Category: State Board

Understanding Kentucky State Law: Why it is Crucial to Obtain a License for Beauty Practices

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Louisville Beauty Academy is dedicated to providing quality education and training for individuals who want to pursue a career in the beauty industry. As part of our commitment to promoting professional and ethical standards, we want to remind everyone about the importance of understanding Kentucky state law when it comes to cosmetology, esthetic practices, and nail technology.

It is crucial to recognize that it is ILLEGAL to perform any beauty practice without the appropriate license or permit in the state of Kentucky. This means that if you want to work as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician in a professional capacity, you must obtain the proper license from the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. Without the required license or permit, you are breaking the law and could face legal consequences.

Furthermore, it is also ILLEGAL to perform beauty services in an unlicensed facility. This means that even if you have a license, you cannot perform services in a salon or spa that is not properly licensed by the state. The Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists takes these regulations seriously, and violators could face fines, penalties, or even legal action.

The Kentucky state law that governs cosmetology, esthetic practices, and nail technology is outlined in Chapter 317A.020. This law states that only authorized healthcare professionals who perform these practices incidentally as part of their profession and natural hair braiders are exempt from the licensing requirement. Everyone else who wants to practice these beauty services professionally must obtain the appropriate license or permit.

In addition to the licensing requirement, the law also specifies that licensed professionals are not allowed to hold clinics for teaching or demonstrating for personal profit unless sponsored by a recognized professional group. The law also requires that anyone engaged in different practices that require separate licensing must obtain a separate license for each practice.

At Louisville Beauty Academy, we take our responsibility to educate our students about these regulations seriously. We want all of our graduates to be well-informed and prepared to enter the beauty industry as licensed professionals. We also encourage everyone in the industry, whether a current practitioner or a potential one, to familiarize themselves with Kentucky state law and to always operate within its requirements.

In summary, performing any beauty practice without the appropriate license or permit, or in an unlicensed facility, is illegal in the state of Kentucky. We urge everyone to take this regulation seriously and to seek out the necessary education and training to become licensed professionals in the beauty industry.

Louisville Beauty Academy - Exam Study Technique

Effective Study Techniques for Passing State Board Exams: Lessons from Di Tran’s ‘Focusing on the Meat and Isolating the Fat’ Method

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Di Tran, a Vietnamese immigrant who came to the United States when he was 12 with little to no English, faced significant challenges in his academic journey. From middle school to college, learning was a challenge, especially when it came to passing state board exams. However, Di Tran developed a technique that worked for him, and others have found similar success.

Study

Di Tran’s technique involves jumping right into the study of question and answers of practical exams at the end of book chapters, books, or sections, which he refers to as “focusing on the meat and isolating the fat.” By doing this, students can concentrate on the most important information needed to pass the exam and then go back to the section of the book to expand their knowledge.

This method is similar to other techniques used by successful students. For example, some students use the “top-down” approach to study, which involves reading the questions and then finding the answers in the text, rather than reading the entire text first. Others use “active recall” techniques, such as flashcards or self-quizzing, to test their knowledge and identify areas where they need more practice.

Doing practical exam

Regardless of the method used, there are several other things students can do to prepare for the state board exam, especially if English is not their first language. Starting early, focusing on vocabulary, practicing listening and speaking English, seeking help from a tutor or language specialist, and taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly, can all be useful.

In conclusion, passing a state board exam can be challenging, but there are techniques and strategies that can help. Di Tran’s method of “focusing on the meat and isolating the fat” is just one example of a successful technique used by students. By finding the method that works best for you and combining it with proper preparation and dedication, you can increase your chances of success on the exam.

Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology Requires New Sanitation Guidelines for Beauty License Exams

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The beauty industry in Kentucky is undergoing a significant change as the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology recently announced a switch in their testing agency from NIC to PSI. As a result, new beauty license exam takers are now required to adhere to PSI’s guidelines, including changes in sanitation requirements that may impact the use of commonly used disinfectant wipes.

