The requirements you’ll have to meet to become a cosmetology teacher may depend on your jurisdiction. Typically, however, the first step in doing so is becoming a licensed cosmetologist and gaining years of experience and expertise in the techniques you plan to teach. Depending on where you live, you may also need instructor licensing or certification for this job, which may require you to secure additional training. Many jurisdictions require aspiring cosmetology teachers to pass an exam as well.
Generally, you will first have to obtain a cosmetology license to become a cosmetology teacher. As such, you may do well to learn the licensing requirements for your area and meet them before you begin working toward becoming a cosmetology teacher. Once you’ve become a cosmetologist, you may then go on to gain further experience in the field and develop expertise that will help you become a teacher.
When you are ready to become a cosmetology teacher, you may enroll in a cosmetology teacher training course offered by a school that is approved in your jurisdiction. As part of your training, you may learn such things as classroom techniques, teaching skills, business management, and legalities related to providing cosmetology services. Your training may also help you develop evaluation techniques.
After completing a cosmetology instructor course, you may then go on to apply for teacher certification or licensing. Typically, you will have to apply for a credential through your jurisdiction’s Board of Cosmetology or a similar agency. As part of the licensing or certification process, you will likely have to submit proof of your cosmetology license and experience as well as documentation that shows you have completed a cosmetology teacher course, if your jurisdiction requires it. You may also have to pay a fee and pass an examination to become a cosmetology teacher.
Once you have become a cosmetology teacher, you may have to meet jurisdiction-specific requirements in order to retain your licensing or certification. In many cases, this involves enrolling in continuing education courses. For example, some jurisdictions will require you to take continuing education courses in such subjects as teaching methodology, skin care, or sanitation in order to maintain your credential.
It is worth noting that some jurisdictions may not require you to have formal education to become a cosmetology teacher. Some may allow you to use your experience to demonstrate that you are qualified to teach others. For example, a jurisdiction may set a minimum teaching requirement for years of experience as a cosmetologist, and those who meet or exceed the minimum can teach without a formal teaching education.
