Differences Between Oregon and Texas Cosmetology Licensing
Cosmetology is an excellent career track that enables you to help others be their best selves. Through a cosmetology license, you can learn the secrets of beautiful hair, gorgeous nails, and glowing skin while also making great pay and building a business.
If helping others achieve radiant skin and luscious hair sounds right up your alley, you may be wondering what you need to become a fully licensed cosmetologist. The requirements differ significantly by state, meaning that you must check with your state’s cosmetology board first. Today, we’ll explore the different requirements in two states – Oregon and Texas – to give you an idea of how various regions control and license this profession.
Oregon Requirements
The Oregon Board of Cosmetology is a department of the Oregon Health Authority. This department regulates estheticians, barbers, nail technicians, electrologists, and cosmetology instructors.
Career Outlook
Before embarking on your cosmetology career, you may be curious as to what the typical cosmetologist can expect when working in Oregon. Thankfully, this field is booming, and you can expect exceptional career growth in this state. According to O-NET Online, the cosmetology sector is expected to grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030, which is much higher than the national average.
Training
Those interested in becoming an Oregon cosmetologist must graduate from a school approved by the Board of Cosmetology. Your training will include infection protocols, aesthetics, caring for different hair and skin types, and customer service.
You will need to complete a certain number of practical hours before taking the exam, which differs based on the specific type of license you’re trying to achieve. The practical hours are as follows:
Barber: 1,100 hours
Cosmetologist: 2,300 hours
Electrologist: 600 hours
Nail Technician: 600 hours
Cosmetology Instructor: 2 years of licensed experience or 2 years of instructor training
For all of the above, you will need to complete 150 hours of Safety/Infection control and 100 hours of Career Development.
Exam
Once you have completed your hours, you will need to take a written exam for each area of practice that you want to work in, as well as an Oregon Laws and Rules exam. You will pay an application fee, fees for each practice area exam, an Oregon Laws and Rules exam fee, and a fee to receive your certificate. The tests are done on a walk-in basis, and you’ll receive your license the same day.
Continuing Education
Oregon cosmetologists do not have any continuing education requirements, and their licenses will be renewed every two years. However, it’s always a good idea to continue learning and growing as a cosmetologist, even if you aren’t required to take more classes.
Texas Requirements
Texans are known for their stunning good looks, which are achieved through the help of nail technicians, hair stylists, and estheticians. If you want to join this profession, you’ll be excited to know that there are plenty of eager customers.
Career Outlook
Texas has a huge cosmetology industry, with well over 54,000 employees in this field. Despite the large number of existing technicians, the industry is expected to grow by 25% through to 2030, indicating very healthy career growth.
Training
As in Oregon, you must go to a school approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation if you want to take the exam. While there, you must complete a certain number of practical hours depending on what career path you choose. These are as follows:
Barber: 1,500 hours
Cosmetologist: 1,500 hours
Esthetician: 750 hours
Nail Technician: 600 hours
Instructor: 500 to 750 hours, depending on your experience
Exam
The Texas exam includes both a written and a practical portion. You can take the written exam after you’ve completed a certain number of your practice hours. You’ll pay an application fee and then sit for the in-person exam at one of the licensing board’s third-party vendor locations.
You must pass the written exam before you can schedule the practical exam. At this exam, you’ll practice your skills in front of a proctor, who will determine whether or not you pass. If you do pass, you’ll pay for your license and be a fully-fledged cosmetologist.
Continuing Education
Texas cosmetology continuing education requirements are four hours of department-approved courses every two years. Fortunately, you can complete these online from a variety of vendors. Topics include hair cutting and coloring, sanitation, and human trafficking prevention.
Reciprocity Agreements Between Oregon and Texas
Most states have reciprocity agreements as long as the other state’s licensing matches the minimum requirements of your new state. Oregon will accept training from other states, but you will have to show your old state’s license, submit an affidavit of licensure, and pass the written exam for the Oregon Laws and Rules.
For Texas, the other state must require at least 1,000 training hours. However, if you come from a state that requires fewer training hours and you have work experience, those hours can count toward getting your Texas cosmetology license.
If you’re looking forward to a rewarding career in cosmetology, both Oregon and Texas have a bright occupational outlook and offer abundant opportunities to learn. Find an approved school near you and prepare for years of helping others be their most beautiful selves.