After high school graduation, beautician certification is obtained attending and completing an accredited community college or trade school, as well as passing a state exam within the United States. Each practicing beautician in the United States must obtain certification, also known as licensure. In addition to the main beautician course, you’ll need to take continuing education classes on a regular basis to keep your license.
Many community colleges and trade schools provide beautician training programs that last anywhere from nine to twenty-four months. Beauticians who specialize in a specific niche, such as manicures, may only need a nine-month program; however, a two-year associate’s degree in cosmetology allows students to work with nails, skin, and hair. Regardless of the student’s course selections, the trade school or community college must confirm that the person has successfully completed the program in order for him or her to be considered for beautician certification.
In a college or trade school setting, lectures and written work are combined with practical experience. Students must be able to apply the theories learned in class to the salon environment in order to graduate successfully. Students must complete haircuts, pedicures, and facials among other procedures in order to be considered for beautician certification. Local residents are frequently used as test subjects for beauty services that are either discounted or free.
Graduates can take the state exam after learning and applying the beauty techniques. For various beauty treatments, such as hair color application, each state has its own set of laws and regulations. In fact, the exam includes not only a written exam but also an application and an oral evaluation.
Students will be required to style a person’s hair according to the test administrators’ instructions on the state exam. Additionally, the student may be asked questions orally in order for the administrator to gain a better understanding of the student’s expertise. This oral portion also helps to qualify the student’s communication skills; for a successful beauty treatment process, the future beautician and clientele must have clear communication.
After passing the state exam, beautician certification is granted. Workers will receive an official license in the mail, which will need to be displayed at the beautician’s location. Even after beautician certification, periodic continuing education courses are required; new coloring strategies or beauty tools may be introduced for a more successful beautician career. After that, the employee can use the new information to improve current techniques and attract new customers.