Do you have a passion for hair, skin, and nails? Then becoming a cosmetologist might just be the perfect path for you. If you’re ready to explore a path in cosmetology, Florida is the perfect place to do it! Florida is known for its beauty scene as it has some well-known salons and spas. Read on to learn how to become a cosmetologist in Florida in just six easy steps!

Step 1: Enroll in A Cosmetology School

The first step to becoming a cosmetologist in Florida is to enroll in beauty school and complete 1,200 cosmetology program hours, as required by the state. While each school has its own eligibility requirements, in Florida, you must be at least 16 years of age and have received a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Attending beauty school is one of the best ways for you to learn the latest trends and industry techniques, and grow your skills. Here at Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy, some of the things you can learn in our cosmetology program include:

• Haircutting
• Hairstyling
• Hair coloring
• Shampoo and Scalp Treatments
• Facials
• Makeup
• Waxing
• Manicures and Pedicures
• Business Management
• And more!

When it comes to your beauty education, you’ll want to make sure that you’re picking the right cosmetology program for you. Your time in school is a time for you to learn and master your skills and you’ll want to choose a school that wants to see you succeed.

At Artistic, you won’t just work on mannequin heads– they get to practice their skills on real guests under the supervision of licensed professionals. This is where you’ll be able to grow your skills and learn the necessary techniques you’ll need to succeed in the industry.

Step 2: Submit Your Application to Take Your Cosmetology License Exam

After you’ve completed your state-mandated hours, the next step is to submit your application to take your cosmetology license exam. Before submitting your application, it is important to make sure that you are prepared to take your exam. Our mission at Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy is to prepare graduates for state licensure and success in their chosen career paths. When you succeed, we succeed and we want to make sure that you’re prepared for your future.

Once you feel confident that you can pass your exams, you’ll need to submit your application and pay any applicable fees. You can do this on the Florida DBPR Online Services website. You will then receive a written notification from Pearson VUE, the state’s exam vendor, to schedule a time for the written cosmetology exam.

Step 3: Pass Your Cosmetology License Exam

Once your examination is set, the next step is to sit and pass your cosmetology license exam. The exam is broken up into two portions, theory and clinical and in order to receive your license, you’ll need to pass both.

The theory portion is a written exam that has 65 multiple choice questions. All questions are weighted equally and include subjects such as:

• General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
• Client Services
• Facials, Make-up, and Hair Removal
• Manicuring and Pedicuring
• Professional/Legal and Ethical/Laws and Rules

The clinical portion of the exam is where you’ll be able to show off what you have learned during your time in cosmetology school. This portion of the exam is also 65 multiple choice questions and you can expect to see questions on the following subjects:

• Hair Coloring and Lightening
• Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
• Hair Cutting/Shaping
• Hair Styling
• Scalp and Hair Care

Each portion of the exam must be taken and passed within two years of each other in order to receive your license. At Artistic, we understand how important these exams are and can help you prepare for them. We take ​​pride in our amazing instructors and welcoming culture and have been educating future beauty professionals in Florida since 1985.

Step 4: Complete a Board-Approved HIV/AIDS Course

Before you can apply for your cosmetology license, you must complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS Training Course. You must complete this course no more than two years prior to submitting the application for a cosmetology license. These courses help ensure the safety of cosmetologists, their clients, and others in the community.

Step 5: Apply For Your License

Once you’ve passed all your exams and taken your courses, it’s finally time to apply for your cosmetology license. This can be done online and you will need to submit proof of graduation from cosmetology school, completion of the exam, and completion of the HIV/AIDS Course. You will also need to pay any applicable application fees.

That’s it! Easy right? After submitting your application and the proper documentation, you’ll officially become a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Florida.

Step 6: Start Looking into Different Opportunities

After you’ve received your license, the final thing to do is start checking out different careers. One of the best things about the beauty industry is that it is ever-changing, meaning there are always opportunities to explore. While most cosmetologists work in a salon setting, having a cosmetology license can open up a lot of doors that go beyond the salon. Regardless of where your license will take you, you can be given the opportunity to help people look as good as they feel.

Ready to Get Started?

Remember, the first step to receiving your cosmetology license is to enroll in a cosmetology program. Choosing a school that wants to see you succeed can make all the difference. Here at Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy, our programs are designed with student success in mind. Contact us today to schedule your tour and see if we’re the perfect fit for you!