Board of Cosmetology
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming licensed:
Who is required to be licensed?
How long will it take to process my application?
If an exam is required, how do I apply for licensing exam?
Is the licensing exam schedule online? May I sign up online?
I passed my exam, what do I do next?
Changes in license status:
How do I renew a license?
How far in advance of expiration date should my renewal be completed?
When does my renewal take effect?
I let my license expire. How do I have it reinstated?
How do I reactivate my retired license?
Complaints:
How do I file a complaint against a company/individual?
What happens after I file a complaint?
What can the state do if I have a legitimate grievance?
Change of Address/other key information:
Am I required to notify the board if I change my address?
Am I required to notify the board if I change my firm’s address?
Can I change my information online?
Training/Continuing Education:
Is continuing education required?
Is there a list of approved courses, schools, trainers, etc., and how may I obtain a list?
Misc.:
How do I determine if an individual/company is licensed?
Am I required to notify the board if my job status changes?
How can I get the forms I need? From the web page
How do I know when and where regulatory boards meet?
Does this board have a newsletter to which I can subscribe?
Who is required to be licensed?
Anyone who desires to practice or teach cosmetology, manicure, natural hair styling, shampooing, or esthetics in Tennessee.
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By completing the required hours of instruction in the curriculum, passage of the state board examination, and purchase of license. Detailed requirements Individuals, shops, and schools.
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How long will it take to process my application?
Please allow four weeks.
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If an exam is required, how do I apply for licensing exam?
To schedule exams you must contact our testing vendor, PSI, at 1-800-733-9267.
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Is the licensing exam schedule online? May I sign up online?
Yes, you may schedule your exam on line with PSI.
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I passed my exam, what do I do next?
Submit your application for original license and fee to the board office.
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I am licensed in another state and want to operate in Tennessee. Do you have reciprocity agreements with other states? Which states?
Yes. States in which licensee has substantially met the qualifications for licensing in Tennessee. Application and details
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Every two years a renewal is mailed out to the address listed. If you do not receive a renewal notice, a renewal form is available online.
Online renewal is available at https://apps.tn.gov/cirens/
How far in advance of expiration date should my renewal be completed?
It is recommended that you complete and submit your application about four weeks prior to the expiration date.
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>When does my renewal take effect?
When all required renewal fees have been paid in full, the renewal will take effect from the date the licnese expires.
I let my license expire. How do I have it reinstated?
You may renew if your license has not been expired for three years or less. You will, however, be required to pay a late fee.
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You will need to submit: (1) the current active license, (2) a statement requesting to retire the license and giving your current mailing address, and (3) a $10 fee. Upon receipt of these three (3) items, the board will send you a retired inactive license certificate. The holder of a retired inactive license certificate shall not practice in any of the areas for which the license was issued until the license has been reactivated.
How do I reactivate my retired license?
If you are 65 years of age or older, you may reactive your retired license by submitting to the board office: (1) proof of your age and (2) a fee which is the same as the renewal fee for the license to be reactivated.
If you are under 65 years of age, in order to activate your retired license, you must first take and pass the practical and law portions of the examination for the license and second, pay a fee which is the same as the renewal fee for the license to be reactivated.
Please note: only individuals over age 65 are exempt from re-testing when reactivating a retired license.
How do I file a complaint against a company/individual?
Click here to file a complaint by mail or online.
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What happens after I file a complaint?
A copy of the complaint will be sent to the person or business the complaint is filed against, and they will have 10 days to submit a response to the board office. The response will then be sent to our legal advisor to make a recommendation to the board.
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What can the state do if I have a legitimate grievance?
Disciplinary action can be taken with penalties ranging from reprimand to revocation of license.
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Am I required to notify the board if I change my address?
Yes, in order to receive your renewal notice, we must have your current address. Address changes may be sent via mail or email.
Am I required to notify the board if I change my firm’s address?
If you own a shop or school you must apply for a change of address or location and receive an inspection.
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May I change my information online?
Yes, mailing address only.
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Is continuing education required?
Only for instructors. Instructors are required to attend a board approved seminar for 16 hours every two years.
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No
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Is there a list of approved courses, schools, trainers, etc., and how may I obtain a list?
Information concerning seminars is posted on our web page. Cosmetology School List
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How do I determine if an individual/company is licensed?
License Search allows you to search by name, city, zip code, etc.
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Am I required to notify the board if my job status changes?
No
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How can I get the forms I need?
Forms are available online.
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How do I know when and where regulatory boards meet?
Our calendar, as well as minutes from previous meetings, is available online.
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