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Notice to Exam Candidates: Written Practical Exam Update
9/25/2023
  • Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering

Boston, MANotice to Exam Candidates:

At its September 14th Public Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (“Board”) voted to eliminate the written practical examination for in-state graduates of cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, and manicuring programs, as well as Out of State and Out of Country applicants for those fields, effective October 2nd.

As of October 2nd, any graduate of an in-state cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics or manicuring program, and any cosmetology/barbering/aesthetics/manicuring Out of Country and Out of State applicant will only need to pass the written theory exam in their field to become licensed. 

The new fee for the written theory exam will be $155, beginning October 2nd. If a candidate registers for a written theory exam on October 2nd or later, their exam fee will reflect this change. Exam fees for in-state Electrology Graduates, Instructors (all license types) and Lapsed candidates (all license types) will not be changing.

Applicants who have been approved to take the exams and are registered with PSI will be notified that as of October 2nd, they will only need to pass the written theory exam. If a student wishes to be licensed prior to October 2nd, they still need to pass the written practical exam in order to move forward with the process.

Applicants who have already passed PSI’s written theory exam within the past year will be able to be licensed beginning on October 2nd. Some Out of Country and Out of State candidates will need to pay a post exam licensure fee. PSI will contact candidates if they need to pay this fee prior to becoming licensed.

If you have any questions on this information, please contact PSI here.

  • Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering 

    The Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates cosmetology, barbering, and electrology in Massachusetts. The Board issues licenses to qualified individuals, businesses, and schools to ensure public health and safety by maintaining high standards for these industries.
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