One of the most notable changes that exam takers must now adhere to is the requirement for the disinfectant wipes used during the exam to display a clear label stating that they are bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. This change may come as a surprise to many exam takers who are accustomed to using a wide range of disinfectant wipes, including those that contain Clorox, which is no longer accepted.

To comply with the new PSI requirements, exam takers are now required to use disinfectant wipes that are clearly labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. As of March 14th, 2023, the only brand of wipes that meet this requirement is Barbicide Wipes.

Barbicide is a well-known brand in the beauty industry, known for its high-quality products that have been trusted by professionals for decades. Their wipes are specifically designed for use in salons and other beauty establishments and are formulated to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

While the switch to Barbicide wipes may seem like a minor change, it is essential to note that the use of proper disinfectants is critical in the beauty industry. The failure to properly sanitize equipment and tools can lead to the spread of harmful pathogens and put both the clients and the professionals at risk.

In conclusion, the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology’s recent change in testing agency from NIC to PSI has resulted in changes to the sanitation requirements that may impact the use of disinfectant wipes during the exam. To comply with the new guidelines, exam takers must now use wipes that are clearly labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, and the only brand that currently meets this requirement is Barbicide Wipes. As a result, exam takers are advised to make the necessary changes to ensure that they are prepared for their upcoming practical test.

Louisville Beauty Academy - KY Stateboard of Cosmetology and Hairdresser - Preferred Language Translation Agency

Louisville Beauty Academy – KY State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser – Preferred Language Translation Agency

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As of 08-28-2020, Beauty students in Kentucky with English as a Second Language, and foreign high school graduate are receiving mails from Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser after submitting his/her application for KY Beauty Licensing Examination; about his/her high school certificate/transcript/diploma translation or simply with the response as No Proof of High School Education along with a list preferred translating agencies as pictures shown here.

Have your foreign high school diploma be translated by these agencies for enrollment in Louisville Beauty Academy or before applying for the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser Examination.

Sample of Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology Response of Student Licensing Exam Application – Noting Proof of High School Education Needed, When It is About Using the Translation from the Preferred Translation Agency Only
Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser – Preferred List of Language Translation Agencies

Language Unlimited
7401 Springvale Dr.
Louisville, KY 40241
502-243-5379
https://www.languagesunlimited.com

International Language Bank
P.O. Box 145
Cleveland, OH 44030
440-599-9999
http://internationallanguagebank.com/

Catholic Charities of Louisville
2911 South 4th St
Louisville, KY 40202
502-636-9263
https://cclou.org/language-services/
http://languagecclou.org/

Ameri-Lingua (Spanish)
312 Deerfield Ln
Lexington, KY 40511
859-509-4195
http://ameri-lingua.com/

Translations Unlimited
1951 Fallbrook Ln
Cincinnati, OH 45240
513-674-0716
https://www.languagesunlimited.com

KY STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY UPDATES – AS OF 12-13-2023

Understanding Foreign High School Diploma Translation and Validation for Louisville Beauty Academy Applicants
Louisville Beauty Academy - Students and Graduates Transfer of Hours From and To Other States in United States

Louisville Beauty Academy – Students and Graduates Transfers of Hours Between States – Regulated By Kentucky State Board Of Cosmetology and Hairdressers

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Louisville Beauty Academy – Transfer of Credit Hour From School To School or State to State

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided here is subject to change as per the current policies of the Kentucky State Board. Therefore, the details presented are based on the most up-to-date information available at the moment.

EXACT STEPS OF EXECUTION

Here is a step-by-step guide for transferring state certified beauty trained hours for any program (cosmetology, esthetic, nail technology, and instructor license) to or from Kentucky state:

  1. Contact the Kentucky State Board from which you are transferring. Request that they send the transfer of credit/license information via mail and email to the state board you are transferring to.
  2. Allow 15 to 30 days for the transfer process to take place. Afterward, reach out to the state board you are transferring to and inquire about the confirmation of receipt. Also, ask for further guidance on the next steps.
  3. Get in touch with the school you attended for your beauty training. Request a student transcript, as most state boards require this document for the transfer process.
  4. If the state board you are transferring to informs you that you need additional hours to qualify for the licensing exam, you can consider enrolling in a school like Louisville Beauty Academy to complete the necessary hours.

