How To Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Becoming a licensed Master Cosmetologist in Georgia involves four main steps: enrolling in an approved cosmetology program, completing 1,500 hours of required training, passing the state’s written and practical licensing exams, and applying for a Georgia Master Cosmetologist license. At Keune Academy by 124 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the Master Cosmetology program combines technical instruction, exam preparation, and hands-on experience working with real guests in the student salon under licensed supervision. The school’s published full-time curriculum includes 35 hours of training per week across approximately 43 instructional weeks, with additional time allowed for absences and scheduling. Students can work toward the education and skills needed to sit for the state licensing examinations while receiving guidance from the academy’s instructors and admissions team.

How Do You Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia?

The school-based path to becoming a licensed Master Cosmetologist in Georgia includes completing an approved education program, passing the required state examinations, and submitting a licensing application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.

Here are the four main steps:

1. Apply to beauty school. Choose a cosmetology program and meet the school’s admissions requirements.
2. Complete 1,500 training hours. Finish the approved Master Cosmetology curriculum, including theory and practical instruction.
3. Pass the Georgia licensing examinations. Take the required written and practical exams and achieve the state’s passing scores.
4. Apply for your license. Submit the required documents, examination results, application, and fees to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.

Each step has separate requirements. Completing cosmetology school does not automatically mean you are licensed, and examination success does not replace the state’s licensing application process.

At Keune Academy by 124, students can learn about the education and enrollment process before beginning the school’s Master Cosmetology program.

What Are the Requirements to Apply to Cosmetology School in Georgia?

Georgia’s Master Cosmetologist licensing pathway includes minimum age and educational requirements, while individual beauty schools establish their own admissions procedures.

Keune Academy by 124’s published Master Cosmetology course prerequisites include being at least 17 years old and having a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students may also need to provide information and documentation during enrollment, such as:

• Proof of age or acceptable identification
• A high school diploma or qualifying educational credential
• A completed application for enrollment
• Other documents required by the academy’s current admissions process

The original Keune Academy admissions guide also identifies possible application requirements such as:

• Submitting an admissions essay
• Providing reference letters
• Completing an entrance assessment
• Reviewing student kit and textbook expenses
• Completing any applicable enrollment payment requirements

These additional items are school-specific possibilities, not requirements imposed on every cosmetology school applicant in Georgia. Students should confirm which are currently required by Keune Academy before preparing their applications.

The academy’s admissions team can explain the enrollment process, program expectations, required documents, and available class start dates.

How Do You Apply to Keune Academy by 124?

Applying to Keune Academy by 124 begins with reviewing the Master Cosmetology program, speaking with admissions, and completing the current enrollment requirements.

A practical application process may include:

1. Research the program. Review the curriculum, required training hours, attendance expectations, and campus location.
2. Schedule a campus tour. Visit the Lawrenceville campus to explore the facilities and learning environment.
3. Speak with admissions. Ask about current admission requirements, application materials, class schedules, and program costs.
4. Prepare your documents. Gather identification, educational records, and any additional materials requested.
5. Review financial options. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and financing available for those who qualify.
6. Complete enrollment steps. Follow the academy’s instructions for submitting your application and completing any required assessments or agreements.

Students can review the academy’s cosmetology admissions and curriculum information to learn more about the program and enrollment process.

A campus tour can also help prospective students determine whether the school’s educational environment fits their interests and learning preferences.

Before enrolling, ask the admissions team to confirm the current program schedule, required documents, tuition, and any additional education-related expenses.

How Many Hours Do You Need to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia?

Georgia requires 1,500 hours of approved school training for the Master Cosmetology licensing pathway, with a curriculum lasting at least nine months. These hours include foundational instruction and supervised practical service training.

Keune Academy by 124’s published Master Cosmetology curriculum includes 1,500 hours offered across approximately 43 instructional weeks at 35 hours per week.

The academy’s January 2026 catalog describes an extended completion estimate of approximately 47 weeks to account for an absence allowance and potential weather-related schedule changes.

Students should distinguish between required instructional hours and the calendar time needed to complete them. Actual completion dates depend on attendance, scheduling, academic progress, and applicable program policies.

What Do You Learn During the 1,500-Hour Program?

Master Cosmetology training includes hair services, foundational skin and nail services, sanitation, safety, and professional salon practices.

Keune Academy by 124’s curriculum includes subjects such as:

• Hairdressing: Professional styling and finishing methods.
• Haircutting: Cutting and shaping techniques for different hair types.
• Chemical hair relaxing: Learning the principles and application of texture-changing services.
• Hair coloring: Color theory, formulation, application, and related techniques.
• Facials: Foundational skincare techniques within the curriculum.
• Makeup application: Basic makeup techniques and product use.
• Brow and lash tinting: Learning appropriate cosmetic techniques and safety procedures.
• Waxing: Studying applicable hair removal practices.
• Manicures and pedicures: Foundational nail care services and sanitation.
• Professional development: Client communication, salon operations, and business-related concepts.

