Cosmetologist / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Tennessee data shows for Cosmetologists

Tennessee's path to cosmetologist licensure runs through 1,227 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 16 can be licensed. Tennessee folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

The initial price tag is $60, and renewal costs $30 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 2 weeks to process once complete. Tennessee doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

On reciprocity, cosmetologists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
70/100
Cosmetologist · Tennessee

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,227 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C
$92
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A-
$25/yr
$50 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,227 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$92
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover 1227 hours of education or training, the State Cosmetology Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $92. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 1227 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for cosmetologists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Tennessee. Verify the specifics with the Tennessee licensing board.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Tennessee does require a background check before issuing a cosmetologist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Tennessee? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Tennessee is $60. The renewal fee is $30 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Tennessee, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Tennessee's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Tennessee's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Tennessee overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Tennessee licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.