Kentucky Beauty School Enrollment Requirements
Diploma, GED, TABE, and age 18—explained clearly, so you can take your next step with confidence.
A missing document deserves a plan. A question about your eligibility deserves a clear answer. Start here, then let LBA review your individual situation.
Text LBA · 502-625-5531Reviewed October 6, 2026 · General guidance, not an individual eligibility decision
Three things to understand first
Sources: 201 KAR 12:082 and KRS 317A.050.
Which education route fits your situation?
These options are not the same credential. Understand what each provides before choosing where to study or test.
High school diploma
A high school awards a diploma after its graduation requirements are completed. If you already have one, ask LBA which official records to provide.
Still need to finish? Goodwill’s Excel Center offers a tuition-free adult high school pathway for Kentucky residents ages 18 and older who have not completed high school or earned a GED. Ask for a graduation plan based on your existing credits and circumstances.
Call 502-337-3322 · 6203 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40219
Explore Excel Center enrollment · Read eligibility details
GED and high school equivalency
The GED pathway demonstrates high-school-level knowledge through testing. Kentucky Adult Education offers free preparation. Ask your provider about current testing assistance, eligibility, scheduling, and any costs before registering.
GED testing has its own age rules. Do not assume that Kentucky’s beauty-license age rule also controls GED testing eligibility.
Louisville assistance: 502-485-3400
Review Kentucky GED guidance · Find your local adult education center
Qualifying TABE results
TABE is an academic assessment—not a diploma or GED. Kentucky recognizes results demonstrating the required grade-12 equivalency. Taking a test alone does not establish eligibility.
Before paying, ask the testing provider whether it can issue an official report suitable for this purpose. Ask LBA to review the documentation requirements, with Kentucky Board of Cosmetology clarification when needed. A practice score is not a substitute for official results.
Assessment background: TABE publisher FAQs. No universal passing score or automatic acceptance is promised here.
Age 18 and education proof are separate requirements
Being older than 18 does not waive education proof. KRS 317A.050 establishes a general minimum licensing age of 18, alongside education and other requirements. Age 18 satisfies the age threshold; it does not complete the licensing process.
Section 22 does not set a separate minimum enrollment age. School policies, the chosen program, and minor-related requirements still need review. The regulation provides a specific education-proof deferral for students in Board-approved programs at approved Kentucky high schools, until examination.
Read the enrollment provisions and general licensing requirements. Do not treat this explanation as an admission approval.
Your next step can be simple
- Tell LBA which beauty program interests you. Explain whether you have a diploma, GED, TABE report, or need help finding an education pathway.
- Request a document review. Ask what records are needed and how to provide them securely. Do not post identification or education records in public comments.
- Confirm the full enrollment plan. Review written tuition, fees, scheduling, program requirements, and the enrollment agreement before committing.
- Move forward when your requirements are confirmed. Keep copies of your documents and ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Education proof is the beginning of the conversation—not a beauty license. Applicable training, examinations, applications, fees, and Board requirements must still be satisfied. Consult Kentucky’s licensing statute for the governing requirements.
Common questions
I already have a GED. Do I also need a high school diploma?
A GED is one of the listed education options; the rule does not require both. Have LBA review your documentation for your program.
Does any TABE result qualify?
No. The official results must meet the applicable grade-12-equivalency standard. Confirm the reporting requirements before scheduling or paying for testing.
Can you guarantee enrollment or licensure?
No. Individual eligibility depends on the applicable requirements and review. This guide helps you prepare; it does not replace a school admissions decision or a Board licensing decision.
What if I studied outside the United States?
Ask LBA how your education records must be documented and whether translation, evaluation, or Board clarification is needed before you purchase a service.
Download your enrollment guide
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You do not have to figure it out alone.
Tell us where you are today. We can help you identify the questions to resolve before enrollment.
Text LBA · 502-625-55311049 Bardstown Road · Louisville, KY 40204
study@LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net
Louisville Beauty Academy is a 2025 U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 honoree in the Enduring Businesses category. Business recognition is separate from state licensing and academic accreditation.
