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Step-by-Step Tennessee Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Tennessee’s approach to cosmetology and licensing requirements is straightforward and confirms professionals are well-prepared to enter the beauty industry. The state offers multiple pathways for aspiring cosmetologists, including traditional schooling, apprenticeships, and license reciprocity for qualified professionals.
Unlike many other states, Tennessee requires passing both a written theory exam and a practical examination for licensure. While there are no continuing education requirements for most licenses, instructors must complete 16 hours of board-approved training every two years to maintain their credentials.
Tennessee Cosmetology Licensing Pathway: Age, Education, and Training Essentials
In Tennessee, earning a cosmetology license requires meeting specific criteria established by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Here’s what you need to know to receive your license:
Licensing Criteria
To legally practice a board of cosmetology here in Tennessee, individuals must meet the following requirements:
Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
Completion of a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent level of education is required.
Applicants must complete 1,500 hours of training in a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology school or meet apprenticeship requirements.
Successful completion of both a written theory exam and a practical examination.
Submission of a complete application with all required supporting documents.
Payment of all associated fees, including any additional late fees if applicable.
Individuals holding a barber license in Tennessee may complete a crossover program to become licensed cosmetologists.
Examination Requirements
Applicants seeking to take the licensing examination must:
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of training from a board-approved school, with no apprenticeship path currently allowed for cosmetologists.
PSI administers the written exam only; the practical exam is administered by NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology).
Achieve a passing score of at least 70%, as required by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Appeal options are available for those who do not pass the examination.
Upon passing, applicants must pay the required licensing fees before the expiration date.
To reinstate an invalid license, you must take reinstatement exams.
Continuing Education
Tennessee does not mandate continuing education for licensed cosmetologists. However, instructors are required to complete 16 hours of a board-approved instructor training program every two years to maintain their credentials. Renewal notices are mailed approximately one month before the expiration date.
Apprenticeship Programs
To join a cosmetology apprenticeship program in Tennessee, candidates must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Complete a minimum of 1500 classroom hours at a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology school.
Pass the written theory exam before beginning the apprenticeship.
Work under a licensed cosmetologist with at least 10 years of experience.
Have the supervising professional log and report training hours and student progress to the cosmetology school.
The apprenticeship must take place in a salon with a visible sign indicating that apprentices are practicing.
License Reciprocity
Tennessee offers license reciprocity for individuals holding a valid out-of-state license. To qualify:
The out-of-state license must be active, valid, and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
The applicant must have completed 1,500 training hours.
If training hours are short, applicants must demonstrate at least three years of work experience within the past five years.
If the originating state did not require a theory and practical exam, the applicant must complete Tennessee’s examination requirements.
Applications for reciprocity can be submitted online at https://core.tn.gov.
Instructor Licensing
To become a licensed cosmetology instructor in Tennessee, candidates must:
Hold a valid Tennessee cosmetology license.
Be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent diploma.
Complete a board-approved instructor training program with at least 300 hours of training within a six-month period.
Alternatively, complete one year of service as a junior instructor.
Pass both a written theory exam and a practical demonstration.
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Estheticians
Licensing Criteria
Individuals wishing to perform skin care services must get an esthetician license. Requirements include:
Being at least 16 years old.
Completing a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Graduating from a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology program with 750 hours of training.
PSI administers the written exam only; the practical exam is administered by NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology).
Submitting a completed application with all required documentation and fees.
Examination Requirements
Candidates must:
Complete 750 hours of classroom instruction from a Tennessee Board-approved school.
Pass a written theory exam and a practical examination with a score of 70% or higher.
Appeal any failed scores through the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners if needed.
Pay the required fees upon passing.
License Reciprocity
Tennessee allows reciprocity for eligible out-of-state estheticians. Applicants must:
Hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing from another state.
Have completed a minimum of 750 training hours.
If training hours are lacking, applicants must provide proof of five years of relevant work experience within the past seven years.
If the originating state did not require both a theory and a practical exam, candidates must complete Tennessee’s required examinations.
