Georgia Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours, CE Broker & Steps

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

What are the Georgia cosmetology CE requirements?

Georgia master cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and hair designers must complete 5 hours of continuing education every two years to renew. At least 3 of the 5 hours must be a Board-approved health and safety course. The other 2 hours can be another health and safety course, an industry or trade show, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or a course in your area of practice. Your first renewal is exempt. CosmetologyCeOnline.com is Board-approved CE provider CEP-000263; our 5-hour package covers all 5 hours online.

3 hours: health & safety (required)

  • Must be developed or approved by the Board
  • Our 3-hour TCSG Health and Safety course meets it
  • Required at every renewal after your first

2 hours: your choice

  • Health and safety, industry trends or business management
  • Computer skills, or your area of practice
  • An industry or trade show also counts

The same 5-hour rule applies to Master Barber and Barber II licenses. Instructors need 15 hours, with at least half in teaching techniques, lesson planning or other advanced teacher training, and there are no CE exemptions for instructor licenses.

When is the Georgia renewal deadline?

Georgia cosmetology and barber licenses expire every two years and must be renewed by the expiration date to stay active. Check your expiration date in your GOALS account, and finish your 5 hours before you renew.

Record your CE in CE Broker (required since 2026)

Since January 1, 2026, the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers requires every cosmetologist and barber to register with CE Broker and record all of the continuing education they take for licensure and renewal, with proof of completion. A free basic account is enough. The Board strongly encourages you to upload each course and certificate as soon as you finish it, and before you apply to renew. If you don't enter all of your required hours in CE Broker, the Board says there's a high probability you'll be audited. Source: Georgia Board continuing education requirements.

How to renew your Georgia cosmetology license

  1. Check your expiration date in your GOALS account.
  2. Complete 5 hours of CE with a Board-approved provider, including the 3-hour health and safety course.
  3. Upload each certificate to CE Broker as you finish it, using a free basic account.
  4. Renew online in GOALS before your license expires.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Skipping the 3-hour health and safety course. Five elective hours won't meet the requirement.
  • Not recording your hours in CE Broker. Since 2026 the Board expects every course in CE Broker, and missing hours make an audit likely.
  • Using an unapproved provider. Check the Board's approved CE provider list before you pay.
  • Waiting until your license has expired. Renew by your expiration date to stay active.
  • Losing your certificates. Save a copy of each one.

Georgia cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do Georgia cosmetologists need?

5 hours every two years, including a 3-hour Board-approved health and safety course.

Do I need CE for my first renewal?

No. Georgia requires the 5 hours at every renewal after your first.

Can I complete Georgia cosmetology CE online?

Yes. Our Board-approved courses are fully online with no exam, and you can start and stop as needed.

What counts toward the other 2 hours?

Another health and safety course, an industry or trade show, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or a course in your area of practice. Our 2-hour Cosmetology Essentials course covers professional image and cultural diversity.

I already have some hours. Can I buy just part?

Yes. Take just the 3-hour TCSG Health and Safety course ($19) or the 2-hour Cosmetology Essentials course ($10), each with code CosmoGA.

Do I have to use CE Broker in Georgia?

Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Georgia cosmetologists and barbers must record their continuing education and proof of completion in CE Broker. A free basic account is enough. Upload your certificates before you renew.

Ready to renew?

Our 5-hour package covers all 5 hours, including the required 3-hour health and safety course: $29 with code CosmoGA, no exam, fully online.

See Georgia CE courses