Louisville Beauty Academy, a Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited beauty college, is dedicated to ensuring our students stay informed and prepared for success. We consistently keep up-to-date with the latest industry standards, regulations, and testing protocols to provide our students with the best possible resources. As of the Beauty Instructor Annual PSI Meeting held on November 12, 2024, we are pleased to share the latest and greatest updates. These new options from the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, in partnership with PSI, reflect significant improvements in testing accessibility and support, designed to help our students excel in their licensing exams. Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting changes.
PSI Testing Enhancements Now Available for Kentucky Beauty Industry Professionals: On-Site Testing & Language Support Options
The Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology has announced new testing options and accommodations to support beauty industry students statewide. This update, provided through PSI Testing Services and aligned with the recent Senate Bill 14, allows for increased flexibility and accessibility in state licensure exams. The following changes apply to all state-approved cosmetology programs, with new options for on-site testing and language support now accessible to schools, students, and educators throughout Kentucky.
On-Site Testing Option Available for Groups of 15 or More Test Takers
To offer flexibility for Kentucky cosmetology programs, PSI now provides on-site testing for both the practical and theory exams at approved school locations. This option is available to any approved cosmetology program with a minimum group of 15 test takers, allowing schools to schedule exams on their premises under PSI supervision. This adjustment helps minimize the need for travel and allows students to complete exams in a familiar setting.
Key Requirements and Process for On-Site Testing:
Group Minimum: On-site testing requires at least 15 registered test takers.
Scheduling Procedure: Schools interested in arranging on-site testing must formally submit a request to PSI. This request should specify three possible test dates, the total number of test takers, and the test type required (practical or theory).
These options empower schools to decide whether on-site testing is suitable for their student groups and schedule practical exams within a supportive environment. Theory testing will continue to be offered remotely or at PSI’s designated centers for students preferring or requiring other arrangements.
Foreign Language Testing Accommodation: Approved Word-to-Word Dictionaries Now Allowed
PSI Testing Services now permits test takers whose primary language is not English to use word-to-word dictionaries during Kentucky State Board exams. This accommodation aligns with Senate Bill 14, which promotes language inclusivity across the beauty industry. Eligible students may now apply to use a dictionary, pending approval, to enhance their testing experience.
Process for Securing Language Accommodations:
Pre-Approval Requirement: Students who wish to use a word-to-word dictionary must obtain pre-approval from PSI’s Accommodations Team.
Required Documentation: Submit an accommodations request through PSI’s ADA Request Link along with appropriate documentation from a licensed professional. The documentation must verify the need for accommodation, including diagnosis and details on the requested accommodation.
Further Information and Assistance: For questions or further support with the accommodations process, students may contact PSI’s Accommodations Supervisors:
These accommodations make Kentucky cosmetology exams more accessible to diverse student populations, offering a key support tool for non-native English speakers.
Guidelines for Test Day: Key Requirements for Students
On test day, PSI evaluators will ensure a secure and standardized process for administering the exams. Schools and students are advised to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth testing experience:
Arrival and Check-In: PSI examiners will arrive by 7:15 AM; students should check in between 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM.
Identification Requirements: Students must bring two valid forms of ID—one must be a government-issued photo ID with a matching name as listed in PSI’s system, along with a second form of ID.
Testing Room Setup: Schools should ensure that the testing room is clear of any cosmetology-related posters, diagrams, or notes. For rooms with glass doors, covering the doors is advised.
Instructor Access: Instructors are not permitted in the testing area once PSI evaluators begin setup to maintain the exam’s integrity.
These detailed requirements aim to uphold a secure testing environment, benefiting students, instructors, and PSI staff while ensuring all exams meet Kentucky State Board standards.
Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology’s Commitment to Accessible Testing
These recent updates underscore the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology’s commitment to supporting inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency in the beauty industry. With PSI’s enhanced options, Kentucky cosmetology programs now have flexible solutions that serve a diverse student population effectively.
Disclaimer: For all specific questions or requests regarding these testing options, accommodations, or other Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology requirements, please reach out directly to PSI at PSI Exams or contact the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology at kbc@ky.gov. Louisville Beauty Academy and other schools may choose when to implement on-site testing based on these guidelines but should confirm all arrangements directly with PSI and the State Board for official authorization.
Louisville Beauty Academy – State-Licensed & State-Accredited Proudly Operating at Two Locations:
Legal Policies and Disclosures
This page outlines the essential legal policies of Louisville Beauty Academy, including the Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Licensing Disclaimer, and Liability Waiver. Each section provides key information about the academy’s responsibilities and the student’s obligations. These policies ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and transparency regarding refunds, data use, student conduct, licensing, and unforeseen circumstances. By enrolling, students acknowledge and agree to these terms as part of their legal contract with the academy.
Refund Policy
If a student cancels enrollment within three (3) business days of signing the contract but before starting classes, they are entitled to a partial refund. Refunds are based on the percentage of the course completed, as detailed in the student’s specific contract. This policy is provided for informational purposes only and is superseded by the individual student contract, which outlines the specific refund terms for each program. If no specific contract exists, this general refund policy serves as an umbrella guideline.
