How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist and How Cosmetology Schools in Chicago Prepare You? If you’ve ever found yourself doing your friends hair or makeup and thinking, “I could actually do this for a living,” you’re not alone. A lot of people in Chicago are looking for a career that’s creative, hands-on, and something they actually enjoy showing up for every day.
Cosmetology schools in Chicago are there to help you achieve the same thing. They don’t just teach you basics - they help you get licensed, build confidence, and start a career in the industry that fits your life. In this article, you will learn about the qualifications required to become a licensed cosmetologist in Chicago and how cosmetology schools help you prepare for the same.
State-Mandated Requirements to Become a Cosmetologist in Chicago 1. You must be minimum 16 years old and must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) 2. You must complete a state-approved 1500-hour program from any accredited cosmetology school in Chicago. This training must be completed over a period of at least 8 months and no more than 7 years. 3. You need to pass both the practical and theoretical examinations administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS). This website allows you to give examinations for various professional regulations, including: ➔ Licenced Cosmetology ➔ Licensed Cosmetology Teacher ➔ Licensed Esthetician ➔ Licensed Esthetician Teacher ➔ Licensed Nail Technician and more… The practical exam is administered in February, July, and October, while the theory exam is offered online through PSI Testing Services, LLC. 4. After completing the exam, you need to apply for the license by completing an application form available at IDFPR. You would be required to submit relevant documents along with a fee associated with licensing. 5. If you hold a current cosmetology license in another state, you may be eligible for licensure in Chicago by endorsement, and you don't have to retake the cosmetology exam. 6. Licensed cosmetologists in Chicago are required to complete 14 continuing education units (CEUs) every 2 years to renew their license.
How Accredited Cosmetology Schools in Chicago Prepare You for State Licensure? In Chicago, obtaining a cosmetology license is a significant milestone that requires both comprehensive education and successful completion of the state’s licensing exam.
Accredited cosmetology schools in Chicago play a pivotal role in this journey by providing training that aligns with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) standards. State-Mandated Training Hours The IDFPR mandates specific training hours for various cosmetology disciplines: ● ● ● ●
Cosmetology: 1,500 hours Esthetics: 750 hours Nail Technology: 350 hours Barbering: 1,500
These hours ensure that students receive a well-rounded education encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Curriculum Aligned with State Requirements Cosmetology schools in Chicago design their curricula to meet or exceed the IDFPR’s educational standards. For instance, the curriculum may include: ➔ Understanding the chemical composition of beauty products. ➔ Learning proper hygiene and sanitation practices. ➔ Mastering techniques for chemical treatments. ➔ Studying skin structure and its relevance to beauty services. ➔ Learning about haircutting, styling, and various hair treatments. ➔ Nail care, manicure, pedicure, and nail art. ➔ Salon management, business practices, and customer service. ➔ Anatomy of scalp, skin, hair, and nails.
Preparation for the licensing exam The written exam assesses knowledge in areas such as sanitation, chemical services, and skin anatomy, while the practical exam evaluates hands-on skills in real-world scenarios. To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75. “Nationally, the average pass rate for the cosmetology written exam is approximately 66.59% and for practical exams, it is 67.97%.” This underscores the importance of thorough
preparation. Accredited cosmetology schools in Chicago enhance students’ readiness by offering (source) ➔ Simulated test to familiarize students with the exam format. ➔ Opportunities to perform services under supervision. ➔ Focused discussions on challenging topics.
Preparation for License Renewal Maintaining your Illinois cosmetology license is essential for continued professional practice. Cosmetology licenses in Chicago expire every 2 years. ● Cosmetologist: September 30 of each odd-numbered year. ● Cosmetology Teachers: September 30 of each even-numbered year. (source) To renew your license, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements: ● 14 hours of CE from a state-approved sponsor within the 2 years prior to renewal for cosmetologists. ● For cosmetology teachers, 24 hours of CE, with at least 10 hours in teaching methodology, educational psychology, classroom management, or other teachingrelated courses. The IDFPR may require evidence for the completion of CE, such as attendance certificates, and may conduct random audits. It is the responsibility of each licensee to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance. Support for Exam Retakes If a candidate does not pass the exam on the first attempt, Chicago allows for retakes. However, after 3 unsuccessful attempts, candidates are required to complete additional training hours before retesting. Accredited cosmetology schools in Chicago provide remedial courses tailored to address individual weaknesses, ensuring that students are well prepared for subsequent attempts.
Conclusion If you’ve been thinking about going to a cosmetology school in Chicago, chances are you already love doing hair, makeup, or nails - and you are ready to do something real with it. You might be wondering if now is the right time or didn’t know where to start. The truth is you don’t need to have it figured out. You just need a place that gets it and helps you get licensed and career-ready. You can start that journey right here at Rosel School of Cosmetology, offering stateapproved training in cosmetology, esthetics, nails, instructor programs, and more. Visit now for details!
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Content Courtesy: https://medium.com/@duirenjuike869/how-to-become-alicensed-cosmetologist-and-how-cosmetology-schools-inchicago-prepare-you-91aad6bd4485
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