Requirements for Licenses
Apprentice Cosmetologist/Cosmetologist:
- 1800 hours
- 10th grade education
Nail Technician:
- 600 hours
- 10th grade education
Esthetician:
- 1000 hours
- 12th grade education
Apprentice Instructor/Instructor:
- 1000 hours
- 12th grade education
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Apprentice Cosmetologist |
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Upon completion of the 1800 hours, the individual is eligible to apply for an apprentice cosmetologist license by submitting the appropriate examination application, which may be obtained from the school. You must successfully complete a written and practical examination. Upon successful completion of both portions of the examination, an apprentice cosmetologist license is issued.
An apprentice cosmetologist must work for at least six (6) months under the immediate supervision of a licensed cosmetologist. Upon completion of the six (6) month apprenticeship, the individual is eligible to apply for the regular cosmetologist examination.
According to 201 KAR 12:045. Section 2(2), a six (6) month apprenticeship consists of working in a licensed beauty salon for an average of 20 hours per week for six (6) months.
An apprentice cosmetologist cannot hold a license for more than 18 months without requesting an extension from the Board.
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Cosmetologist |
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Must have completed a 6 month apprenticeship in a licensed salon. If you have been licensed for at least two (2) years in another state, see Out of State Licenses.
The apprenticeship must be verified by the salon owner or manager on the application for regular cosmetologist examination.
You must successfully complete a practical examination. Upon completion of the practical examination, the first cosmetologist license will be issued.
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Nail Technician |
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Upon completion of the 600 hour course, the individual is eligible to apply for the nail technician examination. The application should be obtained from the school in which the hours were completed. If the hours were completed in another state, see Out of State Licenses.
You must successfully complete a written and practical examination. Upon successfully completing both portions of the examination, the first nail technician license is issued.
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Esthetician |
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Upon completion of the 1,000 hour course, the individual is eligible to apply for the esthetics examination. The application should be obtained from the school in which the hours were completed. If the hours were completed in another state, see Out of State Licenses.
You must successfully complete a written and practical examination. Upon successfully completing both portions of the examination, the first esthetician license is issued.
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Apprentice Instructor/Cosmetology Instructor |
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To become an apprentice instructor:
- Must be a currently licensed cosmetologist, must have been licensed at least one (1) year (which includes the time licensed as an apprentice cosmetologist) and must have a 12th grade education or equivalent.
- Complete application (obtained from the school they will be attending) and submit with first license fee.
Also:
- The process does not require Board approval. If applicant meets requirements, license is issued.
- One must complete 1,000 hours as defined in 201 KAR 12:082. Section 15.
- Upon completion of the 1,000 hours, may apply for the instructor examination, written and practical.
- The Board now administers the NIC National Instructor Examination. The examination is completed in one (1) day, but licenses are not issued until results are received from the testing service.
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Dual Cosmetology/Esthetic Instructor |
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In order to teach esthetics in a cosmetology school, instructors must have a dual cosmetology/esthetic instructor license.
The requirements are as follows:
- holds a current cosmetologist and instructor license
- completed eight (8) continuing education hours in esthetics or has completed fifty (50) hours in esthetics training within the last two (2) years.
- successfully completes a written examination
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