including state-approved training and exams.

Instructor Licensing

To instruct in nail care in Massachusetts, individuals must hold either a cosmetology or aesthetician license and meet additional instructor training requirements as determined by the Board.

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Makeup Artist Licensing Requirements

In Massachusetts, makeup artists are regulated under either the registration of cosmetology, or esthetics, depending on the scope of services offered. Individuals providing makeup application, skin care treatments, or related beauty services must obtain either a Type 1 Cosmetology License or a Type 7 Esthetician License to practice legally.

Since Massachusetts does not offer a standalone makeup artist license, professionals must meet the education, examination, and licensing requirements for either cosmetology or esthetics based on their services.

For more detailed information on licensing and registration requirements, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.

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