Please keep in mind that the specific requirements and procedures may vary, so it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the respective state boards and schools involved in the transfer process.

ELABORATION ON DETAIL

Objective:

Many individuals have repeatedly asked questions about transferring certified training hours for cosmetology, nail technology/manicure, and esthetic/aesthetic, as well as state licenses, both to and from Kentucky State. This section aims to provide concise answers to these common inquiries.

Short Answers:

  1. Yes, you can transfer your beauty license and certified training hours between Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdress and other states. However, the process can be time-consuming.
  2. To transfer hours from another state to Kentucky, you need to follow the guidelines set by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology. It is crucial to comply with their specific requirements.
  3. While Louisville Beauty Academy can offer guidance and advice, they strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology. They can assist you within the framework provided by the board.
  4. Whether or not you have to retake the exam depends on the destination state’s requirements. You will need to apply to the respective State Board and follow their instructions. They will guide you on whether you need to retake the exam or apply for a new license in their state.

  • The transfer of your license or certified training hours must be facilitated by the State Board, not by the applicant. You need to contact the State Board and request them to initiate the transfer on your behalf.
  • The applicant is responsible for following all the necessary steps as required by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology.
  • The applicant must apply to the destination State Board to have their transferred license or certified training hours accepted and processed. The State Board will provide guidance on the subsequent steps, such as retaking the exam or obtaining a new license in their state.
  • If you did not take the exam on the NIC examination system (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology), please note that as of 2022-223, the NIC has transitioned to PSI (Psychological Services, Inc.). Therefore, it is important to be aware of this recent change.
  • PSI now provides standardized, valid, and legally defensible national theory and practical examinations for cosmetology and related fields. The administration of computer-based testing and practical examinations is handled by authorized test administration companies and states. You can find a list of states that utilize PSI Testing on their website.

Please note that the information provided here is intended to serve as a general guide, and it is important to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the respective State Boards for accurate and up-to-date information.

Long Answers:

Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdress – Out of State Info

When it comes to transferring your certified training hours, licenses, or credentials for cosmetology, nail technology/manicure, and esthetic/aesthetic to or from the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdress, it’s important to be aware of the specific requirements and procedures. Here is a detailed overview to help you navigate the process:

  1. Processing Time and Verification: Please allow a minimum of 30 days for the application processing time due to the high volume of applicants. The office cannot verify the receipt of applications unless it has been more than 30 days since submission. If you require verification, it is recommended to submit your application through traceable means via the postal system.
  2. Certification of License: All out-of-state applicants must obtain a certification of license from the state board that issued the license. This certification should be requested by the applicant from the licensing agency of the state they are transferring from and must be submitted directly from that agency. Certifications cannot be accepted from the applicant directly.
  3. Specific Requirements for Each Program: Different programs have varying requirements for hours and education:
  • Cosmetologist: 1500 hours of training and a 12th-grade education.
  • Nail Technician: 450 hours of training and a 12th-grade education.
  • Esthetician: 750 hours of training and a 12th-grade education.
  • Apprentice Instructor/Instructor: 750 hours of training and a 12th-grade education.
  1. Certification of Out-of-State Hours: If you have completed hours in another state, you must provide a certification of hours and/or license from the state licensing agency where the hours were obtained. This certification should be requested by you and submitted directly from the transferring state’s licensing agency. Only hours certified by the state licensing agencies will be accepted, and school transcripts will not be accepted.
  • Equivalent Hours: If your out-of-state hours are equivalent to Kentucky’s hourly requirement for the specific license, you can apply as an Out-of-State Exam applicant.
  • Insufficient Hours: If your out-of-state hours do not meet Kentucky’s hourly requirement, you must complete the remaining hours required for that license at a school of cosmetology in Kentucky before applying for the licensing exam. Kentucky will only accept the amount of hours required for licensing by the state you are transferring from.
  1. Examinations: The specific examinations required vary for each program:
  • Cosmetology: Written and Practical examinations.
  • Nail Technician: Written and Practical examinations.
  • Esthetician: Written and Practical examinations.
  1. Licensed Out-of-State: If you hold an out-of-state license that was obtained through a nationally certified examination, you may apply for licensure in Kentucky without having to complete the NIC examination. However, if your out-of-state license was not obtained through a nationally certified examination, you will be required to successfully complete the NIC examination (both theory and practical) before licensure can be granted in Kentucky.
  2. Required Documentation for Out-of-State License Transfer Application: Along with your application, you must submit the following documents:
  • Copy of Applicant’s Driver’s License or State-Issued ID.
  • Certification of Professional License: This must be requested from the professional licensing board of the state where your license was issued. Certifications should be submitted directly to the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology.
  • Proof of 12th Grade Education: Acceptable documentation includes college, high school, or GED transcript or diploma. If your education was obtained outside of the United States, an official translation must be provided.

