| Cosmetology: How to Get Licensed |
|
|
|
 |
| Fields of Practice |
|
Applicants may earn certification in one or more of four separate fields of practice as defined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 690.005:
Barbering
Barbering is a separate discipline from hair design. Barbers shampoo, cut, style, condition and singe (lightly burn hair ends with a lighted wax taper) hair, but they cannot provide chemical hair treatments (see Hair Design ).
Barbers also shave, trim and cut the beard, and massage the scalp, face and neck, applying facial and scalp treatments with creams, lotions, oils and other cosmetic preparations, either by hand or mechanical appliances, but such appliances shall not be galvanic (direct electrical current) or faradic (interrupted, or alternating, electrical current).
Esthetics
Estheticians provide services to keep skin healthy and attractive. Estheticians use their hands or mechanical or electrical apparatuses or appliances for cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exfoliating or applying lotions or creams and for the temporary removal of hair, makeup artistry. facial and body wrapping, and facial and body waxing.
Hair Design
Hair designers shampoo, cut, style, condition and singe (see Barbering ) hair and apply chemical treatments such as coloring, dyeing, relaxing and permanent waves. They also temporarily curl and braid hair as well as shave, trim and cut the beard or mustache.
Hair designers also massage the scalp and neck, but not the face, if in conjunction with the above services.
Nail Technology
Nail technicians cut, trim, clean, polish, color or tint the natural nails on hands and feet and massage, cleanse, treat and beautify the hands, arms (below the elbow) and legs (below the knee). They also apply, sculpt and remove artificial nails.
|
|
|
| Education & Training |
|
Applicants for licensure in Oregon must first complete and pass courses required by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Private Career Schools in one or more of the following programs offered by an Oregon licensed career school under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 817-030-0005:
- Barbering - 1100 hours
- Esthetics - 250 hours
- Hair Design - 1450 hours
- Nail Technology - 350 hours
Mandatory training of 150 hours in Safety/Infection Control and 100 hours of Career Development is also required for initial certification.
Training may also be obtained through a competency-based school, which may not require the minimum training hours.
|
|
|
| Examinations |
|
Practical Examination - Both hourly-based and competency-based schools require students to pass a state-sanctioned practical examination, conducted by a licensed career school meeting ODE criteria and standards.
In collaboration with ODE, the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) regularly conducts performance evaluations of state-sanctioned practical examinations at Oregon licensed career schools to guarantee compliance with ODE criteria and standards. The state recognizes the practical examination as the first step in a two-step examination process toward licensure.
Written Examination - Graduates of both hourly-based and competency-based schools in Oregon must then pass a written examination approved by the Board and administered by OHLA to receive their certification.
The written exam is administered using touch-screen computer technology at OHLA in Salem or through remote testing sites (see below). Applicants who pass the state examination conducted at OHLA receive same-day certification.
More information about examination requirements can be found in OAR 817-030-0020 to 817-030-0100.
- Walk-in written examinations at OHLA: Examination hours at OHLA in Salem are Monday-Friday from from 8 am to 4:30 pm and are conducted on a walk-in basis. Applicants should arrive in time to complete the examination prior to close of business at 4:30 pm. We recommend arriving before 12 noon to complete examinations for two or more fields of practice.
Virtual Examination Tour: Take a quick virtual tour of the examination process.
Remote Testing Option: Don't want to drive to Salem? Cosmetology applicants may take the written examination at LaserGrade testing centers. For more information, click here.
Interpreter-assisted and special-accommodation examinations are also available.
|
|
|
| Other Paths to Licensure |
|
Reciprocity - Reciprocity allows a practitioner credentialed in another state to qualify for Oregon certification without taking Oregon´s qualifying examinations. An applicant must submit documentation—an Affidavit of Licensure—to show a minimum standard of quality assurance and competency.
The out-of-state regulatory authority must deliver the Affidavit of Licensure to OHLA in a sealed envelope or via pre-approved electronic transmission. The affidavit must also disclose any unresolved disciplinary actions and/or outstanding civil fines.
Experience Equivalency - Applicants who have completed school or training in another state or country but who are not yet credentialed must provide documentation (school transcript, work study or apprenticeship records) for evaluation by OHLA and approval by ODE. Approved applicants are then required to take the Oregon qualifying practical and written examinations.
|
|
|
| Application Process |
|
To obtain application forms, please contact the Oregon Health Licensing Agency or click here to go to the Forms page. For more information, see OAR 817-030-0015.
Documentation - The following materials and information are required: official transcript from a licensed cosmetology career school (in-state applicants) or Affidavit of Licensure (out-of-state applicants), photo identification, and Social Security number.
Application and Fees - Applicants must complete an application form and pay an application fee (non-refundable), original certificate fee for each field of practice and examination fee per field of practice and for the Oregon Laws and Rules section. Click here for full fee schedule.
Written Examination - Conducted on a walk-in basis, examinations are conducted Monday-Friday. Interpreter-assisted and special-accommodation examinations are also available.
Alternative Test Site - The written examination may also be taken at participating LaserGrade testing facilities.
If you take the examination at LaserGrade you must submit your application and certificate fees to the Oregon Health Licensing Agency prior to testing. LaserGrade may also charge a higher fee than OHLA for the examination.
|
|
|
| Renewal Process |
|
Renewal Process
Application for license renewal should be made in advance of the license expiration date, which is the last day of the month two years from the date of issuance.
Renewal applications are mailed to licensees approximately six weeks prior to license expiration courtesy of OHLA / Board of Cosmetology.
Note: If a practitioner two-year certificate expires, there is a two-year window to renew and pay only the renewal fee(s) and a late fee for each year expired for each field of practice.
Those attempting to renew after the two-year window ends must retake and pass both practical and written examinations, reapply for certification and pay all application, examination and certification fees under ORS 690.085 and OAR 817-035-0010.
Click here to renew online.
|
|
| |
|
|
