Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Tennessee, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Tennessee cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Tennessee's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams.

After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Tennessee cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Tennessee. Keep in mind, even though Tennessee may not require continuing education to renew some licenses, you may wish to consider taking cosmetology continuing education hours in Tennessee annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the TN Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. The state of TN does not allow apprenticeship to get your training hours. TN uses PSI to administer the exam and allows you to take the boards in the English language only.

Find Tennessee beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of Tennessee.

Tennessee Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1500 Hours
• NATURAL HAIRSTYLIST LICENSE: 300 Hours
• MASTER BARBER LICENSE: 1500 Hours
• BARBER TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 340 Hours
• ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 750 Hours
• NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 600 Hours
• ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 600 Hours
• PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST LICENSE: Must Have Tattoo Artist License
• COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 300 Hours + 1 Year Junior Instruction
• BARBER INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Barber License for 3+ Years + 450 Hours
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours

Tennessee Cosmetology License Renewal

Cosmetology license renewal in Tennessee happens every two years, and you can renew your license up to 60 days before its experation date. Barber license renewal costs $80. Cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, natural hairstylist and shampooer license renewal costs $50. Instructor license renewal costs $60. Tennessee requires 16 hours of cosmetology continuing education every two years for practitioners' licenses. Cosmetology instructors and barber instructors must also attend an instructor training for 16 hours of CEUs every two years.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Tennessee

In order to transfer your cosmetology license to Tennessee, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet Tennessee's minimum required training hours and/or a five-year work history. If you cannot meet those requirements, you must submit your application for reciprocity to the board office for individual consideration. You may be required to take additional training hours to meet the minimum requirements.

TN State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-1147
Phone Number: 615-741-2515
Fax Number: 615-741-1310
E-mail Address: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov

The Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a Tennessee state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• North Carolina
• Mississippi
• Kentucky
• Georgia
• Alabama