Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments and techniques, such as hairstyling, skin care, nail care and manicures, and esthetics. It’s a fulfilling career that allows you to work directly with people, improving their personal appearance. Jobs for cosmetologists are projected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next decade.
In California, cosmetologists must complete an accredited training program to become licensed. What are some of the minimum requirements for enrolling in cosmetology school?
Prerequisite Education
Beauty schools in California require students to have a high school diploma or an equivalent such as the General Education Development (GED) to enroll in a program. This ensures students have a baseline education so they successfully complete career training.
Age
At cosmetology schools in California, students 16 and older are eligible to apply. Students of any adult age can apply to join our cosmetology school program and start a new career.
Passion for Learning
Learning the skills that make you an elite cosmetologist require theoretical learning and hands on practice. Many of the techniques take study, concentration, and practical hours in the salon to master. If you have a true passion for learning new skills, you can find success in your beauty career.
Program Length and Training Hours
To become a licensed cosmetologist, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires students complete an approved training program of at least 1,000 hours of combined theoretical and practical training. Only after they have completed a cosmetology program can they take the licensing exam and become a certified cosmetologist.
The cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell the School at Campus includes an extensive hands-on training curriculum taught by leading hairstylist instructors at our Sacramento training facility. Students will be able to practice their skills on real clients in our student salon. The length of the program is about 30 weeks, at which time, students will be prepared to pass the State Board licensing exam.
Cosmetology students are regularly given assessments throughout the program to make sure they are fully prepared to take the licensing exam, and are exhibiting technical competence in hairstyling and beauty routines.
Cost and Tuition
Once you’ve decided that you want to attend beauty school, there are considerations you’ll evaluate in your decision. The cost of the program, quality of training and education, location, and school reputation are all things you should think about before enrolling. Some schools list tuition costs on their websites, and some reveal that information when you contact their Admissions department. Ultimately, you should feel like you received a quality cosmetology education for your investment.
Financial Aid
In California, accredited cosmetology schools are eligible for financial aid such as grants and loans to cover tuition. You can get details on the percentages of students that received financial aid, and what programs are available by contacting the respective schools.
Cosmetologist Certification
As of January 1, 2022, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires prospective cosmetologists to pass an exam of 100 questions with 120 minutes to complete the exam. If applicants pass, they receive their cosmetologist license. Cosmetologists must pay a licensing fee to renew their license every two years.
Job Placement
Some cosmetology schools partner with local salons to help place graduates into entry level jobs in their geographical area. To determine whether your prospective beauty school has a job placement program, speak with their Admissions team.
Become a Licensed Cosmetologist at Our Sacramento Beauty School
If you are ready to start your cosmetology career, Paul Mitchell the School at Campus located in Sacramento has a world-class cosmetology program. New classes start throughout the year. Our students go through a rigorous cosmetology training program that prepares them to start a career in cosmetology. You can learn more about this exciting program by contacting our Admissions team.