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Cosmetologist
Exam: Yes
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
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$60
Initial application/license fee
Exam Fee
$140
Written ($70) + Practical ($70), paid to PSI
License Fee
$0
License fee is included in the $60 application fee for Tennessee
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Renewal Fee
$60
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Required
Yes
Effective January 1, 2022, all licensees must complete approved training on domestic violence awareness. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring CE obligation. No other continuing education is required for renewal.
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
CE Details
Effective January 1, 2022, all licensees must complete ap...
Effective January 1, 2022, all licensees must complete approved training on domestic violence awareness. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring CE obligation. No other continuing education is required for renewal.
Renewal Fee
$60
Be at least 16 years old and have a 10th-grade equivalent education
Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a TN Board-approved school (or complete an approved apprenticeship)
School submits eligibility to PSI after completing training hours
Receive Authorization to Test from PSI
Create a PSI account and schedule your theory exam ($70 fee)
Pass the theory (written) exam with a minimum score of 70%
Schedule and pass the practical exam through PSI ($70 fee)
Apply for initial license at www.core.tn.gov with $60 application fee
Complete one-time domestic violence awareness training (required since January 1, 2022)
Receive your Tennessee cosmetology license
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
10th-grade education equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply via reciprocity
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Cosmetology school (board-approved)
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,000 hours required
Apprenticeship pathway available: students must first complete 750 classroom hours, pass the theory exam, then engage in apprenticeship with a pre-approved salon/mentor. The mentor must have been licensed for a minimum of 10 years. 50% of hours through classroom instruction and 50% under direct supervision. This is optional for schools to offer, and students cannot transfer between traditional and apprentice programs.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified in official sources. Contact the Board for clarification.
Curriculum Includes
See our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Tennessee.
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Arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work on the hair; caring for or servicing wigs or hairpieces; manicuring; massaging, cleaning, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, beautifying the hands, arms, face, neck, or feet with hands or cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions or creams; placing or applying artificial eyelashes; giving facials; applying makeup; giving skin care; removing superfluous hair by tweezing, depilatories, or waxing.
Tennessee Cosmetology Theory Examination
110 multiple-choice questions with 90 minutes allowed. Minimum passing score of 70. Topics include sanitation and safety, shampooing/conditioning, hair cutting and styling, braid/extension services, chemical texture services, hair coloring, skin care, nail care, and state laws.
Tennessee Cosmetology Practical Examination
Hands-on assessment of cosmetology skills. Candidates must provide their own mannequin head, service-specific supplies, clean and labeled kits, disinfectants, towels, and sanitation materials. Must pass theory exam before taking practical exam.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 37/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Tennessee Cosmetology Theory Examination
Questions
110 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
PSI Services
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $70Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Tennessee Cosmetology Theory Examination.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — National Cosmetology Written Examination
Prepare for your National Cosmetology Written Examination with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application/license fee | |
Exam Fee Written ($70) + Practical ($70), paid to PSI | |
License Fee License fee is included in the $60 application fee for Tennessee | |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($60) + exam ($140). No separate license issuance fee. |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Required — Effective January 1, 2022, all licensees must complete approved training on domestic violence awareness. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring CE obligation. No other continuing education is required for renewal.
Late Renewal Fee
$25
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Tennessee offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states. Applicants must hold a current, valid license in another state and may need to meet equivalent training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity fee of $100. Must submit certification from the licensing state.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Tennessee with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Tennessee is one of few states where the minimum age for cosmetology licensure is 16 (with only a 10th-grade education requirement). The state also has a unique one-time domestic violence awareness training requirement for all licensees, enacted in 2022.
Tennessee requires a one-time domestic violence awareness training for all licensees, effective January 1, 2022.
The Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is a combined board regulating both cosmetologists and barbers.
A $15 rescheduling fee applies if you fail to give at least 10 days' notice before an exam date.
The apprenticeship pathway is optional for schools to offer and requires a mentor licensed for at least 10 years.
Cosmetologist Schools in Tennessee
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Tennessee compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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How does Tennessee compare to other states for cosmetologist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Tennessee
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Cosmetologist requirements in Tennessee verified against Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, April 2026.
Moving to Tennessee? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Tennessee →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Tennessee to: Alabama → | Arkansas → | Georgia → | Kentucky → | Mississippi → | Missouri → | North Carolina → | Virginia →