Please ensure that all requested documentation (except license certification) is included with your transfer application and the corresponding fee as specified on the application form. Incomplete applications missing documentation will not be considered for approval.

Important notice:

Kindly note that the processing time for complete and accurate out-of-state transfer applications received by the Board office is approximately 30 days. We kindly ask you to plan accordingly, considering this timeframe for your application.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help ensure a smooth and efficient transfer process.

Louisville Beauty Academy - Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser - Out of State Transfer Application Instruction
Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser –
Out of State Transfer Application Instruction
Louisville Beauty Academy - Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser - Out of State Transfer Application Form
Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser –
Out of State Transfer Application Form

References:

Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdressers – Transfer Out of State License and Certified Training Hours https://kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/Out-of-State-Info.aspx

National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) – Course Content Focused for State Board Examination – Cosmetology & Hair Design, Barbering (Barber Styling, Barber, Barber 1), Body Piercing, Electrology, Esthetics/ Aesthetic, Esthetics-Advanced Practice (AP), Instructor, Manager, and Nail Technology

https://nictesting.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NIC-References-3.1.2020.pdf

Louisville Beauty Academy - Aesthetic, esthetic, licensed esthetician program - Kentucky Most Affordable aesthetic school

What is Esthetic? What are The differences between Beauty Esthetic and Aesthetic?

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Licensed Skincare Specialist – Beauty Esthetician and Medical Aesthetician – The Same 750 hours Required by KY State and Same License Granted by KY State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdresser

Some of us at one point Googling the skincare training program or skincare training institute and encounter these two words: 1- Esthetic and 2- Aesthetic. Matter of fact, when you google esthetic, the term aesthetic comes up with its definition. Schools across the United State have programs and courses in regard to the specific of Esthetic and/or Aesthetic. So what is Esthetic and what is Aesthetic? What are the differences between Esthetic and Aesthetic? 

Similarity Between Esthetic and Aesthetic

Louisville Beauty Academy – Aesthetic, esthetic, licensed esthetician program – Kentucky Most Affordable aesthetic school
  1. Similarity Between Beauty Esthetic and Medical Aesthetic
    1. Esthetic and Aesthetic are the SAME in the definition of Oxford Languages. Both words can be used interchangeably as they both means or refers to the appreciation of beauty, and a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “aesthetics also esthetics” comes together as one. 
    2. Esthetician and aesthetician are the SAME; both licensed skin specialists who are trained the state-required 750 hours by the licensed school such as Louisville Beauty Academy, regulated and license examined by the same licensing board – Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdressers.

