The Best Beauty Schools in GA
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology license requirements and fees. You’ll also learn how to find the best beauty academy for you to pursue your cosmetology education.
Georgia is full of quality beauty schools, so it’s a great place to live if you’re searching for the best cosmetology schools in Georgia. In other words, you have plenty of options!
But it doesn’t stop there. The cosmetology job outlook is fabulous in Georgia! As a result, there will be many good cosmetologist jobs waiting for you after graduation.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metropolitan area of Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell in Georgia has the 6th highest concentration of cosmetology jobs out of all the cities in the United States.
And so, without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Cosmetology Schools in Georgia: Table of Contents
- What is Cosmetology?
- How to Find the Best Cosmetology Schools in GA
- Georgia State Board of Cosmetology Requirements + Contact Info
(How to Get a Cosmetology License) - Contact Info for the Georgia State Board of Cosmetologists and Barbers
- FAQs
What are the requirements to get into cosmetology school?
How long does cosmetology school take?
How much does it cost to go to cosmetology school?
Is it possible to go to cosmetology school for free? - Similar Beauty Schools in Georgia
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology is “the study and application of beauty treatment.” (Thanks, Wikipedia!) But that definition is a little too vague. Because there are many different facets to this specialty. For example, here are some of the main skills you’ll learn in cosmetology school:
- Hair removal via electrolysis, sugaring, waxing, and intense pulsed light
- Nail technician responsibilities, like manicures and pedicures
- Makeup application
- Esthetics and skin care procedures (including light massage techniques)
- Hairstyling, cutting, and coloring
In addition to these beauty techniques, you’ll learn new business skills and receive ethics training in cosmetology school. You’ll also learn a lot about the different types of products you use. This is so that you can know when to use which product, but it’s also helpful knowledge because it will help you sell them to your clients.
As you can see, cosmetology is a very broad field of study. You learn about hair, skin, and nail care. Therefore, it makes sense that this type of beauty license requires the most training hours. According to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology, students must complete 1,500 training hours before taking the cosmetology board exam.
But don’t let the high number of training hours keep you from becoming a cosmetologist in Georgia! Trust us. If you really don’t want to go to a school that long, there are plenty of other beauty specialties that are more focused and require less schooling.
Beauty Careers Similar to Cosmetology in GA
Let’s take a look at the training hours requirements for some other beauty licenses in Georgia:
Barber: While a Master Barber license requires 1500 hours, a Barber II license requires 1,140 hours.
Esthetician: 1,000 training hours
Nail Technician: 525 training hours
Hair Design: 1,325 training hours
As you can see, you can choose a shorter training program and still become a beauty professional. It’s also important to notice that the Hair Design license in Georgia is very similar to Cosmetology licenses in many other states. However, it is limited solely to hair care, and so this license does not prepare you to work with skin or nails.
How to Find the Best Cosmetology Schools in Georgia
Trust us. We know how hard it can be to find the top cosmetology schools in Georgia. You type “best cosmetology schools near me” only to sift through pages of boring advertisements and spam.
And so, in order to avoid wasting time, we suggest using Campus Explorer. It’s a tool that takes your own personal preferences and then creates a tailored list of the top cosmetology programs near you.
All you need to do is enter your information in the handy-dandy toolbar below. And viola! You’ll start receiving emails with insider tips on the best local cosmetology schools that are in your area.
The cherry on top is that this is completely free. There’s no commitment! Accordingly, you can unsubscribe from Campus Explorer’s mailing list at any time! This is why it’s such a risk-free way to quickly find the best cosmetology schools for your lifestyle.
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
(How to Get a Cosmetology License in GA)
In order to become a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must complete a few steps. (These are governed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology.)
1. Attend an Accredited Cosmetology School*
The first step is to enroll in an accredited cosmetology school in Georgia. While in school, you must complete 1,500 cosmetology training hours. (If you choose a different beauty license, then you will have less training hours.)
Your cosmetology classes will consist of hands-on instruction in a salon, as well as classroom instruction. Both are vital parts of your education.
2. Take the PSI Georgia State Board Cosmetology Exam
Next, it’s time to take the Georgia cosmetology state board test. This is administered by an organization called Professional Services Industries (PSI). PSI is simply a large test development organization in the US. Many cosmetology boards in the United States use PSI for testing.
The cosmetology state board test in Georgia will take place in Atlanta, Macon, or Tifton.
- The first part of the test is called the Master Cosmetology Practical Exam. This is really just a fancy name for the “hands-on” part of your test. The time limit is 140 minutes.
- The final part of the test is called the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam. This is a written test, and the time limit is one and a half hours.
- Altogether, the total cost of both exams is $109.
Related: How to Pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam (Free Exam Practice Test & Study Guide)
3. Apply for a License via the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
After breathing a sigh of relief that you’ve passed your exams, it’s time to apply for your official cosmetology license. To do so, you must contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and fill out an application. You can either submit the application online or mail it.
The application for license costs $30.
4. Take Cosmetology Continuing Education Courses Every Two Years
After you receive your cosmetology license, you will still need to take continuing education classes during each two-year renewal period.
These classes are a great opportunity to brush up on important health and safety practices. But they’re also a great way to take interesting electives and become even better at what you do!
Cosmetologists need to renew their licenses every even-numbered year by March 31st.
*Cosmetology Apprenticeship in Georgia
Georgia does give the option of learning cosmetology through an apprenticeship rather than 1,500 hours of school. If you decide to become a cosmetology apprentice, you must:
- Be a minimum of 17 years old
- Submit an apprenticeship application to the Georgia Cosmetology State Board before beginning an apprenticeship
- Receive hands-on training from a licensed cosmetologist with at least thirty-six months of experience
- Complete at least 3,000 apprenticeship hours prior to taking the exam
- Keep track of your training hours daily
- Pay a $45 fee when you submit your apprentice application for a license
Cosmetology License Transfer (Reciprocity)
in Georgia
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology examines applications for out-of-state cosmetology license transfers and makes decisions on a case-by-case basis.
If your home state’s cosmetology training requirements were as high as Georgia’s standards, the board may endorse you. However, if you are from one of the states listed below, license reciprocity is automatically not an option:
- Alabama
- California
- Washington, D.C.
- Washington State
- New York
- Hawaii
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology Contact Info
Make sure to bookmark the Georgia Cosmetology Board website link, because it has a lot of helpful features! For example, you can apply for your license online, check your application status, and find answers to Georgia Cosmetology FAQs.
Phone Number
You can also call the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology at 844.753.7825.
Address
If you want to mail your application, you can print it out and send it to:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Searching for the Best Cosmetology Schools in Georgia: FAQs
Since we get asked the same questions quite often, we decided to compile a list of answers to the most popular questions about cosmetology school. Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cosmetology programs in the US.
What are the requirements to get into cosmetology school?
Cosmetology admissions requirements are different in each state and specific school. However, the typical age requirement is 17 or 18. Another common requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
Again, we want to emphasize that these are just the averages and that it’s different in every state. There are exceptions to every rule. For example, some states allow students if they have completed a minimum of the 8th grade. And others will permit students at age 16.
Overall, it’s important to look at your home state’s requirements.
Read More: How to Get a Cosmetology License
How long does cosmetology school take?
The length of cosmetology school depends on a few things:
- Whether you attend full- or part-time
- The amount of material covered in an individual cosmetology school’s program
Most states require from 250 to 2,000 training hours at an accredited cosmetology school. But the exact number of hours depends on your state’s licensing requirements. The average length of time to complete a cosmetology program is one year to 14 months.
Read More: How Long is Cosmetology School?
How much does it cost to go to cosmetology school?
When you think of how much it costs to become a cosmetologist, the first thought that probably pops into your mind is tuition. And rightfully so! That is by far the largest expense to consider. Tuition can range from $5,000 to $25,000 and beyond, depending on where you go.
Additionally, here are some more costs to consider:
- Cosmetology School Kit (Supplies)
- Cost of Cosmetology State Board Exam
- License Application Fee
- Study Guides and Practice Tests
Fortunately, federal financial aid is available at certain beauty schools. To enumerate, a school with accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, will have Pell cosmetology grants as well as federal financial aid assistance. Stafford Loans are also an option.