This broader curriculum is one reason students may choose Master Cosmetology instead of a program focused only on hair.

The goal of the training is to help students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue state licensure and continue their professional education.

What Is the Difference Between Master Cosmetology and Hair Design?

Master Cosmetology offers a broader beauty education covering hair, skin, and nails, while Hair Design focuses primarily on hair services. Georgia recognizes these as separate professional licensing pathways.

Master Cosmetology may be suitable for students who want to study several areas of beauty services. Hair Design may appeal to students who already know they want to concentrate on haircutting, coloring, styling, and other hair-related techniques.

The original Keune Academy information describes:

• Master Cosmetology: A 1,500-hour curriculum with an approximate full-time completion timeline of 11 months.
• Hair Design: A published 1,325-hour program with an approximate full-time completion timeline of nine months.

Students should verify the current Hair Design training requirement before enrollment. Georgia’s current published Hair Design curriculum rule identifies 1,350 hours, while other licensing materials and the academy’s published program information reference 1,325 hours.

Regardless of the program selected, prospective students should review the curriculum and the scope of the professional license they intend to pursue.

When Can Cosmetology Students Start Working With Real Clients?

Georgia’s Master Cosmetology curriculum requires students to complete 250 hours of initial training before performing clinical services on clients. Students must also meet the applicable academic and practical progression requirements.

At Keune Academy by 124, students move through multiple learning phases as they develop technical knowledge and hands-on skills.

The original published program describes five phases:

1. Freshman: Introduction to foundational theory, techniques, and professional practices.
2. Sophomore: Continued development of technical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Junior: Additional classroom learning and supervised student salon experience.
4. Senior: More advanced practical services, professional development, and continued curriculum instruction.
5. Designer or State Board preparation: Review, practical demonstrations, and activities designed to prepare students for licensing examinations.

The original blog describes advancement to a new phase approximately every eight weeks. Actual phase lengths and progression requirements are governed by the current curriculum and each student’s progress.

When students meet the appropriate requirements, they can begin working with real guests in the Keune Academy student salon.

All student salon services are performed by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

This experience gives students opportunities to practice consultations, technical skills, service organization, sanitation, and professional communication in a supervised environment.

Student salon training is part of the educational process. It does not guarantee licensing examination results or employment after graduation.

What Is the Keune Academy by 124 Cosmetology Curriculum Like?

Keune Academy by 124’s Master Cosmetology curriculum combines classroom theory, practical instruction, supervised guest services, and state examination preparation.

The academy’s published course information describes Education by Pivot Point as part of its instructional approach. This curriculum is designed to support students as they learn and practice technical beauty skills.

Students develop knowledge in several areas:

• Technical skills: Haircutting, coloring, styling, and other services included in the approved curriculum.
• Product knowledge: Understanding professional products and appropriate application methods.
• Sanitation and safety: Learning practices required for responsible service delivery.
• Client communication: Practicing consultations, service explanations, and professional interactions.
• Salon operations: Introduction to workplace procedures and business-related concepts.
• Exam preparation: Reviewing theory and practical skills related to the licensing examinations.

Instructor demonstrations and feedback help students understand techniques and identify areas requiring additional practice.

As students advance, the training places greater emphasis on practical applications and supervised client services.

The academy’s curriculum is intended to help students build a foundation they can continue developing through experience and education after graduation.

How Do You Prepare for the Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Exams?

To become a licensed Master Cosmetologist in Georgia, eligible candidates must pass both the written and practical licensing examinations. Georgia’s examination rule requires a minimum passing score of 70 percent on each component.

The two examination components evaluate different areas:

• Written examination: Tests understanding of theory, sanitation, safety, and professional concepts.
• Practical examination: Evaluates the ability to demonstrate required procedures and technical skills.

Keune Academy by 124 includes licensing examination preparation within its Master Cosmetology curriculum.

The school’s published course catalog identifies mock State Board examinations, theory review, and practical examination preparation as part of the later phases of training.

What Can Students Do to Prepare for Their Exams?

Students can use several study and practice strategies as they approach the licensing examinations:

1. Review classroom material. Revisit sanitation, safety, chemical services, and other required theory topics.
2. Practice technical procedures. Continue developing practical skills through approved training activities.
3. Participate in mock exams. Use practice examinations to become familiar with testing formats.
4. Ask instructors for feedback. Identify subjects or techniques that require additional attention.
5. Review examination instructions. Understand current examination procedures, required materials, and scheduling policies.

Exam preparation can help students understand what will be expected, but passing scores are not guaranteed.

