To receive a cosmetology license in Tennessee or a license in one of the other beauty practitioner disciplines in this state you have to attend a licensed school and complete the minimum required training hours as specified by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (TNBC) before you can take the exams. The exams are conducted by PSI. The exam fees are $140, for theory and practical exam $70 each.
Minimum Required Training Hours
- Cosmetologist license: 1500 hours
- Aesthetician license: 750 hours
- Natural Hair Stylist license: 300 hours
- Manicurist license: 600 hours
- Shampoo Technician license: 300 hours
Examinations are already stressful but a lack of information or misinformation only adds unnecessary stress. Therefore, we advise every applicant to talk to their beauty school teachers to clear all questions. It is also recommended to contact PSI via A) internet PSI online, B) touch phone (800) 733-9267, or a PSI registrar at (800) 733-9267 (Mo-Fr 7.30 AM – 8.00 PM EST and Sa 11.00 AM – 5.00 PM EST)
Contact Information Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2515
Toll-Free Phone: 800-480-9285
Fax: 615-741-1310
Email: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology licenses in Tennessee are due for renewal every two years. Tennessee only requires 16 hours of continued education (CE) for instructors, all other licensees are not required to complete continuing education units per renewal period. The renewal fees are $50 for individual license renewal of all beauty disciplines.
Out-of-state License
In order to transfer your out-of-state license to Tennessee, you must be able to submit proof that you meet Tennessee’s required minimum training hours or a five-year work history. If that is not the case then you can apply for what is called reciprocity (see pdf).
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Disclaimer: We do not guarantee the accuracy of the above information. Ultimately the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber examiner determines license requirements and will provide you with all needed information. We are not affiliated with the Board in any way. The information on this page was last updated on 2/8/2018.