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Mara
Student
Hooksett, New Hampshire
1
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How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist?
How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist
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3 answers
Mindy Hicks
Hairstylist/business owner
5
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Mindy’s Answer
Hi there! It depends on the state you’re in and what their requirements are, it is usually based on hours. In Missouri, you need 1500 hours of education. You can go full time and finish in 9 months. Part time takes 18months. You can also do an internship but that requires 3000 hours here. Different states also have different continuing education rules where they may require classes each year to keep up your license.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mara !
There are a couple of ways/lengths of times to become a licensed cosmetologist. It depends on where you get your training.
If in a vocational high school that offers Cosmetology, you would go for your sophomore, junior and senior year. If you go to a community college, you would go for two years and get an Associates Degree. If you go to a school for this in the community, you'll have to check with each school individually to see how long the program is. So you have a choice of which schooling you would like and when you read about or call the schools, they will tell you the current information about the length of their program.
After you're finished with the education part, it's time for you to take the Board exam which, once you pass it, you will become a licensed Cosmetologist. So the length of time will depend on how soon after schooling ends and when you take the Board exam. What's really cool about the field is that you really never stop learning. It is a profession that demands constant updated information about techniques, products, trends and styles. Many people also get certifications to enhance their career.
Some of the Certifications that you can get after you're licensed are Professional Makeup Certification, Master Makeup Certification, National Esthetician Certification (this one takes about 4 weeks), Licensed Hair Braider, Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Certified Advanced Hair Coloring Specialist ! I'm sure there are more. But once you have the license in hand, you're good to go. I do advise getting the certifications in your special interests because that will give a boost to your career.
Your education will never end, however. You will eventually be invited to conferences, trainings, workshops, presentations all about your field of work. So, basically, it can take between two and three years to finish the education part. The licensing will depend on how long after the education the exam is offered. I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
There are a couple of ways/lengths of times to become a licensed cosmetologist. It depends on where you get your training.
If in a vocational high school that offers Cosmetology, you would go for your sophomore, junior and senior year. If you go to a community college, you would go for two years and get an Associates Degree. If you go to a school for this in the community, you'll have to check with each school individually to see how long the program is. So you have a choice of which schooling you would like and when you read about or call the schools, they will tell you the current information about the length of their program.
After you're finished with the education part, it's time for you to take the Board exam which, once you pass it, you will become a licensed Cosmetologist. So the length of time will depend on how soon after schooling ends and when you take the Board exam. What's really cool about the field is that you really never stop learning. It is a profession that demands constant updated information about techniques, products, trends and styles. Many people also get certifications to enhance their career.
Some of the Certifications that you can get after you're licensed are Professional Makeup Certification, Master Makeup Certification, National Esthetician Certification (this one takes about 4 weeks), Licensed Hair Braider, Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Certified Advanced Hair Coloring Specialist ! I'm sure there are more. But once you have the license in hand, you're good to go. I do advise getting the certifications in your special interests because that will give a boost to your career.
Your education will never end, however. You will eventually be invited to conferences, trainings, workshops, presentations all about your field of work. So, basically, it can take between two and three years to finish the education part. The licensing will depend on how long after the education the exam is offered. I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Mara:
Educational Pathway for a career in Cosmetology :
One needs to earn a high school degree or a general educational development (GED) before pursuing Cosmetology school. Cosmetology school is around 12 months at a private beauty school. At these schools, a number of hours are required to complete. According to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), the national average of required hours is between 1,400 to 1,600 to depending on the state where the school is located.
An Associates Degree can be earned at a community or technical college. This will take two years to accomplish. In either scenario at a private beauty school or at a community or technical college, there are costs involved for the programs, hands on training, etc. Cosmetology costs can be up to $20,000+ for tuition, books, fees, supplies, etc.
When considering a Cosmetology program, several things need to be researched:
- The Cosmetology program is state approved, especially for licensing.
- Program reviews will need to be considered from alumni and current students.
- Programs are checked for high rates for graduation.
- Career placement after graduation
- Financial assistance for the Cosmetology program
- Hands-On Training and Apprenticeship Programs
- Continuing education opportunities after graduation
Hope this information helps and best wishes for your career in Cosmetology!
Educational Pathway for a career in Cosmetology :
One needs to earn a high school degree or a general educational development (GED) before pursuing Cosmetology school. Cosmetology school is around 12 months at a private beauty school. At these schools, a number of hours are required to complete. According to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), the national average of required hours is between 1,400 to 1,600 to depending on the state where the school is located.
An Associates Degree can be earned at a community or technical college. This will take two years to accomplish. In either scenario at a private beauty school or at a community or technical college, there are costs involved for the programs, hands on training, etc. Cosmetology costs can be up to $20,000+ for tuition, books, fees, supplies, etc.
When considering a Cosmetology program, several things need to be researched:
- The Cosmetology program is state approved, especially for licensing.
- Program reviews will need to be considered from alumni and current students.
- Programs are checked for high rates for graduation.
- Career placement after graduation
- Financial assistance for the Cosmetology program
- Hands-On Training and Apprenticeship Programs
- Continuing education opportunities after graduation
Hope this information helps and best wishes for your career in Cosmetology!