Certifications

According to statistics from the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, the field of cosmetology contributed to over 825,000 jobs in 2006, and these job numbers continue to grow. In fact, this study concluded that the employment rate of cosmetologists will grow at a faster rate than all other occupations’ averages throughout the year 2016.

As jobs in cosmetology are on the rise, community colleges are implementing more cosmetology programs to provide students with the necessary skills, education, and background to succeed in the field.

What are a Cosmetologist’s Job Duties?

A cosmetologist is an individual who is certified to provide services to clients, which may include:

• Hair Cutting
• Hair Styling
• Hair Coloring
• Makeup Application
• Nail Treatments / Manicures
• Body / Skin Treatments

How Do I Become a Certified Cosmetologist?

In order to work as a cosmetologist, you must be state-licensed. To achieve this licensing, you typically must graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology program and pass an examination. Many community colleges across the country provide students with convenient and accredited programs to help students become licensed and certified practitioners.

How Do I Take the Certification Test?

As the requirements and certifications for cosmetologists vary from state to state, community college advisors can help students prepare and find the appropriate resources for state testing. For example, as the Houston Community College Systems explains, “Students who successfully complete the entire curriculum, and have met the required clock hours are qualified to take the examination for licensing given by the Texas Department

From careers in construction, electrical work, teaching, to even daycare employment, nearly all careers now demand that employees maintain professional certification. Furthermore, for individuals new to their particular field, even jobs that do not require a four-year degree now demand that applicants have met professional licensing standards.

Providing students and professionals with easy access to affordable opportunities, community colleges are now one of the top venues for continuing education and certifications for qualified advancement.

The Top-Paying Careers with Professional Licensure Requirements
According to DAS Human Resources, legislation was passed in 1996 that permitted the expansion of application requirements, resulting in the shift that requires many jobs to demand that all workers meet “professional licensure, degree, accreditation or certificate requirements.” While the requirements for certification and licensure may have become more stringent, data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Census Bureau, according to CNN, assert that some of the top-paying jobs in the country are careers that do not require a four-year degree.

Among the top-paying jobs are careers as an air-traffic controller, storage and distribution manager, transportation manager, and police/detective work—all of which boast of an average annual income above $60,000. The careers expand to include non-retail sales managers, real estate agents/brokers, and dental hygienists—which also average an annual income of over $58,000.

While the prospects for interested candidates in these careers are financially outstanding, CNN continues to assert: “Though a college degree is not a requirement for these positions, all require moderate