Any individual seeking to work as a Beautician must first apply for and obtain the proper license in the State of New Jersey from the State Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling. The Board, under the Division of Consumer Affairs, manages all areas of cosmetology and beautician licensing, including the application process, examination requirements and professional conduct rules. Candidates must complete a minimum number of training hours and then pass the Board examination. Applicants from other states may be eligible to transfer their current license to New Jersey through the endorsement process. The Board has also instituted procedures when a licensee is being investigated for misconduct, requiring a duty to cooperate under the circumstances.

Obtaining a license

General

In order to obtain a Beautician license, applicants must complete training requirements via a Board-approved school of cosmetology or satisfy the requisites via a vocational educational program. Then, applicants must apply to sit for the state exam and pass the test.

Training

• Beautician License: 1100 hours
• Cosmetology & Hairdressing License: 1200 hours
• Barber License: 900 hours
• Esthetician License: 600 hours
• Nail Technician License: 300 hours
• Electrologist License: 600 hours
• Permanent Makeup License: 100 hours (Department of Health)
• Massage Therapist License: 500 hours (Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy)

Beautician v. Cosmetology license

There is a distinction between the Beautician and Cosmetologist-Hairstyling licenses. Each credential is allowed to practice beauty culture services. However, a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist is also allowed to engage in shaving or trimming of facial hair and hair weaving; a Beautician license does not cover these practices.

Examinations

Upon completion of the minimum educational or training hours, candidates for a Beautician license must fill out the Application for Authorization to Sit for the Examination and for Licensure. The application must include proper processing fees, including the $50 filing fee and fees for the first licensing period. The initial licensing fees are $30 or $60, depending on which renewal cycle the application is submitted. Once the application is approved, Candidates may sit for the exam, which is administered by the Board. After successfully passing the test, applicants will receive their Beautician license.

License by endorsement

Individuals with a valid Beautician license in another state can obtain their license in New Jersey by undergoing the licensure by endorsement process. In order to qualify, the home state must have licensure requirements similar to those established by the Board. Candidates must submit an out-of-state application, including verification from the home state regulating agency. They must also pass the examination administered by the Board.

Maintaining a license

Renewal and continuing education requirements

Iorder to remain valid and current, a license to practice beauty culture services in the State of New Jersey must be renewed every two years, in even-numbered years. All licensees are required to submit the proper renewal application and a $60 processing fee. There are currently no continuing education requirements for licensees, though certain specialties do mandate some coursework. License holders whose credentials have been expired for more than seven years must take a 250 refresher course and re-take the Board examination.

Disciplinary actions

Beautician license holders are subject to discipline by the Board for failure to abide by the rules regarding professional conduct, including providing services outside the scope of the Beautician license and failure to maintain sanitary standards with respect to tools and products. Disciplinary actions may include license suspension or revocation, as well as probation.

Licensee Duty to Cooperate

In cases where a Beautician is being investigated by the Board for wrongdoing in connection with licensed activities, the State of New Jersey Uniform Regulations govern the process. Licensees have the duty to cooperate in connection with the proceedings, which look into whether the individual is fit to continue practicing cosmetology. Failure to do so may result a finding of unfit and revocation of license.