To work as a cosmetologist, hair stylist, nail technician, esthetician, or any other career within the field, you first need to get your cosmetology license. Every state differs on the requirements to procure the license. For residents of North Carolina, you must follow the following steps.
Attend Cosmetology School
The first step to work in Charlotte or elsewhere in NC is to get trained
The first step to getting any cosmetology license is to attend cosmetology school. For a general license, you must have 1500 hours of education at an accredited school approved by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. This education typically includes both written and practical coursework to prepare for your career. If you want to work solely as an esthetician or nail technician, then you may be able to reduce your education requirement. A nail technician license needs just 300 hours and an esthetician license just 600.
Pass the State Exam
Once you have completed and passed all your required coursework, it is time to sit for the state licensing exam. You must pass it with a 75 percent or higher score. Once you have completed the exam, then you simply have to apply for a license. This can be done online or by mail. A cosmetology license costs $49 while other licenses such as nail technician and esthetician may cost less. Typically, it takes 5-10 business days to receive your license once your application is complete.
To work before you take your exam, simply apply for a temporary permit
Prior to passing the exam, you can apply for a temporary permit. You still need to be done with your education and training and need to have already applied to take the examination. It will be valid for six months with not option to renew.
What if You Have a License From Another State?
North Carolina does offer a reciprocity license for those who have undertaken similar coursework, examination, and hold a valid license. In order to apply for a reciprocity license, you need to hold a current license and be in good standing, which means that you have no disciplinary action on your record, and you need to be licensed in a state that likewise offers reciprocity to North Carolina. Those licensed in Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Texas, or West Virginia only need to have the state licensing agency send a certification to the board. Other states must submit an application by mail or online. The cost is $64 for a reciprocity cosmetology license.
What About License Renewal?
To continue working, you need to renew your license every 3 years
You need to renew your cosmetology license in North Carolina every three years. To do so, you have to undertake 24 hours of continuing education. This means you need eight hours every year to maintain your license. In addition to the continuing education, you need to pay $23. As of April 1, 2012, you must have records of the course title, the address of the location, number of hours, date, and description of the continuing education course. At least half of the subject matter must directly increase your skills and ability in your chosen field.
It does not have to be difficult to get a cosmetology license, which means you can spend more of your time and effort on undertaking the training and education to work in your chosen area of cosmetology. All you have to do is pass your training and exam, and then you can apply for your license and begin to work.
If you already have your license, then you can get you continuing education credit with Beauty Academy. Check out our courses.