Before you can work as a cosmetologist in the state of Virginia, you will need to appropriate license. To obtain this license, applicants must meet certain requirements; this could mean entry qualifications such as education, examination and/or experience. To learn more about acquiring your Virginia Cosmetology License, please read the information below.
What Do I Need to Do Before Filling in My Application for the Virginia Cosmetology License?
It is recommended to read the CIB (Candidate Information Bulletin) on the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology website. Inside this bulletin, applicants can find a complete overview of their application; this includes how to apply, but also information on the examination.
Before you apply, you should also check if you meet the requirements for a cosmetology license. Information regarding requirements can be found on the Professional Credential Services website, which is used by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology to ensure the requirements are met.
What Are the Requirements I need to Meet Before I Apply for a Virginia Cosmetology License?
While it is recommended to read the full PDF on the Virginia State Board website, we can give you a brief overview of the requirements you need to meet for licensure.
An applicant can meet the requirements for their license through one of four ways; this includes following an accredited & approved cosmetology training program in the state of Virginia. This also involves providing a training and experience verification form; this can be downloaded from the website of the Professional Credential Services.
Applicants can also get their license by completing at least 1500 hours of cosmetology training; this training must be of equal of higher value than education provided in the state of Virginia and must be within the borders of the United States and its territories. Once completed, the applicant must upload the appropriate proof on their PCS account.
An applicant can also meet the requirement by completing an accredited cosmetology course of less than 1500 hours, but in this case the applicant will need at least six months of work experience. The experience and training must be obtained outside of Virginia, but within the borders of the United Sates. Once completed, the applicant must upload their certificate, diploma or other documentation on their PCS account.
The last way to meet the requirements for the Virginia Cosmetology License is through the completion of an approved apprenticeship program in cosmetology. Upon completing the apprenticeship, the applicant must complete the Department of Labor and Industry Form, which can be obtained through your apprenticeship representative. The form must also be uploaded to the PCS account for review.
Naturally, there are some exceptions to these general rules; this includes someone who spent two years in the armed forces with cosmetology experience, cosmetologists looking to get their instructor license, additional credit, and more. If you cannot find if you meet the requirements above, then be sure to read all the requirements that could be used on the Virginia State Board website, since there are many others that may apply.
How Do I Submit an Application to the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology?
To submit an application, you must create an account on the Professional Credential Services website. You will be required to fill in an online registration, which usually includes your full name, address, and other contact information.
When you have filled in the registration form, the applicant will be required to upload the application form and documentation providing the applicant meets the requirements as described on the website of the Professional Credential Services.
Once you have sent your application, the Professional Credential Services will check your application and your documentation. Only when your application and documentation is approved, can an applicant move on to the next stage for cosmetology licensure.
What Happens When the Professional Credential Services Declines My Application?
If there is certain information missing – or if you do not meet the requirements for Virginia cosmetology licensure – the Professional Credential Services will send you an e-mail. The e-mail will clearly state the deficiencies in your application.
When an application gets declined, the applicant gets the opportunity to submit any additional information to the Professional Credential Services. This information can be uploaded to the PCS account. When the information has been received, the Professional Credential Services can review your application and either decline or approve it.
What Happens When My Application for the Virginia Cosmetology License Is Approved?
If your application is approved, you move onto the practical and the written examinations. For the written examination, the Professional Credential Services will send a letter within one business day after the approval of the application. The letter will give the applicant a date for their written examination.
For the practical examination, the Professional Credential Services will also send a letter to the applicant. An admission notice will also be sent to the applicant ten days before the practical examination is set to take place.
What Happens After I Sit the Examination for the Virginia Cosmetology License?
After you have sat the practical and the written examination for your cosmetology license, you will get your official score from the Professional Credential Services; this usually within a period of ten business days. Your official score determines whether you pass or fail the exam.
If you have passed your practical and written examination, the Professional Credential Services will notify the Virginia State Board that you have met the requirements for you license. Once this is done, you are ready for the last step of your licensing process.
When Do I Get My Virginia Cosmetology License If I Passed the Practical and Written Examination?
Applicants who have passed their practical and written examination must submit a Licensure Fee Notice to the DPOR. However, this cannot be done until they have received the formal notice of completion from the Professional Credential Services. When all this is done, the Virginia State Board will release the Virginia Cosmetology License to the candidate in question.