Massachusetts License Requirements
Last Updated: April 25, 2017
The state of Massachusetts has an extensive list of licensing requirements for cosmetology professionals who wish to practice in this state. The Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering is the licensing agency in this state. You can check the licensing hours below to find out how much training you must receive before earning a license. The prior boards of barbering and electrolysis have merged with the cosmetology board, so all licenses are processed by this board.
Massachusetts allows applicants to take the practical and written exams in the English, Spanish or Vietnamese languages. Once you pass this these exams, you will receive your Massachusetts cosmetology in the mail, provided you pass their required background checks.
Massachusetts is a state that currently does not require continuing education for cosmetology licensees. Despite that, you may wish to consider taking continuing education hours annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering directly for more information.
Find Massachusetts beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and other programs in the state of Massachusetts.
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
2017 Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
- COSMETOLOGIST LICENSE: 1000 Hours
- ESTHETICIAN LICENSE: 300 Hours
- NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE: 100 Hours
- BARBER LICENSE: 1000 Hours
- ELECTROLOGIST LICENSE: 1100 Hours
- COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Cosmetology License + 2 Years as Junior Instructor
- MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 650 Hours
Massachusetts Cosmetology License Renewal
After you first take the test, you must renew the license after one year by your birthday. But after that, cosmetology licenses in Massachusetts must be renewed every two years in by the licensee's birthday. No continuing education hours are required to renew your license in Massachusetts, but cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry. The cost to renew is $68.
Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts cosmetology board does not accept reciprocity from other states. In order to transfer your cosmetology license or other beauty license to MA, you must take the state's written and practical board exams. The cost is $135 for the transfer application, $120 for the test, and $68 for the license itself. (Total cost to transfer: $323.) Before you are approved to take the licensing exams in Massachusetts, your original Board of Cosmetology must provide proof that your training requirements are equal to or greater than the training requirements in Massachusetts. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be required to make up your training hours in Massachusetts.
MA State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetologists
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone Number: 617-727-9940
Fax Number: 617-727-1627
E-mail Address: sandra.m.velasquez@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, or updating a change of name or address information, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining your Massachusetts cosmetology license.