After completing your beauty school training, you must apply for a state beauty license before seeking employment. It is against the law to provide cosmetology services for a fee if you do not have the proper license.
In most states, the licensing of beauty school graduates is handled by the State Board of Cosmetology or the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. This organization is often part of the Department of Public Health or the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Applying for a License
The beauty school you attend should be well aware of licensing requirements for your state. Shortly before graduation, your instructor should explain how to apply for a beauty license in your state.
To apply for a state beauty license, you must typically have completed training from an approved cosmetology school that meets the requirements for hours of practical instruction. Some states have other minimum requirements, such as being at least eighteen years of age.
When you apply for your state beauty license, you may be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime or been treated for drug abuse. If you answer yes to these questions, you might need to supply supporting documents or appear before a review board to determine if you are still eligible for a license in your state.
Types of Licenses
While some states award general cosmetology licenses, you may need to apply for an additional license to obtain the position you are seeking. It is possible to have multiple state beauty licenses; all you need to do is complete the appropriate tests and pay the needed fees.
Depending upon your state, you may obtain a license in:
- Cosmetology
- Barber Styling
- Esthetics
- Electrology
- Nail technology
- Natural hairstyling
- Tattooing
- Body piercing
- Hair design
- Waxing
- Cosmetology school instructor
Examination Requirements
Examinations for state beauty licenses are created with the assistance of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). The organization works to create examinations in English, as well as Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Written examinations are made of multiple choice questions and typically take ninety minutes to complete. In addition to the written examination, you may also be required to complete an oral exam or a practical test of your cosmetology skills.
Renewing Your Beauty License
Once you’ve earned your license, it will need to be renewed on a regular basis. Many states require continuing education in areas such as safety and infection control to maintain your license. Shortly before your license is set to expire, you should receive a renewal notice outlining requirements in your state.
Moving to Another State
State beauty licenses are generally not transferable. This means that you will need to complete the licensing procedure from the beginning steps if you ever decide to move and seek employment outside of your home state.