Retaking the Georgia cosmetology written exam: the 2026 rules

The short answers

• How soon can I retake it?PSI and the Board don't list a waiting period. Once you're eligible, you book in your PSI account, and if a seat is open you can book as late as the day before. (PSI guide)
• How many times can I retake it?As many times as you need, within four years of finishing your course. (PSI guide; Board FAQ)
• What's the four-year window?Georgia law gives you 48 months from when you finished your required hours to pass both the written and practical exams. If you don't, the law says you have to repeat all of your required hours before you can test again. (Georgia law § 43-10-9; PSI guide)
• What does it cost?You pay the test fee again for each retake. You'll see the amount when you book in your PSI account. Test fees aren't refundable or transferable. (PSI guide; Georgia Board rule 240-6-.02)
• Do I retake the practical too?Not if you passed it. You retake only the part you failed. (Board FAQ)
• Can I test from home?No. In Georgia the theory test is given at five PSI testing centers: Duluth, Marietta, Macon, Savannah and Tifton. (PSI guide)

What you may have read online, and what’s current

Some guides you'll find online are out of date or written for a different exam. As of November 2026:

• Georgia uses PSI's national cosmetology exam, not the NIC exam.If your study guide is built for NIC, check its topics against PSI's outline. (PSI guide)
• There's no Georgia law section on the theory exam.None of the outline's ten areas is state law. (PSI guide)
• Paper applications are gone.Since January 16, 2026, PSI only takes Georgia applications online. Since February 3, 2026, your school or educator uploads your eligibility first, and then you apply. (PSI guide)
• The exam is in English.The Board gives its written and practical exams in English. (Board FAQ)
• The theory exam has 100 scored questions and 10 unscored ones.You get 120 minutes, and you need 70% to pass. Safety and Infection Control is the biggest area, at 30% of the test. (PSI guide)

How to book your retake, step by step

1. 1Keep your score report. PSI emails it within 48 hours. (PSI guide)
2. 2Find your four-year date. It's 48 months from when you finished your required hours. Pick a retest date well before it. (Georgia law § 43-10-9)
3. 3Log in to your PSI account at test-takers.psiexams.com/gacos, go to the MANAGE tab to schedule your retake, pay the fee, and choose a testing center. (PSI Georgia page; PSI guide)
4. 4Know the cancellation rules. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead, online or by talking to a live PSI representative. A voicemail doesn't count. If you cancel late, arrive after the start time, miss the test or don't bring the right ID, you lose the fee. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. (PSI guide)
5. 5Bring two IDs. The first must be a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport, with your name exactly as it appears on your registration, your signature and your photo. The second must show your signature and your preprinted legal name. Your middle name doesn't have to appear. If there's a problem with your ID, call PSI at (855) 744-0314 at least 21 days before your test. (PSI guide)
6. 6After you pass both parts, apply to the Board for your license online. (Board FAQ)

Questions?

For applications, scheduling and payment, call PSI at (855) 744-0314. PSI's guide asks you not to call the Board about registration. For licensing questions, see the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. (PSI guide)

Common questions

• Can I see which questions I missed?PSI's guide doesn't offer a way. You can leave comments on questions during the test, which PSI reviews but doesn't answer one by one. That's the only review of the theory test. (PSI guide)
• Can I take the theory exam in another language?No. The Board gives its exams in English. (Board FAQ)
• Can I get accommodations?Yes. Create your PSI account first, then submit PSI's accommodation request with documentation from your medical provider or school. Your accommodation has to be approved and paid for before you schedule, and approval can take up to 14 business days. (PSI Georgia page; PSI guide)
• What if my four years run out?Georgia law says you have to repeat all of your required hours before you can retake the exams. PSI's guide says you'll need to re-apply with the Board. (Georgia law § 43-10-9; PSI guide)
• Can I work while I wait?No. The Board says you must have your license before you can begin work. (Board FAQ)
• I'm an apprentice. Is my timeline different?If you were licensed as an apprentice on or after July 1, 2019, Georgia law says you must take the theory exam within the first 12 months of your apprentice license. (Georgia law § 43-10-13; Board FAQ)