News & Updates
- State Inspectors Visit Boston to Ensure Safety and Compliance at Barber Shops and Beauty Salons
- State Inspectors Visit Springfield to Ensure Safety and Compliance at Barber Shops and Beauty Salons
- Advisory Regarding Booth Rentals
- Regarding Sophomore Vocational School Students Who Are At Least 16 Years Old
- Regarding Certain New Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions about Board of Registration of Cosmetologists
By the Division of Professional Licensure
- How can I become a cosmetologist?
- How can I become a manicurist?
- How can I become an aesthetician?
- When are the examinations offered?
- Where are the Cosmetology, Aesthetic and Manicuring schools located?
- How can I update my operators license to a cosmetologist (type 1) license?
- How do I renew my cosmetology license?
- How do I notify the Board of an address or name change?
- How would I contact a cosmetology association in Massachusetts?
- How can I open a salon?
How can I become a cosmetologist?
Complete a basic 1000 hour course in a licensed cosmetology school.
How can I become a manicurist?
Complete a basic 100 hour course in an approved manicuring program
How can I become an aesthetician?
Complete a basic 300 course in an approved aesthetic program
When are the examinations offered?
Examinations are offered daily in Malden at the ASI Test Center Gateway Apartments, 14 Summer Street, Malden MA 02148. They are also offered in Springfield, MA on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month and in Worcester, MA on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
Where are the Cosmetology, Aesthetic and Manicuring schools located?
Our list of the licensed schools 
and programs is available on this web site.
How can I update my operators license to a cosmetologist (type 1) license?
Complete the application with proof of two years work experience and it must be notarized. Operators license must be current.
How do I renew my cosmetology license?
Licenses are renewed every two years on your birthrate. Renewals are mailed out approximately 6 weeks prior to the expiration date. It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Board if they fail to receive a renewal notice.
How do I notify the Board of an address or name change?
Use our online Change Your Address form and update the information
How would I contact a cosmetology association in Massachusetts?
You may call the National Cosmetology Association of Massachusetts at 1-800-487-8858.
Please visit our Applications and Forms page or take a look at our Salon Applicants form.