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:

Licensing Criteria

To legally practice cosmetology in Massachusetts, individuals must receive a license in compliance with specific regulations. The following requirements must be met:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

• Completion of the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education is required.

• Graduation from a Board-approved cosmetology school, completing the mandated training hours.

• Successful completion of the state-administered written and practical examinations.

• Submission of a complete application with supporting documents.

• Payment of all associated fees.

Massachusetts distinguishes between two license types:

• Type 2 (Operator’s License): For individuals with less than two years of work experience.

• Type 1 (Manager’s License): Requires at least two years of practical work experience as a licensed Type 2 cosmetologist.

Examination Requirements

To qualify for the Massachusetts cosmetology licensing examination, applicants must:

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

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

• Meet the Board’s passing score requirements.

• Appeal options are available for those who fail the exam.

• Pay the required licensing fees upon passing.

Continuing Education

Massachusetts does not require continuing education for cosmetologists. Licenses must be renewed biennially on the licensee’s birthday.

Apprenticeship Programs

Unlike some states, Massachusetts does not permit apprenticeship programs for cosmetology licensure. Training must be completed in a Board-approved school to qualify for examination.

License Reciprocity

Massachusetts allows reciprocity for individuals holding a valid out-of-state license if:

• The license is active and in good standing, with no restrictions or disciplinary actions.

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

• Massachusetts offers the same recognition to professionals from the applicant’s home state.

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

Instructor Licensing

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

• Hold a Type 1 Cosmetology License.

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

• Pass a state-administered practical and written examination.

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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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