Cosmetology Training Requirements
As a cosmetologist in training, you will learn how to treat skin, hair and nail problems and leave your clients looking like the best version of themselves. On average, it will take you 6 months or 1 year to complete your training as a cosmetologist. The duration of your program will depend on your specialization. Different specialties will require a different number of hours to be put in. At the best esthetician schools, you will not just be taught how to get entry level jobs, but also how to prepare for and give the licensing exam for cosmetology. Top esthetician programs will also train you in skincare and massage, facial treatments, salt glows, body wraps, anatomy, physiology, professional ethics and more.
Featured Programs and Schools
Types of Programs
There are different kinds of licenses you can get in the field. Each license will act as an added qualification to your resume and portfolio. You could choose to get:
- Basic License
To get a basic level license in the field, you will have to spend 600 to 750 hours of training, depending on the state you belong to. During this time, you will be learning about facial massage techniques, skin analysis and other skincare topics. Once you get your license, you have to make sure you get it renewed every few years. You can do this by taking some continuing education units (CEU’s) before the stipulated time as mentioned by your state’s law.
- Master License
Obtaining a master license in cosmetology will take 1,200 – 1,500 hours of training. The first half of a master license will be very similar to what you will be taught in a basic license program. Master esthetician programs also teach you advanced skills like hair removal techniques, microdermabrasion, and laser skin therapy. You will also be trained to help people deal with a range of skin problems including any injuries they suffered. Again, your master license has to be renewed every few years as well.
- NCEA Esthetician
NCEA estheticians are the highest qualified skin care specialists in the US. Getting approved by the NCEA (The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations) prepares you for the state exam for cosmetology licenses.
- Esthetician Continuing Education
One of the most important things about being an esthetician is to keep up to date with recent trends in the industry. One way to do that is to renew your license and take continuing education units (CEU’s). Taking these units is a strict requirement in most states in America.
How Much do Trained Cosmetologists Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists as of May 2108 was $24,830 per year and $11.94 per hour. The number of jobs available in the field in 2016 was 673,700. The projected growth rate is higher at 13% than average and a new addition of 87,600 new jobs is expected between 2016 and 2026.