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Massachusetts cosmetology license — 1,000 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($291), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
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67% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$68
Application fee paid through PSI at end of application process
Exam Fee
$155
Written theory exam fee; practical exam no longer required
License Fee
$68
Initial licensing fee following successful completion of examinations
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Massachusetts requires only 1,000 hours, which may result in lower tuition costs than states requiring more hours.
Renewal Fee
$68
Every 2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
CE Required
Not required
No continuing education needed for renewal
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Fee
$68
Be at least 17 years old with at least 10th grade education
Complete a 1,000-hour course at a Board-approved cosmetology school
Complete and submit the cosmetology application form through PSI (available at MACOSprocessing@psionline.com)
Pay the $68 application fee (by check or credit card)
Submit a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form
Include a 2x2 inch photograph and copy of driver's license or state-issued ID
Receive exam approval email from PSI and schedule the written theory exam
Pass the written theory examination (110 questions, 75% passing score)
Receive cosmetology license by mail
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state and out-of-country applicants may apply through the exam process
Background Check
A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form is required for all cosmetology license applications. The CORI form must be either signed in person at the Board's offices in the presence of a DOL employee or signed in the presence of a notary public. The authorization to submit a CORI check is valid for one year from the date of signature.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Board-approved (licensed) school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; training must be completed at a Board-approved cosmetology school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Massachusetts or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Massachusetts.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Hair cutting, styling, and chemical services (coloring, perming, relaxing); skin care services; basic nail services; makeup application. Cosmetologists may use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology for hair removal. Prohibited services include: injections (Botox, fillers), tattooing, permanent makeup, micro-blading, tanning (UV equipment), body/ear piercing, and laser hair removal (reserved for electrologists).
Massachusetts Cosmetology Written Theory Examination
110 multiple-choice questions with 90-minute time limit. Must score 75% or higher. As of October 2023, graduates of in-state cosmetology programs and out-of-state/out-of-country applicants only need to pass the written theory exam to become licensed (practical exam no longer required).
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee paid through PSI at end of application process | |
Exam Fee Written theory exam fee; practical exam no longer required | |
License Fee Initial licensing fee following successful completion of examinations | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($68) + exam fee ($155) + initial license fee ($68). Practical exam is no longer required. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Massachusetts requires only 1,000 hours, which may result in lower tuition costs than states requiring more hours.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires on licensee's birthday)
Renewal Fee
$68
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$57
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Out-of-state and out-of-country cosmetology applicants may apply for licensure in Massachusetts. As of October 2023, all applicants (including out-of-state and out-of-country) only need to pass the written theory exam to become licensed.
Additional Requirements: Must submit application through PSI with $68 fee, pass the written theory exam, and complete CORI background check.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam for cosmetology licensure as of October 2023, making it one of only a few states where only a written theory exam is required. The state also has relatively low training hour requirements at 1,000 hours. Nail technicians require only 100 hours of training, one of the lowest thresholds in the country. The CORI background check process requires either in-person signing at the Board offices or notarized submission, a more stringent verification requirement than many states.
Massachusetts requires only 1,000 hours of cosmetology training, one of the lower requirements in the nation.
As of October 2023, Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam requirement. Only the written theory exam is now required for all cosmetology applicants.
A notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check is mandatory for all applications.
Massachusetts nail technician license requires only 100 hours, one of the lowest in the country.
Cosmetologists are authorized to use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology for hair removal.
Incomplete applications are held open for 180 days before being considered abandoned.
The Board oversees cosmetology, barbering, and electrology under a single regulatory body.
No continuing education is required for license renewal.
Cosmetologist Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $291 | 40–68 wks | |
| Connecticut | $165 | 56–93 wks | → |
| Maine | $214 | 56–93 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $247 | 56–93 wks | → |
| New York | $70 | 40–68 wks | → |
See how Massachusetts compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Massachusetts
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →