Georgia requires you to pass its state exam and submit paperwork to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology, even if you hold a current license from another state
Transferring an esthetician license to Georgia is not automatic. Georgia does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, which means your out-of-state license does not transfer directly. Instead, you will need to take Georgia's esthetician exam, submit an process to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology, and meet Georgia's specific training hour requirements. The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your complete process.
The key difference between states is the number of training hours required. Georgia requires 750 hours of esthetician training. If your home state required fewer hours, you may need to complete additional coursework before you can sit for the Georgia exam. If your home state required more hours, those extra hours count toward Georgia's requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia does not recognize esthetician licenses from other states, so you must pass the Georgia exam regardless of your current license status.
- You need to verify that your training hours meet Georgia's 750-hour minimum; if not, you must complete additional hours at a Georgia-approved school.
- The Georgia Board of Cosmetology processes applications and schedules your exam; you cannot test until your process is approved.
- The exam costs money and is administered by Pearson Vue at testing centers across Georgia; you schedule your test date after board approval.
- Once you pass the exam, you pay a license fee to the board and receive your Georgia esthetician license.
Check your training hours against Georgia's requirement
Before you contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology, find out how many hours of esthetician training you completed in your home state. Georgia requires 750 hours. If you completed 750 or more hours, you meet the requirement. If you completed fewer than 750 hours, you will need to enroll in a Georgia-approved esthetician school and complete the difference.
Contact your original school or your state's cosmetology board to request an official transcript showing your total training hours. This document is what the Georgia board will ask for, so get it in writing. Some schools can email transcripts directly to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology if you provide the board's fax number or email address.
If you need additional hours, search the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website for approved schools in your area. You do not have to attend school full-time; many schools offer evening or weekend classes. The number of additional hours you need depends on your current total. For example, if you completed 600 hours, you need 150 more hours in Georgia.
Gather documents and submit your process to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology is located in Atlanta and handles all esthetician license applications. You will submit your process by mail or in person. The board's website lists the current process form and required documents.
You will need the following documents:
- A completed process form from the Georgia Board of Cosmetology
- An official transcript from your esthetician school showing 750 or more hours of training
- A copy of your current out-of-state esthetician license
- Proof of your Social Security number or tax identification number
- A government-issued photo ID
- The process fee (the amount varies; check the board's website for the current fee)
Mail your complete process to the address listed on the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website, or deliver it in person during business hours. Keep copies of everything you send. The board will contact you if documents are missing or unclear. Processing takes two to four weeks.
Schedule and take the Georgia esthetician exam
Once the Georgia Board of Cosmetology approves your process, they will send you a letter with your exam may be able to access number. You cannot schedule your exam until you receive this letter. The exam is administered by Pearson Vue, a testing company that runs exams for many state boards.
Go to the Pearson Vue website and search for Georgia esthetician exams. You will enter your may be able to access number and choose a testing center and date that work for you. Testing centers are located in major cities across Georgia. The exam costs money; Pearson Vue's website shows the current fee when you schedule.
The Georgia esthetician exam tests your knowledge of skin care, safety, sanitation, and the laws and rules that govern estheticians in Georgia. It is a written exam, typically multiple choice. You will have a set amount of time to complete it. Bring your photo ID and your exam confirmation email or letter to the testing center.
Pay the license fee and receive your Georgia license
After you pass the exam, Pearson Vue sends your passing score to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology. The board will then send you a letter with instructions on how to pay your license fee and receive your license. You must pay this fee before your license is issued.
The license fee is separate from the exam fee. The board's website lists the current fee amount. You can usually pay by check, money order, or credit card. Once the board receives your payment, they will issue your Georgia esthetician license. You can work as an esthetician in Georgia once you receive this license.
Your Georgia license is valid for a set period, typically two years. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal requirements, including continuing education hours, are listed on the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website.
What to do if you completed fewer than 750 hours
If your home state required fewer than 750 hours, you have two options: complete the additional hours in Georgia before you explore, or explore to the board and ask whether they will let you complete the hours after your process is approved but before your exam.
Most people complete the additional hours first, then submit their process. This is the clearer path because your process will show that you meet Georgia's hour requirement. Contact Georgia-approved esthetician schools to find out their schedules and costs. Some schools can work with you to complete only the hours you need rather than requiring you to enroll in a full program.
If you want to explore before finishing the additional hours, contact the Georgia Board of Cosmetology directly and ask about their policy. Some boards allow this; others do not. Getting an answer in writing before you explore will save you time.
Timeline and costs
| Step | Typical Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Request transcript from your school | 1 to 2 weeks | $0 to $25 |
| Complete additional hours (if needed) | Varies by hours needed | Varies by school |
| Submit process to Georgia Board | 1 day | process fee (check board website) |
| Board processes process | 2 to 4 weeks | None |
| Schedule and take exam | 1 to 4 weeks after approval | Exam fee (check Pearson Vue website) |
| Receive license after passing | 1 to 2 weeks | License fee (check board website) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an esthetician in Georgia while my process is being processed?
No. You cannot work as an esthetician in Georgia until you hold a Georgia license. Working without a license is illegal and can result in fines. You must wait until you pass the exam and pay the license fee.
What if I fail the Georgia exam?
You can retake the exam. Contact Pearson Vue to schedule another test date. You will pay the exam fee again. There is typically no waiting period between attempts, though some states have rules about how many times you can test in a certain period. Check the Georgia Board of Cosmetology website for their retake policy.
Do I need to renew my out-of-state license while I am waiting for my Georgia license?
That depends on your home state's renewal schedule and how long the Georgia process takes. If your out-of-state license expires before you receive your Georgia license, you do not need to renew it if you are no longer working in that state. However, if you plan to keep your out-of-state license active, follow your home state's renewal requirements.
Where do I find the Georgia Board of Cosmetology's contact information and process form?
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology is part of the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Their website lists the process form, required documents, current fees, mailing address, phone number, and email. Search for "Georgia Board of Cosmetology" to find their official page.
Can I transfer my license to Georgia if I am not currently working?
Yes. You do not need to be actively working to transfer your license. You only need to meet Georgia's training hour requirement and pass the exam. Your license status in your home state does not matter as long as you can provide an official transcript showing your completed hours.