Privacy Policy
Louisville Beauty Academy collects and uses personal data, such as contact information, enrollment records, and financial information, solely for educational and administrative purposes. Student data is stored securely and shared only with authorized institutions as required by law. We comply with all applicable data privacy laws to protect student information.
Terms of Service
By enrolling in Louisville Beauty Academy, students agree to comply with all academic, financial, and conduct policies outlined in the student handbook. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet all financial obligations before receiving certification or diplomas. LBA reserves the right to update policies, curriculum, or program requirements as needed.
Licensing Disclaimer
Louisville Beauty Academy prepares students for Kentucky state licensing requirements. Students planning to work in other states are responsible for understanding the specific licensing criteria in those regions. LBA does not guarantee that its curriculum will meet the licensing standards outside of Kentucky, and students should research state-specific requirements independently.
Liability Waiver
LBA is not liable for delays or issues caused by unforeseen events such as natural disasters, regulatory changes, or events beyond the Academy’s control. Students transferring between states are responsible for understanding differences in licensing requirements. By enrolling, students acknowledge this liability waiver and waive any claims against LBA related to these unforeseen circumstances.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Louisville Beauty Academy complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, providing equal educational opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. All procedures, as stated and made public in digital form, such as student contracts, are strictly followed by the school to ensure fairness for all. Please understand that all students receive equal and fair treatment.
Grievance Procedure
If a student has a grievance or complaint, they are required to first attempt resolution through internal communication with instructors or administration. If unresolved, a formal written grievance must be submitted to the school director. Louisville Beauty Academy will address all complaints fairly and in accordance with state law. All grievances must follow the school’s internal process and be written before any complaint is taken to public forums or state agencies. Escalation to the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists is permitted only after completing this procedure.
Dispute Resolution and Financial Accountability
Grievance and Dispute Policies Students are required to resolve disputes through the Academy’s internal grievance process before escalating to external regulatory bodies such as the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. Any grievances must be submitted in trackable written form (email or text message) to ensure receipt and accountability. The school must be given a minimum of 10 business days to respond before further action is taken.
Financial Obligations Students with unpaid balances or outstanding financial obligations must fulfill these duties before initiating formal complaints with external agencies. Filing a complaint while in financial default may result in being held liable for all legal, administrative, and associated costs incurred by the Academy in responding to or resolving the matter. This policy is strictly enforced legally and constitutes a binding part of the student contract. Students acknowledge and accept this as a condition of enrollment.
Intellectual Property Notice
All curriculum, instructional materials, and other educational content provided by Louisville Beauty Academy are protected by intellectual property laws. Students are prohibited from reproducing, distributing, or using these materials outside of their intended educational purpose. Any use of school materials beyond the school facility, or for purposes beyond studying by the specific student or instructor, must receive written permission from and be approved by the school’s administration and ownership. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
Student Responsibilities and Compliance Disclaimer
At Louisville Beauty Academy, we are committed to providing high-quality education that aligns with Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology regulations. To ensure transparency and mutual understanding, we emphasize the following:
1. Student Responsibilities
Success in the program requires active participation and adherence to all outlined responsibilities:
Students must attend classes regularly, engage in coursework, and complete all assigned exams and evaluations.
Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect academy policies, and maintain a positive learning environment.
Delayed or insufficient effort may negatively impact academic progress and licensure outcomes.
2. Licensing Standards Disclaimer
Louisville Beauty Academy’s curriculum is fully compliant with the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology requirements. However, the board is the ultimate authority on licensing. Students are encouraged to contact the board directly at kbc@ky.gov for any questions regarding licensing standards or regulations.
3. Limitation of Liability
While the academy provides the resources and support necessary for success, individual licensure and employment depend on each student’s performance, as well as external factors beyond the academy’s control. Louisville Beauty Academy cannot guarantee outcomes.
4. Regulatory Updates
Laws and regulations governing beauty education and licensing are subject to change. The academy will make reasonable efforts to adapt to any changes. Students are responsible for staying informed about updates through official state board channels.
By enrolling in Louisville Beauty Academy, students acknowledge their responsibility to actively participate in their education and to comply with all academy policies and Kentucky state regulations. This shared commitment ensures the best opportunity for success in licensure and beyond.
5. Licensing Disclaimer
Louisville Beauty Academy prepares students for Kentucky state licensing requirements. Per Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology regulations, all training hours required for state licensure must be completed onsite. Online courses are available for continuing education and skill enhancement but do not count toward licensing requirements. Students planning to work in other states are responsible for understanding the specific licensing criteria in those regions. LBA does not guarantee that its curriculum will meet the licensing standards outside of Kentucky, and students should research state-specific requirements independently.
📜 Policy on Translated High School Diplomas for Enrollment at Louisville Beauty Academy
Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA), a Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited educational institution, is legally committed to maintaining compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations concerning student enrollment, documentation, and licensing preparation.
This policy addresses the handling of foreign high school diplomas that require translation for the purpose of enrollment.
