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Esthetician Schools in Georgia

Becoming an esthetician in Georgia, like in any other state, can be a worthwhile career move for individuals who have a passion for skincare and beauty, enjoy helping others feel confident, and are willing to invest time and effort in their education and training.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best esthetician schools in Georgia, to help you get started on your path to becoming a successful esthetician.

State requirements for esthetician licensing in Georgia

To become an esthetician in Georgia, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Education Requirements: Complete an esthetician training program that covers various topics including professional practices, professional ethics, business practices, sciences, facials, makeup, hair removal, and spa and salon management. The training includes a minimum of 1,000 hours of coursework or 2,000 hours if completed through an apprenticeship​​​​.
  2. Examinations: After completing your training, you need to pass both written and practical esthetician exams. The written exam covers scientific concepts and skin care services, while the practical exam tests skills in various areas like facial treatments, makeup application, and hair removal. To take these exams, your eligibility will need to be verified either by a licensed school or through the apprenticeship route​​.
  3. Application and Fees: Submit a completed application for licensure along with the required fees. The application fee is $30, and the testing fee is $109, with separate costs for the practical ($64) and written ($45) tests. These fees can be paid via money order, cashier’s check, company check, or credit card​​​​.
  4. Licensure and Renewal: After successfully passing the exams and meeting all the requirements, you can apply for your esthetician license in Georgia. The license must be renewed every two years by August 31 in odd-numbered years, with a renewal fee of $45 and a requirement to complete five hours of continuing education​​.

Additional procedural requirements for estheticians include:

  • Being at least 17 years of age
  • Having a high school diploma or GED
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Passing a criminal background check

Estimated cost

It takes around six months to complete an esthetician program. The associated cost ranges are typical for esthetician programs in Georgia based on our research:

  • $4,000 to $6,000 in tuition and fees at community college programs
  • $6,000 to $12,000 at a private school

In-state students should be expected to pay less than out-of-state counterparts at community colleges.

Required skills and classes

In Georgia, estheticians must complete a training program that includes a variety of courses focusing on different aspects of skin care and esthetics. Common courses in these programs include:

  1. Professional Practices: This covers hygiene, public health and safety, bacteriology and sanitation, OSHA standards, communicable diseases, safety methods, and facility hygiene. It ensures that estheticians understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
  2. Professional Ethics: This course focuses on personal attitude, image, and the ethical considerations of working as an esthetician.
  3. Business Practices: It includes learning about Georgia laws and statutes, salon development, business insurance, client records, and ethics in business practices.
  4. Sciences: This is a comprehensive course covering the histology of skin, dermatology, physiology, and theory. It’s crucial for understanding the science behind skin health and treatments.
  5. Facials: This course teaches about client consultation, skin analysis, various facial techniques, cleansing, toning, therapy, and spa facials.
  6. Makeup: It includes training in client consultation, skin analysis, contouring, application, color accent, and camouflage makeup.
  7. Hair Removal: This course focuses on techniques for removing facial, leg, and body hair, including brow arching.
  8. Spa and Salon Management: This involves learning about front desk operations, marketing, managerial responsibilities, client retention, business management, and understanding profit statements.

Additional subjects and techniques may include brow tweezing and waxing, European massage, aromatherapy, product therapy, mask therapy, and training in the use of esthetics machines​.

State licensing exam

To take the esthetician exams in Georgia, here’s what you need to know:

Written Examination

  1. Content: The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering Scientific Concepts (55%) and Skin Care and Services (45%).
  2. Duration: You have 90 minutes to complete this exam.
  3. Passing Score: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.
  4. Cost: The fee for the written theory test is $45.

Practical Examination

  1. Duration: The practical exam lasts for 135 minutes.
  2. Content: You’ll need to demonstrate skills in various areas, including client preparation, facial cleansing, exfoliation, hair removal, facial mask, makeup, and blood exposure procedures.
  3. Cost: The fee for the practical test is $64.
  4. Dress Code: You must wear closed-toe shoes and a smock/lab coat.
  5. Supplies: Bring a model, a mannequin head with a clamp, and your own kit of supplies.

Booking the Exams

  • Eligibility: Your eligibility to take the exams is determined by your educational provider or, for apprenticeship students, by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
  • Scheduling: Exams can be scheduled online, by phone, or by mail through PSI Services LLC.
  • Validity of Eligibility: Your eligibility for the exams is valid for 2 years.

Preparing for Exams

  • Study Materials: It is recommended to study from resources like “Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals” and “Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Textbook” for comprehensive preparation.
  • Practice Tests: You can find practice tests and study guides to help you prepare for the exams.

Additional Information

  • If you need to reschedule your exam, you must do so at least 2 business days prior to avoid forfeiting your exam fee.

Average salary

Based on data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2023, estheticians in the state of Georgia can expect an annual salary of $37,090 or $17.83 per hour.

Continuing education requirements

5 hours of continued education are required to renew your license every two years. Renewals occur in odd-numbered years.

Contact information for state licensing boards

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

Address: 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
Website: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/16
Contact Form: https://sos.ga.gov/cgi-bin/email.asp
Call: 404-656-2881