Without a doubt, the costs are worth the money. Cosmetology is a meaningful career. Also, the chances are high that you’ll find a good paying cosmetology job soon after graduation.
Can you tell me how to go to cosmetology school for free?
Ah, the old “please tell me the secret of how to go to cosmetology school for free!” This is a tough question to answer with a complete “yes” or “no.”
Although it’s true that cosmetology school tuition can be difficult to pay for, it is possible for you to make it work. And depending on your financial situation, you may even be able to receive loans and/or grants for all of your tuition and related expenses.
In order to receive Federal Financial Aid, you need to be attending an accredited institution. Although Student Federal Loans usually require repayment, they typically ask for very small payments. Depending on your income level, they may pardon you for a period of time until you’re back on your feet financially.
Here are some tips to help you cover the cost of cosmetology school:
- Cosmetology Classes for High School Students: Typically, the school has something worked out with the district. So, to put it plainly: you may be getting free cosmetology school by attending classes through a high school program.
- Apply to School-Specific Scholarships for Cosmetology School. On The best thing to do first is check to see if your school offers scholarships. For example, Paul Mitchell schools offer scholarships exclusively for Paul Mitchell students.
- Consider Going to School Part-Time. This way, you’ll have time to work at a part-time job to generate some income while you’re still in school.
- Apply for grant and scholarship programs in the beauty industry. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools partners with industry supporters. The reason for this is to make scholarships and/or grants available to students who qualify. They call this the ‘Beauty Changes Lives Foundation,’ and the amount of donations they gather is impressive.
In order to learn more, check out Beauty Changes Lives. Another national cosmetology scholarship program is available through the Professional Beauty Association.
List of Free Cosmetology Grants Across the Industry
We want you to realize that going to cosmetology school can and will happen, even if the price is scaring you. This is because there are many organizations within the beauty industry that offer grants freely.
However, you don’t have to just take my word for it! Below, you’ll find a lengthy list of cosmetology grants and scholarships that are made available by partners in the beauty industry.
Why don’t you take a look and see if anything could work out for you?
- OPI Scholarship
- Sally Beauty Scholarships
- Sport Clips Scholarship
-
Dream Shears/Trade Essentials Scholarship
-
Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts Makeup Scholarship
-
Pat Goins Memorial Scholarship
- American Health and Beauty Aids Institute Scholarship
-
Minnesota’s Model College of Hair Design Grants
-
Oregon Student Assistance Commission Grants
-
Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology Grants
-
John Pelloni Memorial Scholarship
-
Maureen Baldwin Cosmetology Scholarship
-
Walla Wall Community College, Washington
-
Joe Francis Hair-Care Scholarship Foundation
-
Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology Scholarship Program
-
NCEA Esthetician Scholarship
-
“Education Rocks” Scholarship
-
Massage Magazine Scholarship Program
As you can see, there are many scholarships and grants available! Tuition shouldn’t ever be what keeps you from pursuing your dream.
More Beauty Schools in Georgia
The cosmetology schools in Georgia are outstanding, especially if you want a cosmetology school that prepares you to get a full cosmetology license.
But what if you want something more specialized, like a Nail Technician License or an Esthetician License? Luckily, Georgia is still a great place to be!
Below, you’ll find schools that prepare you for different beauty licenses in Georgia:
- The Best Barbering Schools in Georgia to Get Your Barber License
- Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Best Esthetician Schools in Georgia
- Hair Stylist Schools
- Makeup Schools
- Nail Technician/Manicurist Schools
- Massage Therapy Schools
Best Cosmetology Schools in Georgia:
Your Turn!
You have totally got this! Especially now that you know about the relatively simple Georgia State Board of Cosmetology licensing requirements and costs. It’s a clear-cut path, with a lot of people who want to help you succeed in your industry!
So, we dare you. Take that leap of faith and reach out to a few admissions offices today. Or, if you’re still searching for the best cosmetology school, use Campus Explorer to speed things up.
You’ll be glad you did! Congratulations on taking ownership of your future, and thanks for dropping by TFC.
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Sources:
Cosmetology Grands and Scholarships
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia
Free Cosmetology Grands & Scholarships
Cosmetology License Requirements in Georgia