Differences Between Esthetic and Aesthetic

  1. Differences Between Beauty Esthetic and Medical Aesthetic
    1. Esthetic and Aesthetic are the DIFFERENT in an extra ‘A’ at the beginning. This is similar to the word color and colour. Esthetic is used in American-English language while aesthetics is used in British-English language. 
    2. Esthetic and Aesthetic are the DIFFERENT in skincare career work environment context. Esthetician and aesthetician (same licensed skincare specialists) are both licensed after study the same 750 hours at licensed school such as Louisville Beauty Academy, he/she can determine the career focus where he/she want to work at: 
      1. Salon Context (skincare and beauty salon) 
        1. This licensed skincare specialist is BRANDED as Esthetician
        2. He/she can take continuing education or training in salon focus skill/specialty for salon/beauty care
      2. Medical context (doctor office)
        1. This licensed skincare specialist is BRANDED as Aesthetician or medical aesthetician
        2. He/she can take continuing education or training in medical focus skill/specialty for medical/health care
Louisville Beauty Academy - Aesthetic, esthetic, licensed esthetician program - Kentucky Most Affordable aesthetic school
Louisville Beauty Academy – Aesthetic, esthetic, licensed esthetician program – Kentucky Most Affordable aesthetic school

According to study.com

Beauty esthetician, traditional esthetician and licensed skincare specialist have the following job description: 

  • State license estheticians such as KY State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdressers license esthetician 
  • Conduct skin analysis for health problems and temporarily remove hair.
  • Clean skin through skin massage, aromatherapy, facials, and skin exfoliation
  • Focus in cosmetic such as makeup, skincare product recommendation based on skin type
  • Business tends to be in salons, resorts, fitness clubs and spas environment

Aesthetician, medical aesthetician and licensed skincare specialist in the medical context have the following job description:

  • State license estheticians such as KY State Board of Cosmetology and Hairdressers license esthetician
  • Known as clinical or paramedical aestheticians who are often taking additional continue education with a clinical focus. 
  • Conduct skin analysis with medical conditions such as burn victims, cancer patients, and health-related skin issues.
  • Cleanse and moisturize their skin and also do some cosmetic work like a beauty esthetician

Beauty Esthetician and Medical Aesthetician Always Overlap

There are overlaps between beauty esthetician and medical esthetician because they are required to be trained, regulated, and licensed by the same licensed school such as Louisville Beauty Academy and KY state board of Cosmetology and Hairdressers. The difference is in focus, work environment, and definitely in salary. 

In regard to salary, anything that relates to medical tends to stand out as it requires more education and training. Medical fields are also more strictly regulated, therefore medical aesthetician often only works under directly sponsor or supervision of a medical doctor; which it also means salary is often more at the start for medical aesthetician versus beauty esthetician. With that said, beauty industry especially the skincare beauty industry is in the range of $148 Billion in 2020, and it continues to go up according to statista.com. Beauty small business is also quite lucrative and debatably easier than other industries to start. So, salary is debatable for who can make more than who between beauty estheticians and medical aestheticians. 

References:

Aesthetic | Definition of Aesthetic by Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic

Cestar College. (2016, May 2). What’s The Difference Between Esthetics And Aesthetics? Cestar College. https://www.cestarcollege.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-esthetics-and-aesthetics/

Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Esthetic | Definition of Esthetic at Dictionary.com. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/esthetic

Difference Between Aesthetics and Esthetics | Difference Between. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2020, from http://www.differencebetween.net/language/words-language/difference-between-aesthetics-and-esthetics/

Kentucky Esthetician Schools: Listings & License Info. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://ourworldisbeauty.com/esthetician-schools/kentucky/

Skin care industry: Global skincare market size 2012-2025. (n.d.). Statista. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/254612/global-skin-care-market-size/

What’s the Difference Between an Aesthetician and Esthetician? (n.d.). Study.Com. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://study.com/articles/Whats_the_Difference_Between_an_Aesthetician_and_Esthetician.html

Cosmetology School – Fact and Myth – School Category + Accreditation + Quality

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Objective:

This article is a summary of higher level information about key elements of cosmetology school, a higher educational institute. The objective is to synthesize all cosmetology school information and share a more complete set knowledge to enable our community to determine his/her school need, especially beauty school or cosmetology school.

The key elements to be addressed here are:

  1. Cosmetology School (Technical, Vocational, and Trade) Vs General Education College
    • Cosmetology School Certification vs General Educational Degree
  2. Choosing School – School Evaluation
    • Quality of Education
  3. Accreditation Myth and Fact

A more important aspect is this is a collection of multiple source information summaries; NOT a single person perspective.