📌 1. Enrollment Documentation Requirement
In accordance with the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology’s admission standards, applicants who possess a foreign high school diploma may be required to submit a translated and notarized version for eligibility verification. Louisville Beauty Academy does not translate these documents internally.
Instead, LBA facilitates the use of a certified third-party translation agency for enrollment purposes only. The school may submit the document to a translation agency on behalf of the student, at the student’s cost, or may require the student to obtain such translation independently.
All translations are produced by licensed, external translation service providers.
LBA does not certify, warrant, or guarantee the translation’s future legal or academic validity.
These documents are used exclusively for the purpose of admission into LBA programs and in compliance with state regulations.
📌 2. Use and Scope of Translated Diplomas
All translated high school diplomas collected by LBA are used solely for initial enrollment verification. These documents:
Are not considered school-issued or school-owned academic credentials;
Are not valid for reuse, reproduction, or redistribution outside of the school context;
Are not guaranteed to be accepted by third parties, state agencies, or other institutions outside of their original purpose at the time of enrollment.
📌 3. Legal Limitations Post-Enrollment and Post-Graduation
Upon successful enrollment or graduation, LBA retains no legal or administrative obligation to:
Reproduce or redistribute the translated diploma;
Certify the continued validity of the translation;
Submit the document to other institutions or agencies;
Verify the authenticity, accuracy, or completeness of any translation produced by a third party.
Graduates are not legally entitled to request a copy of the translated diploma from LBA, as it is not the Academy’s legal property, and the school is not the certifying entity.
📌 4. Regulatory Changes and Document Expiration Risk
Students and graduates must understand that both:
The Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, and
The certified translation agency
may change their policies, licensing, recognition, or accreditation at any time. This includes changes in:
Which translation agencies are accepted;
Whether a previously translated document is still considered valid;
Expiration periods applied to educational credentials or translated materials.
Therefore, a translation deemed valid at the time of LBA enrollment may no longer be valid for licensing or other legal purposes at a later date.
📌 5. Student and Graduate Responsibility
Each student or graduate bears full legal responsibility for managing their own foreign academic credentials, including obtaining new translations and ensuring compliance with the most current state licensing standards.
Louisville Beauty Academy does not:
Provide duplicate or certified copies of previously translated diplomas;
Maintain legal accountability for the ongoing validity of translated documents;
Involve itself in external processes such as licensure applications or document verifications conducted outside of LBA.
LBA strongly advises all students and graduates to obtain their own certified and notarized copy of their foreign diploma from an approved agency, retained for personal legal use, including but not limited to:
State board licensing;
Employment applications;
Immigration or professional credentialing processes.
All foreign high school diploma translations processed for LBA purposes are conducted by independent third-party certified translation agencies. LBA is not a translation service, and as such, cannot and does not guarantee the legal validity, accuracy, or future acceptance of any translated document.
Misuse of these translated documents—such as unauthorized duplication, distribution, or submission outside their intended use—may constitute fraud or document misrepresentation, and could result in state board denial of licensing or other legal consequences.
💬 Commitment to Student Safety and Respect
💬 Commitment to Student Safety, Equity, and Respect
At Louisville Beauty Academy, we are deeply committed to providing a safe, respectful, and disruption-free educational environment where every student is valued as an individual and empowered to succeed.
As a Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited College of Beauty, we strictly adhere to all regulatory requirements set forth by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, including:
✅ Biometric timekeeping to ensure accurate attendance tracking and state compliance
✅ Legally binding, state-approved contracts for all enrolled students outlining rights, responsibilities, and program details
✅ Transparent tuition and financial policies, which are publicly accessible at www.LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net for informed decision-making prior to enrollment
✅ Zero-tolerance for classroom disruption, to protect every student’s right to a peaceful and productive learning environment
We believe in equal treatment under policy and law. All students, regardless of background, language, or prior experience, are held to the same professional and academic standards. No one is given preferential treatment, and no one is left behind.
Additionally, we maintain a proactive and legal approach to handling public feedback, including online reviews. While we welcome real and constructive input, we actively monitor and report misuse or defamation by bots, competitors, or bad actors seeking to harm the integrity of our school.
In accordance with Kentucky Administrative Regulation KAR 12:082, Section 32, all student hours accumulated at Louisville Beauty Academy will expire five (5) years from the date of original enrollment if the student does not complete the licensing process with the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology.
Additionally, per KAR 12:082, Section 3(9), the Louisville Beauty Academy is required to retain student academic and financial records for a minimum of five (5) years following a student’s last date of attendance.
📌 What This Means for Students:
Students must complete their licensure process within 5 years of starting the program or forfeit all accumulated hours.
After 5 years of inactivity, students must re-enroll and restart the program to earn new hours.
Louisville Beauty Academy is only obligated to keep records (transcripts, attendance, financials) for 5 years after your last day of attendance. After that, records may no longer be available.
🎓 Student Responsibility: It is the student’s sole responsibility to monitor their licensing timeline and request transcripts or records within the 5-year window. The Louisville Beauty Academy will not retain expired student hours or documents beyond the regulatory timeframe.
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.
