How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in Georgia

It is no wonder Georgia has a healthy beauty industry and is home to many professionals in the field like estheticians. There are several places and specialties that require the work of a licensed esthetician in Georgia such as:

• Spas
• Salons
• Resorts and hotels
• Medical spas
• Dermatology offices
• Film and fashion industries

If you are considering becoming a licensed esthetician in the state of Georgia, there are a few steps you must follow. Keep reading this article to find out what they are.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in Georgia

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

Your esthetics education must include the following:

• Physiology of the Skin
• Cells and Tissues
• Chemical Peeling
• Advanced Male Waxing
• Speed Waxing
• Hydrotherapy
• Ultrasonic Techniques
• Microdermabrasion
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Advanced Skincare
• Warm Stone Massages
• Hair Removal
• Body Treatments
• Skincare Fundamentals
• Principles of Disease Control
• Anti-Aging techniques
• Aromatherapy

Georgia is one state that allows esthetician licensure candidates to complete an apprenticeship in lieu of an education program. You will need to complete an apprenticeship application to do so.

To apply for a state-approved apprenticeship program you must:

1. Complete the Application for Four-Year Apprentice License in full.
2. Submit a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other Secure and Verifiable Document listed in the application instructions.
3. Submit a copy of the current shop license and your master’s license.
4. If applicable, include a letter from your master where they release any previous apprentice.
5. Sign your application in the presence of a Notary Public. The application MUST be notarized.
6. Include a check or money order made payable to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers in the amount of $90.00 to pay the non-refundable Four-Year Apprentice Application fee (fee amounts are subject to change without notice).
7. Mail your application, documents, and check or money order in a 9 x 12 or larger envelope. DO NOT staple the pages or check/money order.

Mail your completed application to the following address:

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217

A minimum of 2000 hours over 18 months is required to qualify to take the exam via apprenticeship. You will need this form to record all of your apprenticeship hours.

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Step 2: Take and Pass the Written and Practical Esthetician Examinations

For School Students

If you completed your 1000 hours of esthetician training through a licensed school, then your instructor will send your eligibility information to PSI Services LLC, the testing company that administers both the written and practical exams. Once PSI Services approves your eligibility, you will receive an eligibility notice in the mail containing instructions for scheduling an examination appointment. Your eligibility is valid for 2 years.

It is your responsibility to schedule your own exams. You can schedule the exams online by going here and doing the following:

1. Select “Government/State Licensing Agencies” from the Select Organization drop-down menu.
2. Select “Georgia” from the Jurisdiction drop down menu.
3. Select “GA Cosmetology” from the Select Account drop down menu.
4. Click the “GA Esthetician Examination” link in the License Name menu.
5. After the webpage loads, click the “Sign In or Create an Account” button and either sign in or create a new account.
6. Follow the instructions that are given to you.
7. You will be required to pay an exam registration fee of $109 using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or debit card.

You also have the option of scheduling your exam over the phone by calling a PSI representative toll-free at 1-800-733-9267 (Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM EST and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST).

You can also schedule your written exam using PSI’s Interactive Voice Response System during non business hours at 1-800-733-
9267.

If you must reschedule your written exam, you can do so without forfeiting your fee by contacting PSI at least 2 business days prior to your scheduled exam date by calling1-800-733-9267 and using the automated system.

For Apprenticeship Students

If you completed your 2000 hours of esthetician training through an esthetician apprenticeship, you will need to apply for Verification of Eligibility from the state of Georgia by completing and submitting a Request for Verification of Training Hours Form.

Once the State Cosmetology Board has decided that you meet the requirements for examination, they will mail you a Verification Eligibility Form. You must submit this form along with your PSI Examination Registration Form (page 8) and the exam registration fee of $109 in order to register for the exams.

Once PSI Services approves your eligibility, you will receive an eligibility notice in the mail containing instructions for scheduling an examination appointment. Your eligibility is valid for 2 years.

Preparing for the Written and Practical Exams

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) recommends the following reference materials to help you prepare for and pass the written (theory) and practical esthetics exams, which can be purchased at discounted prices on Amazon:

• Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (2013, 11th Edition)
• Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Textbook (2007, 11th printing, 2nd Edition, August 2013)

We also recommend that you purchase and study the following books in preparation for your exams:

• Salon Fundamentals Esthetics Licensure Exam Prep Book (Spiral-bound – 2007)
• Modern Esthetics: A Scientific Source for Estheticians (Milady)

What to Bring to the Exam

You are required to bring a mannequin head to the practical exam along with a clamp so that it can be attached to a table. Models are not permitted. You will also need to bring your own kit of supplies listed on page 5 of the NIC Candidate Information Bulletin.

The Esthetics Written Exam

You should arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing time with two forms of valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID can be found beginning on page 2 of the Candidate Information Bulletin. Testing locations can be found here.

The written exam will contain 55% scientific concept questions and 45% skin care and services questions and include topics such as:

• Contraindications for services
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Infection control
• Skin functions
• Factors that impact the skin

You must score a 75% or better on the exam in order to pass.

The Esthetics Practical Exam

The practical exam portion covers nine different areas:

• Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client)
• Cleansing of the Face with Product
• Exfoliating the Face with Product, Using Facial Brush, Including Towel Steaming
• Massaging the Face with Product
• Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client)
• Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax
• Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service
• Facial Makeup
• Blood Exposure Procedure

In order to pass the exam, you must score a 75% or better.

The more prepared you are for your exams the greater your chances of passing the first time will be. Practice test questions are available online and in books. you can also review your apprentice notes and coursework as well as study with friends and classmates.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Esthetician Application for Licensure

If you prefer to submit the Application for Initial Licensure, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Application for Initial Licensure in full.
2. Submit a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other Secure and Verifiable Document listed in the application instructions.
3. If you are an out of country applicant, you must submit a credentials evaluation from a board approved credentials
   evaluation provider.
4. If you are claiming Veteran Preference Points, enclose a copy of your DD-214 showing that you served in an armed conflict for a minimum of 90 days.
5. Sign your application in the presence of a Notary Public. The application MUST be notarized.
6. Include a check or money order made payable to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers in the amount of $30.00 to pay the non-refundable Application for Initial Licensure fee (fee amounts are subject to change without notice).
7. Mail your application, documents, and check or money order in a 9 x 12 or larger envelope. DO NOT staple the pages or check/money order.

Mail your completed application to the following address:

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217

Once the Board of Cosmetology and Barbers has verified that you have passed both exams and have paid the required application fee, they will issue you your esthetician license by mail.

Step 4: Renew Your GA Esthetician License Every Two Years

Currently, the state of Georgia does not require any continuing education credits to renew an esthetics license. However, estheticians should be aware that remaining up to date with changes in their field, obtaining more education, and joining professional associations can help them be more successful in their careers.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in Georgia

Keep in mind that Georgia does not accept reciprocity from the following states:

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• The Virgin Islands
• Alaska
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Maine
• South Carolina
• Virginia

If you have a license from any of the states above, you will need to apply and take the Georgia esthetician exam after meeting all of the qualifications required by Georgia residents.

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Georgia Written and Practical Exam Locations

Map of Written and Practical Exam Locations in Georgia

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