Vermont Licensing Overview for a Cosmetologist
Licensing for a cosmetologist in Vermont is controlled by the Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists.
General Guidelines for a Cosmetologist in Vermont
Specific requirements to perform cosmetologist services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Cosmetologist
General requirements for cosmetologist license required?
At least 18 years old; High school diploma or GED.
What’s the state licensing site for cosmetologist?
Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
What are some training programs available for cosmetologist?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews by November 30 in odd-numbered years.
What are fees associated with licensing?
$130
Cosmetologist / Esthetician Licensing
A cosmetologist is a beauty professional who specializes in the beautification and health of their client’s hair, skin and nails. An esthetician is a beauty professional that specializes in the beautification and health of their client’s skin, particularly through hair removal, skin and facial treatments and the application of makeup. With additional training, a cosmetologist can become an esthetician and vice versa. While there are fundamental differences between cosmetologists and estheticians as we have just explained, the process of becoming licensed within each career is almost the same.
There are four main steps that need to be completed to become a qualified cosmetologist / esthetician in Vermont. These include:
- The successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course
- Submission of an application of intent with the Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Successfully undergo state testing and pass the minimum requirements of each test
- Maintain your knowledge base through regular education to keep your cosmetologist / esthetician license current.
Education
There are basic educational requirements needed before one can become a licensed cosmetologist and/or esthetician in Vermont. The minimum education requirement for this profession is a certificate or diploma in cosmetology / esthetics from a registered beauty school. To successfully complete this course, students are required to undertake a minimum of 1,500 hours of training before they can be signed off. For further training, some beauticians may choose to gain an associate degree to boost their qualifications. For those looking to begin their own start up business, an associate degree is also desirable.
To become an esthetician, students are required to undertake 600 hours of coursework at a registered school of estheticians.
Another popular method in which to become a standard cosmetologist in Vermont is through an apprenticeship. For those wishing to undertake an apprenticeship instead of attending a registered beauty school, they will need to be accepted under the charge of a licensed cosmetologist and complete three years and 3000 supervised hours within the field.
Licensing Exam
The state of Vermont requires students who wish to become fully licensed as either a cosmetologist or an esthetician to successfully pass a licensing exam. Vermont uses PSI for their cosmetology and esthetician examination. This exam consists of two parts: a theoretical exam, and a practical exam.
The cosmetology theory exam covers the following topics:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair care and services
- Skin care and services
- Nail care and services
The esthetician theory exam will cover topics such as:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Safety Procedures
- Cells and tissues
- Systems and Functions
- Skin care
- Cleansing, steaming and exfoliation
- Massage
The cosmetology practical exam requires professionals to bring their own equipment. The practical exam will typically look at a range of areas of the profession including (but not limited to):
- Maintaining a safe work environment
- Hair set up
- Hair removal
- Hair cutting
- Hair coloring
The esthetician practical exam requires professionals to bring their own equipment. The practical exam will typically look at a range of areas of the profession including (but not limited to):
- Hygienic set up
- Facial cleansing
- Hair removal
- Makeup application
- Facial mask
Cosmetologists and estheticians are also required to complete a jurisprudence exam. The jurisprudence exam is designed to assess professional knowledge of the Vermont cosmetology rules and regulations. This exam is online, open-book, and free for both cosmetologists and estheticians.
Application for licensure
Upon the successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course or an apprenticeship, students within the state of Vermont are required to submit an application for licensure. This license application must be submitted to Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists for both a cosmetology license and an esthetician license. Educational transcripts, test scores and other documentation will need to be supplied, along with a set application fee.
Continuing Education
Following the successful completion of your state license to become either a cosmetology or an esthetician, it is important to remember that you must renew this license every two years in November. This process is simple and can be done online through the Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. There is a fee of $130 for this two-year renewal.
In Vermont, there are no continuing education requirements for cosmetology or esthetician licenses, however, many professionals continue to grow their expertise. This allows them to stay up to date with the latest techniques and trends in the field of beauty.