Motivation:

School is an important aspect of life and having a big impact in both the short term and long term need (survival needs for many) of an individual. School or cosmetology school matters are often questioned and answered in bit and piece, incomplete and in a distributed fashion;  therefore it is important for a community to have a most complete set of knowledge, as unbiased as possible,  short, simplified, summarized and easy to get a jump start in cosmetology school determination.

Cosmetology School vs. General Education College

The comparison of higher school starts with the definition and determination of school comparison variable or items to use to compare the school with. The comparison variables include:

  1. School category (Technical, Vocational or Trade Vs General Education)
  2. Certification type (Certification Vs Degree)
  3. Cost
    • Educational cost total
    • Cost Aid:
      1. Educational aid qualification
      2. Educational loan
  • Educational payment plan
  • Time
    1. Study time
    2. Time of life
  • Time of work
  1. Return on investment
    • Job Finding or Job Placement
    • Average salary

Higher School Category

According to Webster, higher education/school means education or school that is beyond secondary level education; also means above high school/12 grade or equivalent diploma such as GED (Webster, 2017). This indicates a requirement to have proof high school or equivalent at the enrollment time of higher educational institute like cosmetology school.

Higher education is broken down into 5 categories (US Gov Financial Aid, 2017):

  • Career, technical, trade or vocational courses/program
  • General Education – Associate Degree – 2 years
  • General Education – Bachelor’s degree – 4 Years
  • General Education – Master’s Degree – 6 years
  • General Education – Doctorate Degree – 8+ years

Based on the list above, education is literally broken down into 2 buckets or groups:

  • General education
    • Regulated by Board of Education – a government agency (independent board and commission)
  • Career education (or trade, vocational, technical education)
    • Regulated by different board and commission based on the area of trade, technical, vocation or career education
      1. Cosmetology Education – regulated by the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (KYGov-Cosmetology, 2017)
      2. Barber Education – regulated by the Board of Barbering (KYGov-Barber, 2017)
      3. Massage Therapy – regulated by the Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy (KYGov-MassageTherapy, 2017)

Cosmetology School – Career, Technical, Trade or Vocational School

Cosmetology School is a career, technical, trade or vocational school because it regulated, and defined with the following characteristic by the US government as below (US Gov Financial Aid, 2017):

  • Trade school – focus in developing the skill of a specific trade (buy or sell a good or product)
  • Technical school – focus on the application of license in an occupation
  • Vocational school – focus in the hands-on application of specific skills to do a specific job
  • Career school – focus on hands-on training, and short educational period (usually LESS THAN 2 years)
  • Certification or license granted at the completion of training
  • Public or private – majorly for-profit privately owned

Cosmetology School Vs General Education – Differences

The key difference between cosmetology school (career, technical, trade or vocational school) vs. general education school are:

  • Credit Hour
    • Cosmetology School (KYGov-Cosmetology, 2017)
      • Government agency directly regulates, monitor and log actual hours spent at school as credit hours in the government system.
        • VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
          • Cosmetology School DOES NOT certify credit hours, but all hours are controlled, logged and certified by a government agency – in this case, the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologist
          • Government State Board expect the actual hour spent in school as credit hour
            1. Example:
              • 600 hours for Nail Technology program is required by Government State Board of Kentucky – then it means Nail Technology student need to spend literally 600 hours in school
  • General Educational School
    • General educational is relative, NOT EXACT in term of hours spent for studying both in school/class and at home.
  • Certification vs Degree
    • Cosmetology School (KYGov-Cosmetology, 2017)
      • Certification of completion is given to the student at the completion of all government state board required hours by the school, but this is not official in term of work
      • The certification exam is conducted by the government state board, and expect students to pass (theory + practical) before a TRUE certification is given BY THE STATE BOARD, not school
    • General Education School
      • The degree is given to a student who completes all required course with required level of grade by the school
    • Cost (TheSimpleDollar, 2017)
      • Cost goes hand and hand with the time required for completion of a program
      • Cosmetology School
        • Less than 2 years and significantly a lot less in cost
        • Averagely around $33k and under
        • Roughly around $12/hour
        • Example:
          • Cosmetology Program required 1500 hours by State Board of Cosmetology in Kentucky
            • 1500 hours * $12/hour = $18,000 for tuition only
            • Another expense is around 25% of total tuition cost
              1. 18,000 * .25 = $4,500
            • Total: $22,500 – under $30K for entire cosmetology course of 1,500 hours
      • General Education
        • 4 years degree cost averagely around $120k
          • $120K / 4years = $30k/years
  • Return on Investment
    • Cosmetology Fields (PayScale, 2017, TheSimpleDollar, 2017)
      • Average income for most fields in cosmetology is roughly around $33,000/year
        • Equivalent to $15/hour – go by 40 hours a week and 52 weeks/year
      • General Education (PayScale-General Studies Degree, 2017)
        • Average income for a wide range of fields under general education with 4 year bachelor degree is $36,000-$70,000

