Requirements for Cosmetology Instructors

Cosmetology License and Teaching Requirements

Sep 23, 2009 Robin McDaniel

Become a cosmetology instructor and help train students to become competent professionals in the cosmetology field.

The cosmetology field is always growing, and licensed practitioners are constantly being hired for positions such as esthetician, nail technician, hair stylist and barbers. Cosmetology instructors help to train these professionals to obtain their cosmetology license in this rewarding field. Requirements for cosmetology instructors vary by state. Some states require a simple certificate and others more intensive training. Most states have some typical requirements that must be met before becoming a cosmetology instructor.

Obtaining a Cosmetology License

Applicants must be eighteen (18) years of age and have graduated high school to be a cosmetology instructor. In addition, they will need to complete all placement tests needed to enter cosmetology school and become a licensed cosmetologist. It is necessary to provide official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended to the cosmetology school prospective instructors plan to attend. Most cosmetology schools require 1200 to 1800 hours to complete the course. Applicants will need to receive a cosmetology license to become a cosmetology instructor. Finding a school is necessary to complete specific requirements for cosmetology instructors. Hourly requirements with each state.

Work Experience Requirements for Cosmetology Instructors

After completing the hours required to receive a cosmetology license, cosmetology students will need to pass a cosmetology test to receive their cosmetology license. To become a cosmetology instructor licensed cosmetologists will also need to work in the field for at least 800 hours and have had a cosmetology license for 6 months. Some states require up to 5 years of work experience before hiring licensed applicants as a cosmetology instructor. Call the State Board of Cosmetology in the chosen state to find out the individual requirements and submit an application to the board of cosmetology in that state.

Out of State Requirements for Cosmetology Instructors

When attempting to obtain a position in a state other than the one in which the applicant is licensed, it is necessary to produce a Cosmetology License from the state in which he/she practiced. The applicant will also need to go to the state board of the state where he/she wants to work as a cosmetology teacher and get a license in that state. Some states have reciprocity with others, and may transfer licenses based on recognition of previous education hours or work experience. Still others may require an applicant to take additional hours to hold a cosmetology or cosmetology instructors license in that state. Job seekers must hold a cosmetology license in the state they are applying for the instructor’s license.

Apply for a Cosmetology Instructor Position

Prospective cosmetology instructors should apply for a cosmetology instructor position by finding individual beauty schools in their area and putting in an application for the position. They will need to provide proof as listed above, as well as references from salon/s in which they have worked. Specific instructors are needed to train hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians, estheticians, waxing and makeup.

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