Submit a completed application along with required documentation and fees through the state’s licensing portal at https://core.tn.gov.
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Hairstylists/Barbers
Licensing Criteria
Hairstylists and barbers are licensed under the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. To practice hairstyling or be a barber in Tennessee, individuals must secure a license by meeting the following qualifications:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have completed the 12th grade or hold an equivalent diploma.
Graduate from a Tennessee Board-approved barbering or cosmetology program, completing the required training or apprenticeship hours.
Pass the state licensing examinations, including both theory and practical exams.
Submit the necessary application materials along with supporting documents and fees.
Licensed cosmetologists in Tennessee may take a crossover course to become licensed hairstylists or barbers.
Examination Requirements
Barbering examination candidates must:
Complete either 1,500 training hours from a board-approved school or 750 hours followed by an approved apprenticeship.
Pass both written theory and practical exams with a minimum score of 70%.
Submit an appeal to the Tennessee Board if they fail to meet the passing score.
Pay all required fees upon passing the examinations.
Apprenticeship Programs
Individuals entering barbering apprenticeships must:
Be at least 17 years old.
Have completed the 12th grade or hold an equivalent diploma.
Complete 450 hours of classroom education at a Tennessee Board-approved barbering school.
Pass the written theory exam before beginning the apprenticeship.
Log and report hours under the supervision of a licensed mentor with at least 10 years of experience.
Work in a salon that visibly posts an apprentice sign and maintains individual workspaces for apprentices.
License Reciprocity
Out-of-state barbers may apply for a Tennessee license through reciprocity, provided:
Their current license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.
They have completed 1,500 training hours or can demonstrate five years of work experience within the last seven years.
If their state did not require a written theory and practical exam, they must take Tennessee's exams.
Submit an online application with supporting documentation via https://core.tn.gov.
Those not meeting reciprocity conditions must complete Tennessee’s licensing process, including completion of required training and exams.
Instructor Licensing
Barbering instructors need a valid Tennessee barber license and technical training. Requirements include:
Holding a valid master barber license for a minimum of three years.
Completion of a 450-hour instructor training program from a Tennessee Board-approved school.
Passing both the written theory exam and the practical examination.
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Nail Technicians/Manicurists
Licensing Criteria
To legally provide nail care services in Tennessee, individuals must receive a license by meeting the following requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
Complete a high school diploma or an equivalent level of education.
Graduate from a Tennessee Board-approved training program, completing 600 hours of instruction.
Pass both the written theory exam and the practical examination.
Submit a complete application with all required documentation and fees.
Examination Requirements
To sit for the licensing examination or exam, applicants must:
Complete 600 hours of training at a Tennessee Board-approved cosmetology school.
Demonstrate practical skills during a hands-on test and pass a written examination.
Achieve a passing score of at least 70%, as set by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
File an appeal if the score is unsatisfactory.
Pay the required fees upon passing.
License Reciprocity
Tennessee offers reciprocity for out-of-state nail technicians who practice here:
Hold an active, valid license in good standing with no restrictions or disciplinary actions.
Have completed a minimum of 600 training hours.
If training hours are insufficient, provide proof of five years of work experience within the past seven years.
If their original state did not require both theory and practical exams, the applicant must complete Tennessee’s examinations.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements must complete the Tennessee licensing process, including the necessary training and examinations.
Instructor Licensing
To instruct in nail care, individuals must:
Hold a valid Tennessee cosmetology or nail technician license.
Be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent diploma.
Complete a board-approved instructor training program consisting of 300 hours within six months.
Alternatively, complete one year of service as a junior instructor.
Pass both a written theory exam and a practical demonstration.
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Makeup Artists
Makeup artists in Tennessee are licensed under either esthetics or cosmetology, depending on the services they provide. Individuals offering cosmetology, skincare, or makeup services must follow the relevant licensing requirements established by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
For registration or more information, contact the Tennessee Board directly or visit https://core.tn.gov.
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