Choosing School – School Evaluation

Evaluation of individual need for the type of education is in 2 levels (TheSimpleDollar, 2017):

  • Type of school – Trade, Technical, Vocational or Career School Vs General Education College/University
    • Based on the comparison above, general education takes longer, and cost more; then the result is the individual make more money in the end – MORE EDUCATION, MORE MONEY
    • The decision in terms of the type of school often fall in two areas:
      1. Affordability in term of monetary cost and time cost
        1. Work
        2. Life
        3. School
      2. Educational Interest
        1. General Education is not everyone
        2. Nor Technical, Vocational, Career or Trade is for everyone
  • Career field
    • Both general education and technical school require an individual to pick a field to be specialized in
    • The determining factor goes back to individual interest of specific field, cost, and return on investment (how much you make after you graduate?)

Quality of School

As part of school evaluation, quality of the school is a big bucket on your list to evaluate. Quality of school is defined in term of value of school certification or degree – and that value is relative to a general population perspective that is often measured based on a few criteria below:

  • Job market acceptance of certification or degree – especially from a specific school
  • Certification of credit to knowledge or education – especially from a specific school
  • General Education
    • For general education, popularity and highly or well-accepted school has an effect or impact the quality or value of the degree an individual accomplished
      • Degree become less important once the individual stack up his/her experience – then the general population or company often only refer to his/her accomplishment or experience
    • School matters in term of value determination of the educational degree
  • Cosmetology school or technical, career, trade or vocational education in general
    • For technical school or cosmetology school specifically, the government state board owns, control, monitor and given credit hours, as well as regulate and conduct examination before certification is given – therefore, regardless of which school an individual attend, the same level of certification or value of education is achieved.
      • An individual passes the government standard exam – it also means that he/she is qualified as much as anyone else who attends other school and passed the same exam.
    • School DOES NOT MATTER in term of value determination of education certificate – because everyone get the same certification from Government if they pass government state board standard exam

Accreditation Myth and Fact

Fact

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains a certain national acceptable standard of quality in education and performance. The standard is studied, established, guided, and compliance monitored by accrediting agencies/bodies (many of them based on the type of institute/school and field or type of program/courses) (Gov-Accreditation, 2017). This process applies both to general education college/university and technical/vocation/career/trade school/institute/college.

The accreditation process includes 1-preparation, 2-application, 3-submission, 4-inspection, 5-accreditation, and 6-monitor (FactWebSite, 2017); it is INTENSIVE in both the application as well as the maintenance of the accreditation. This also means it is COSTLY in time=money for the schools (the cost eventually transfer to higher in cost for the student) and RESTRICTIVE in process and procedure for the students.

Cosmetology School Accreditation Agencies

The list of accreditation agencies for cosmetology school or beauty school is limited to less than 5 (BeautySchool, 2017), and the most notable is National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). NACCAS is an independent accrediting commission and nonprofit organization which originates back to 1969 and account/merges with Cosmetology Accrediting Commission (CAC) in 1981 (NACCAS, 2017).

What is Accreditation good for?

Accredited schools or schools with accreditation by an acceptable agency have access to government funding, or Financial Aid (US Gov Financial Aid, 2017).

