Career Tips

How Long Is Cosmetology School? Complete Timeline

2026-06-10MAK Beauty Institute

One of the most common questions we hear is: "How long will it take to become a cosmetologist?" The answer depends on several factors — your schedule, the program you choose, and how many hours you can commit each week. Let us break it down.

Georgia Requirements: 1,500 Hours

The state of Georgia requires 1,500 hours of training to qualify for the cosmetology license exam. This includes both theory (classroom) and practical (hands-on) training. At MAK Beauty Institute, our Master Cosmetology program is designed to meet and exceed these requirements.

Program Duration Options at MAK Beauty

7
Months
Full-time: 34 hrs/week
10
Months
Part-time A: 28 hrs/week
18
Months
Part-time B: 20 hrs/week

Classes start every Monday, so you do not have to wait for a traditional semester to begin.

What Affects Your Timeline?

  • Schedule choice: Full-time students finish in ~7 months, while part-time students take 10–18 months.
  • Attendance: Consistent attendance is key. Students must complete hours within 150% of the published timeframe.
  • Holidays: The school is closed for major holidays (New Year's, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas break).

Daily Schedule at MAK Beauty

Our school operates on a structured schedule:

  • Monday–Wednesday: Theory classes 9am–11am, Clinic floor 11am–6pm
  • Thursday: Full clinic day
  • Friday: Clinic 9am–4pm
  • Saturday: Open 2 Saturdays per month, 10am–4pm

Ready to start? Explore our programs or schedule a tour to see our campus!

Ready to Start Your Beauty Career?

Classes start every Monday at MAK Beauty Institute. Apply now and take the first step!