What qualifies as cosmetology advanced education?
Your state may require a flat number of continuing education classes for cosmetologists with no other stipulations or a certain number of hours per specific category. Your state may also only recognize courses from accredited schools, or you may be free to select and self-report your own educational ventures. Remember that your licensing board may perform audits to keep less-ethical folks from simply making up classes to save time.
Whatever your state's particulars may be, here are five common types of continuing education that include everything from sanitation skills to a professional hair styling course:
Health and safety: These cosmetology continuing education classes focus on ensuring a healthy working environment for both clients and employees. Some states have placed a special emphasis on sanitation classes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legal requirements: These classes are meant to keep you up to date on what you need to do to remain in good standing with your state’s cosmetology licensing body. These make up a substantial portion of many states’ CEU curricula.
Professional skills:Cosmetology advanced education can help you do better work, too! As long as they meet your state’s requirements, you can put hours spent learning about new hair styling techniques, emerging tech in the field, or anything else toward your renwal.
Trade shows: Cosmetology trade shows are a great place to network and pick up skills. Some states even let you put the presentations and demonstrations you attend down as cosmetology continuing education classes.
One-on-one mentorship: One of the best ways to learn is by trading skills with your coworkers. If your state allows it, and you document it properly, you may be able to count mentorship opportunities at your salon toward your cosmetology continuing education hours.
If you prefer to spend your time going hands-on with clients, this may sound like a whole lot of trouble just to check a few bureaucratic boxes. But think of it this way: Getting ahead of your state’s requirements for cosmetology continuing education classes will save you from last-minute stress, not to mention potential late fees or even worse, licensing troubles. You might pick up a few handy new techniques along the way, too.