General Education School

For general education school (4 years degree or above), it is especially important to have accreditation for 2 reasons (50States, 2017)

  1. Accreditation ensures the value of student educational accomplishment or degree
    • Refers back to (Quality of School) section above, the school provides a degree to the student and the quality that include accreditation means a lot to a granted degree – as viewed by the public or employment firms
  2. Cost of 4+ years – is often NOT paid in cash most students
    • $100k+ in school cost is often required an aid – and educational aid is almost always come from Federal Financial Aid which includes 1) small grant (free money) and 2) majorly loan with low-interest rate or interest deferred until student graduation
Cosmetology School

For cosmetology school or other technical, vocational, career or trade school/college, accreditation importance is debatable and not so much required criteria for 2 reasons (50States, 2017):

  • Accreditation is NOT a measure of the value of student educational accomplishment or degree
    • Refers back to (Quality of School) section above, Cosmetology School DOES NOT provide student credit hours NOR grant student certification of accomplishment; GOV STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY DOES. All students receive the same value and qualification from the gov state board of cosmetology after he/she pass the certification exam.
  • Cost of fewer than 2 years
    • $2k – $33k tuition cost, DEPENDS on school tuition chart determines how student go about paying for school
      1. A student may pay cash if the tuition is small enough
      2. A student may pay cash on a payment plan with a school if it is affordable enough
    • Financial Aid gives the student a 2nd option for paying tuition, but also increase student tuition cost because Accreditation and Financial Aid has quite a workload of paperwork that school has to pay a specialist to do – this cost is added to student tuition

Myth in Cosmetology School (Technical, Vocational, Career or Trade School)

This section addresses the myth or the wrong perception for misconstrued information about cosmetology school or technical, vocational, career and trade schools in general (MassageTherapySchool , 2017).

The following is a list of wrongful, misinformed, untrue, incomplete and misleading information:

  • “You cannot be certified in unaccredited technical school”
    • WRONG, a school can only be open when it is approved and certified by the government agency (state board of that specific field). This also means that government state board will ensure you or any student be certified and hand you the certification with the highest standard after you pass the state board certification exam
  • “You cannot pass certification exam if you go to unaccredited technical school”
    • WRONG and more specifically mislead – 1st all student go to any school (which are certified by the government) will be given credit hours and opportunities to take certification exam provided by the government state board.
      • Pass or not pass state board is upon the student study and education of the school
      • When the student evaluate the school, you evaluate the student success or pass exam rate instead of relying on the accreditation
    • “You cannot get your license if you go in unaccredited technical school”
      • WRONG, same answer as (2)
    • “You cannot get a quality education in unaccredited technical school”
      • WRONG and more specifically mislead – quality education often relies on the exam passing rate or student graduation, or student post-school employment rate – NOT SCHOOL ACCREDITATION

Accreditation is the recognition of educational standard compliance; NOT a governing agency nor a regulator of education; especially in cosmetology education or technical/vocational/trade/career education in general. Non-accreditation school can provide the same level of quality and education, while also has an extra advantage over accreditation school because of restriction of accreditation and financial aid.

The advantage of Staying Non-Accredited (MassageTherapySchool, 2017)

  • Flexibility and Less Cost for school + Different Strategy
    • “Owners of these schools possess a very strong passion for the massage profession and tend to favor quality of education over the financial upside involved in franchising, consolidations or acquisitions”
  • Government Involvement in School – Because of Accreditation – NOT necessarily a good thing
    • “It costs a good amount of money getting to that next level and the process involves a mountain of paperwork. Many also despise the fact that the Government’s finger is in it. In essence, these schools feel that more and bigger is not always better, and many of them have proven this statistically through their students’ exam pass rates, job placement rates, and just overall success and satisfaction rates.”

You DO NOT need to go to an accredited school to get the same education

  • “The choice of school you make should not be based on whether it is accredited or non-accredited, but on your specific situation and whether the school you choose fits your and only your situation best.”
  • “The crux of the matter is that you DO NOT need to go to an accredited school if you want to become a successfully licensed specialist”
  • “Many non-accredited schools can also deliver the same results and often at a less cost“

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