How to become a certified esthetician?

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To become a licensed esthetician in the US, one must complete an accredited community college or vocational school program and pass a state exam. Continuing education is required to maintain the license. The length of the program varies, and hands-on experience is necessary. The state exam includes an oral assessment and practical demonstration of skills. Continuing education is necessary to stay up-to-date with new techniques and tools.

Esthetician certification is earned by attending and completing an accredited community college or vocational school upon completion of high school, as well as passing a state exam in the United States. Certification is also known as licensing and is required of every practicing esthetician in the United States. In addition to the beautician course core study, you will need to have periodic continuing education to remain licensed.

Many community colleges and trade schools offer esthetician courses that can last between nine and 24 months. Estheticians who specialize in a particular niche, such as manicurists, may only require the short nine-month program; however, a two-year associate degree in cosmetology allows a student to work with nails, skin, and hair. Regardless of a student’s class choices, the trade school or community college must confirm that the individual has successfully graduated before they can be considered for esthetician certification.

Classwork in a college or trade school environment combines lecture and written work with real-life experience. To successfully graduate, students must be able to apply theories learned in the classroom to the salon environment. Haircuts, pedicures, and facials are some of the different procedures students must complete to be considered for esthetician certification. Often, local residents participate as test subjects for a discounted or free beauty service.

After learning and applying beauty techniques, graduates can take the state exam. Each state has different laws and regulations for various beauty treatments, such as applying hair color. In fact, the test is not just a written exam, but also consists of an application and oral assessment.

The state exam will require students to style a person’s hair as specified by the test administrators. In addition, the student can ask questions orally to enhance the administrator’s knowledge of a student’s experience. This oral part also helps qualify the student’s communication skills; the future beautician and clientele must have clear communication for a successful beauty treatment process.

Esthetician certification is awarded upon passing the state exam. Workers will receive an official license in the mail which must be displayed at the beautician’s workplace. Periodic continuing education courses must be taken even after esthetician certification; new coloring strategies or beauty tools can be introduced for a more successful beautician career. Later, the worker can apply the new knowledge to improve the current technique and attract new customers.




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