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Licensing vs. Certification

When pursuing a career in cosmetology, first step is always beauty school.  Once the required hours are completed at beauty school, the next step is to apply for your license. Beauty school students often are unclear when differentiating between licensing and certification. Certification is beneficial to your cosmetology career but licensing is essential. Although license requirements differ from state to state, a cosmetology license is offered, enforced, and regulated by a state government agency. They decide who is eligible, what services they are able to provide, and what title they hold under that particular license.

Professional Certification in the industry is considered to be universal. The process results in the individual being recognized by a non-governmental organization for extensive knowledge and master skills in a particular area. Certification may require a written and/or demonstration of skills and expertise.