MA Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering required pre-licensing program covering hair, skin, and nail services, sanitation, chemistry, and MA cosmetology law.

Who needs it

Required before you can sit for the MA cosmetology licensing exams. Lowest hour requirement in New England.

How to get it

Enroll at any MA Board-approved school: voc high schools (Madison Park, Greater Lowell Tech, Worcester Tech, Minuteman, Bristol-Plymouth, Whittier) or private schools (Empire Beauty, Catherine Hinds Institute, Spa Tech, Blaine the Beauty Career School). Full-time: 8–10 months. Part-time: 18–24 months.

Cost

Voc school: often $0–$2K. Private: $12K–$20K (Pell-eligible, MassReconnect-eligible for 25+, GI Bill-eligible).

Where to start

MA Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering ↗MassReconnect (free community college for 25+) ↗