Certifications

Every credential, in plain English.

The MA early childhood field uses a lot of acronyms. Here's what they actually mean, who needs them, and how to get one.

Important to know: You don't need to already hold the previous certificate to apply for the next one — you just need to meet that level's requirements. So if you can meet Lead Teacher's rules today, you can apply today.

MA-Approved Cosmetology Program (1,000 hours)

1,000-hr Program

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+) ↗

MA Cosmetology License

MA Cosmo License

MA-issued license to perform cosmetology services (hair cutting, coloring, chemical, basic skin and nail) in any salon in the Commonwealth.

Who needs it: Required for every cosmetologist working in MA. Must be displayed at your station.
How to get it: Complete a 1,000-hour MA-approved cosmetology program. Pass the MA written exam through PSI Exams. Pass the MA practical exam at a Board-approved testing site (you bring a model). License issued in 6–8 weeks. Renew every 2 years.
Cost: Written exam: ~$70. Practical exam: ~$90. Initial license fee: ~$68. Renewal: ~$68 every 2 years.
Where to start: MA Division of Occupational Licensure — Cosmetology ↗PSI Exams — MA Cosmetology ↗

MA Salon / Shop License

Salon License

MA Board of Cosmetology license for a physical salon location. Separate from individual stylist licenses — every salon operating in MA must hold a current shop license.

Who needs it: Every salon, suite, or booth-rental shop operating in MA. Owner must apply before opening.
How to get it: Apply through the MA Division of Occupational Licensure. Includes a Board sanitation inspection of the physical space (shampoo bowls, sterilization equipment, ventilation, ADA compliance). Renewable every 2 years.
Cost: Initial application + inspection: ~$110. Renewal: ~$78 every 2 years.
Where to start: MA Board of Cosmetology — Shop / Salon License ↗

MA Business Registration (LLC / Corporation / DBA)

Business Reg

Registering your salon or independent stylist business as an LLC, S-corporation, or sole proprietorship with the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Who needs it: Booth-rental stylists (sole prop or LLC), salon owners (LLC or S-corp recommended). Required for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and protecting personal assets.
How to get it: File with the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Division. Get a federal EIN from the IRS (free, instant). Register for MA workers' comp through a private carrier and MA unemployment insurance through DUA (if you have employees).
Cost: LLC filing: ~$500. DBA: ~$50–$100 at city hall. EIN: free. Workers' comp: $400–$2,000/yr depending on team size.
Where to start: MA Secretary of the Commonwealth — Corporations ↗IRS — Get an EIN ↗

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