The cosmetology industry in Georgia is overseen by the Georgia Cosmetology Commission, a division of the Georgia Secretary of State's office. The Georgia Cosmetology Commission issues cosmetology licenses, receives consumer complaints regarding cosmetology-related establishments, issues cosmetology license renewals and regulates courses acceptable for fulfilling cosmetology continuing education requirements.
Cosmetologists in Georgia are required to renew their license every even-numbered year; to do so, they must complete continuing education and file completion certificates by March 31 of that year. The Georgia Cosmetology Commission requires cosmetologists to complete a total of five hours of continuing education each year; of those five hours, three must be in a health and safety Course developed by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. The remaining continuing education hours may be in approved coursework of the cosmetologist's choice. Courses can be completed in class or online.
Cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians are all required to fulfill continuing education requirements. These professions are required to satisfy the continuing education primarily to maintain awareness of health and safety regulations within the industry. Because the cosmetology profession requires substantial physical contact with clientele, cosmetologists must provide a sanitary and safe environment for themselves and their customers.
Two groups of cosmetologists that may be exempt from continuing education. If the cosmetologist has been a licensed cosmetologist for 25 years or more, she can request a waiver for the continuing education requirement. Additionally, if a licensed cosmetologist is experiencing hardship, she can request a waiver.