If you hold a cosmetology or barber license in Georgia, continuing education is part of keeping that license active. Most states have a similar rule, so this probably isn’t a surprise, but the details matter when renewal time comes around.
Georgia cosmetology and barber licenses renew every two years. Within each of those two-year windows, you need to finish the required number of continuing education (CE) hours, and those hours have to be in a format approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
Here at Exam Insiders, we’ve broken down everything you need to know so you can renew with confidence.
Who Needs to Complete Georgia CE?
Georgia’s CE rules cover the following license types:
- Master cosmetologists
- Master barbers
- Barber IIs
- Estheticians
- Nail technicians
- Hair designers
Instructors in cosmetology and barbering have their own separate set of requirements, so the rules below don’t apply if you teach.
How Many CE Hours Do You Need?
The Georgia State Board requires a total of five CE hours during every two-year renewal cycle. You can take your courses whenever it suits you, as long as they’re finished before your license renewal date.
Renewing for the First Time? You’re Exempt
There’s one notable exception: no CE hours are required for your first license renewal. The five-hour requirement kicks in ahead of your second renewal.
What Topics Your CE Hours Must Cover
Not just any five hours will do. Your CE has to come from the required topic areas and programs to count toward renewal.
Three Hours of Health and Safety
Three of the five hours must come from a health and safety course approved by the board. Some of these courses are developed by the board itself.
You can also satisfy this portion with health and safety hours from any of these providers:
- A college or university
- A division of the Department of Education
- The Technical College System of Georgia
- The Board of Regents
- The American Red Cross
Health and safety courses from these providers are accepted without needing prior board approval.
Two Hours of Board-Approved Courses
Your other two hours can come from one or more of the following subject areas:
- Industry or trade shows
- Computer skills
- Business management
- Industry trends
- Health and safety
- Your own area of practice (for example, hair design)
Keep in mind that courses in these areas only count if they’re registered with the Georgia State Board.
When Can CE Requirements Be Waived?
First-time renewals aren’t the only exception. A few other situations can get you out of the CE requirement.
Licensees who have held their license for 25 years or longer can have their CE requirements waived.
If unexpected life events or hardships kept you from finishing your CE, you can ask the board for a waiver.
Everyone else in the cosmetology and barber professions needs to complete the five required hours before each two-year renewal. If you’ve relocated outside Georgia but want to keep your Georgia license active, approved virtual courses can be used to meet your CE requirements.
Stay on Top of Your Renewal
A current license is a must for any dedicated cosmetology or barber professional. Plan your five hours early, double-check that your courses are approved, and you’ll be ready when your renewal date arrives.