Candidates must meet the requirements established by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and its designated examination provider.

How Do You Apply for a Georgia Cosmetology License After Passing the Exams?

After passing the required written and practical examinations and meeting the other eligibility requirements, candidates must apply for their Georgia Master Cosmetologist license.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s licensing instructions, an initial application may require:

• A completed and signed application
• Notarization as required
• Applicable application fees
• Passing written examination results
• Passing practical examination results
• Acceptable identity and citizenship or immigration documentation
• Other supporting records when applicable

Applicants can review current instructions through the Georgia State Board Master Cosmetologist licensing guide.

The Board reviews completed applications and determines whether applicants meet the current licensing requirements.

Candidates should not perform services requiring licensure until the state issues an active license.

Completing the education, passing the examinations, and receiving the actual state license are separate milestones.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia?

The cost of cosmetology education depends on tuition, required supplies, books, fees, and other expenses associated with the chosen program. Students should review current school pricing before enrolling.

Common expenses may include:

• Program tuition
• Student kits and professional supplies
• Textbooks and learning materials
• Enrollment fees
• Licensing examination fees
• Additional expenses identified by the school

At Keune Academy by 124, financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Students can explore grants, scholarships, federal student aid, and applicable student loans based on eligibility.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is an important starting point for students interested in federal financial aid. Completing the FAFSA® does not guarantee an award.

Keune Academy can provide information about the beauty school financial aid options available for qualifying students.

Financial planning is an important part of choosing a beauty school. Prospective students should ask about the full cost of attendance, potential assistance, and any remaining financial responsibilities.

What Careers Can You Explore With a Georgia Cosmetology License?

A Georgia Master Cosmetologist license may support several professional paths, depending on the services authorized by the license, individual skills, experience, and other applicable qualifications.

Possible areas of interest include:

• Hair stylist
• Hair color specialist
• Chemical treatment specialist
• Makeup artist
• Authorized nail services
• Permitted skincare and waxing services
• Editorial or session stylist
• Beauty blogger or content creator
• Brand representative or ambassador
• Salon owner or entrepreneur

Some paths require additional education, business approvals, or professional experience. For example, opening a salon involves establishment and business requirements beyond holding an individual cosmetology license.

Cosmetology education can introduce students to several areas of beauty services, giving them opportunities to discover which techniques and professional settings interest them.

Employment, earnings, and professional advancement are not guaranteed by completing school or obtaining a license.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Georgia

How many hours do you need to become a cosmetologist in Georgia?

Georgia requires 1,500 hours of approved school training for the Master Cosmetology licensing pathway, with a curriculum lasting at least nine months. Applicants must also pass the required written and practical examinations and complete the state’s licensing application process.

How old do you have to be to attend cosmetology school in Georgia?

Keune Academy by 124’s published Master Cosmetology prerequisites include being at least 17 years old and having a high school diploma or GED. Students should confirm the academy’s current admissions requirements before applying. State licensing and individual school admission requirements should be evaluated separately.

How long does Keune Academy by 124’s cosmetology program take?

Keune Academy by 124’s published Master Cosmetology curriculum includes 1,500 hours at approximately 35 hours per week across 43 instructional weeks. Its 2026 catalog describes an extended completion estimate of approximately 47 weeks to allow for certain scheduling factors. Actual completion depends on attendance and student progress.

Does Georgia require a written and practical cosmetology exam?

Yes. Georgia requires both written and practical examinations for initial Master Cosmetologist licensure. The state’s examination rule specifies a minimum score of 70 percent on each component. Candidates who do not meet the passing requirement must follow the applicable retesting process.

Can cosmetology students work with real clients before graduating?

Yes. Georgia’s Master Cosmetology curriculum permits eligible students to progress to supervised clinical services after completing the required initial 250 hours and meeting the applicable progression standards. At Keune Academy by 124, students gain supervised guest service experience in the student salon as they advance through their education.

Do you receive a cosmetology license automatically after graduation?

No. Graduating from an approved cosmetology program does not automatically grant a Georgia Master Cosmetologist license. Candidates must meet the state’s examination and application requirements and receive approval from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers before performing services requiring an active license.

How Can You Start Cosmetology School at Keune Academy by 124?

Beginning your cosmetology education starts with understanding the program, confirming admissions requirements, and exploring the learning environment.

Keune Academy by 124 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, offers Master Cosmetology education with technical instruction, supervised salon experience, professional product knowledge, and licensing examination preparation.

Students can visit the campus, speak with the admissions team, and learn about the school’s current class schedules, tuition, educational requirements, and financial assistance for those who qualify.

Next step: Schedule a Keune Academy by 124 beauty school tour to see the learning environment, ask questions about the Master Cosmetology program, and explore the steps involved in beginning your education.