Connecticut Licensing Overview for a Cosmetologist
Licensing for a cosmetologist in Connecticut is controlled by the Connecticut Department of Public Health – Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians.
General Guidelines for a Cosmetologist in Connecticut
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 16 years old; 8th grade education
What’s the state licensing site for cosmetologist?
Connecticut Department of Public Health – Board for Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmeticians
What are some training programs available for cosmetologist?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews every 2 years by the last day of your birth month
What are fees associated with licensing?
$100
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. With this being said, the process of being a fully licensed cosmetologist and/or esthetician varies between each state.
The following pages look at the detailed information on individual state licensing to help give you the best advice as you move forward in your career path.
There are four main steps that need to be completed to become a qualified cosmetologist / esthetician in the state of Connecticut. These include:
- The successful completion of a cosmetology / esthetician course
- Successfully undergo state testing and pass the minimum requirements of each test
- Gain approval to be licenced with the Connecticut State Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
- 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 licenced cosmetologist and/or esthetician in the state of Connecticut. While many professionals are referred to as “hairdressers”, in the state of Connecticut, all hairdressers must undertake a cosmetology program within which they will also be qualified to perform facials and manicures. This training must total at least 1,500 hours of training. This training can be in the form of either a certificate course, or for those looking to expand their qualifications, though an associate degree in cosmetology. This is highly recommended for those looking to begin their own start up business, an associate degree is quite a desirable skill to possess.
The to become as esthetician in the state of Connecticut, there are currently no licensure requirements. While it is not legally required to be licenced, it is important to undergo formal education in a credited esthetician program for those wishing to gain employment.
There are currently no apprenticeships available for cosmetology or estheticians in the state of Connecticut.
Licensing Exam
The state of Connecticut requires students who wish to become fully licensed as a cosmetologist to pass a licensing exam. The Connecticut state licencing exam requires applicants to undertake a multiple choice test containing 100 questions. These questions will cover a range of topics such as general hygiene and ethics, applied anatomy, hands-on services, chemical services and styling. This exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and costs a fee of $65. Applicants must achieve a minimum mark of 70 to pass the exam.
Gaining your licence
Once you a student has fully completed their educational requirements and licensing exam, students must submit a Hairdresser License Application. This application costs $100 to submit to the Connecticut Department of Health.
Ongoing education
Following the successful completion of your state license to become a cosmetologist, it is important to remember that you must renew this license on a biennial basis. This process is simple and can be done online through the Connecticut Department of Health. There is a fee of $100 for this renewal.
In the state of Connecticut, there are no ongoing educational 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.