Georgia · Cosmetology

Georgia Cosmetology State Board Exam Prep

Practice the exact content PSI puts on your Georgia cosmetology exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.

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The Georgia exam, at a glance

Direct from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
1500 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
17
Renewal
Every 2 years
CE Hours
5
Reciprocity
Yes

PSI topic breakdown for Georgia

Your SGS dashboard tracks your score in each of these categories so you know exactly where to study.

How SGS gets Georgia students over the passing line

The tools students use every night in the 30 days before their test.

The Final Look
Full-length mock exam built on the PSI topic map above. Every wrong answer is tagged back to the category so your weak areas surface fast.
Practice Tests
Chapter-by-chapter quizzes. Scoreboards + streaks so it doesn't feel like a textbook.
Flash & Know
Spaced-repetition flashcards. 15 minutes a night covers a full chapter.
The Board Game
Category-style trivia. Turns review into addictive play so studying doesn't feel like studying.

FAQ — Georgia cosmetology licensing

What score do I need to pass the Georgia cosmetology state board exam?

Georgia uses the PSI exam, which requires 75% or higher to pass. Practicing at least 10% above that on SGS mock exams is the sweet spot students who pass on the first try hit.

How many hours are required for cosmetology licensing in Georgia?

Georgia requires 1500 training hours for cosmetology, along with completing the PSI exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 17.

How does SGS align with the PSI exam content?

Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories PSI uses: Scientific Concepts (Infection Control, Safety, Chemistry); Hair Care and Services (Cutting, Styling, Chemical Services); Skin Care; Nail Care and Services. Your progress dashboard shows which categories you're strong in and which need work before test day.

Can I study on my phone?

Yes. SGS works in any mobile browser — no app install required. Flashcards, practice tests, and The Final Look exam all work on iPhone, Android, and tablet. Save your seat in The Lounge to sync progress across devices.

Other states · Cosmetology

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Three study tips specific to Georgia

  1. Really nail down your Scientific Concepts. That 35% chunk is huge and foundational. Don't just memorize; understand *why* certain sanitation procedures are critical or how chemical reactions work. This isn't just theory; it's what keeps your clients safe and your services effective.
  2. Dedicate extra time to Hair Care and Services. With 45% of the exam focused here, this is where you'll make or break your score. Practice your cutting angles, understand different styling techniques, and be crystal clear on the steps for various chemical services. Think beyond just knowing the steps; understand the *purpose* behind each one.
  3. Don't neglect Skin and Nail Care, even though they're smaller percentages. Ten percent each might seem small, but those points add up. A solid understanding of these areas can be the difference between passing and needing a retest, especially if you're close to the cutoff. Treat them as essential components of being a well-rounded cosmetologist.

A common mistake Georgia candidates make

A frequent stumble for Georgia candidates in the Hair Care and Services section (that 45% behemoth!) is over-relying on rote memorization for chemical services. Instead of truly understanding the underlying principles of perms, relaxers, or color applications, some students just try to recall a sequence of steps. The exam often throws in scenarios or asks "why" questions that require a deeper grasp of how these chemicals interact with hair, the importance of strand tests, or identifying contraindications. My advice? Don't just learn *what* to do, learn *why* you're doing it. This conceptual understanding will serve you far better than simple recall when faced with nuanced questions.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review all your notes on Scientific Concepts, especially infection control and safety. These are non-negotiables.
  2. Day 6: Focus entirely on Hair Care chemical services. Go over perms, relaxers, and color application steps and underlying chemistry.
  3. Day 5: Practice identifying different hair cutting angles and styling techniques. Visualize yourself performing them.
  4. Day 4: Go through your Skin Care notes. Pay attention to skin conditions and facial treatment steps.
  5. Day 3: Review Nail Care, focusing on manicures, pedicures, and nail disorders.
  6. Day 2: Do a quick, comprehensive review of *all* topics. Don't cram; just refresh your memory. Get your exam essentials ready.
  7. Day 1: Relax! Do something calming. Light review of quick facts if you feel the need, but prioritize rest and a good night's sleep.

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