Salon Manager Licensing

What Are The Education Requirements For Salon Managers?

As salons across the United States become larger and more successful, the number of salon managers has increased rapidly in the past few years. Many salon and spa owners are turning to skilled management professionals to handle the day-to-day work of running a salon. If you want to use your salon experience to start a management career, attending a salon management degree program is the first step for you. These programs generally last between six months and two years, depending on how much salon experience you have and which type of degree you want to earn.

In the majority of states, salon management is not a licensed, certified, or regulated field. Because of this, you have some freedom as to which management program you want to attend. Keep in mind that attending an accredited program that provides some practical experience in a management setting may help you get as much as you can out of your training.

No matter which training program you select, you should study the same basic concepts. Programs tend to explore beauty laws in your state, management techniques, and customer service concepts.

What Initial Licensing Requirements Must Salon Managers Meet?

One of the first things you should do, even before you select a school, is look into salon manager licensing requirements in your specific state. Most states do not currently license salon managers, so you might be ready to start your career as soon as you complete your education. However, other states do have fairly extensive requirements for those who want to work in salon management.

For example, Minnesota is one state that does require salon managers to become licensed before working in a management role. You must have been licensed as a beauty professional before applying for a salon manager license. To get your license, you have to provide proof of 2700 hours of licensed work in the last three years. These hours may be completed in any state.

After verifying that you meet the experience requirements in your state, you may need to pass an examination. This is the case in Minnesota, where you have to take the Minnesota Salon Manager Examination and provide verification of your passing score to get a license.

Do I Have To Renew My Salon Management License?

If you live in a state where salon managers are not licensed, license renewal may not be an issue that you have to worry about. However, if you are required to maintain a license as part of your career as a salon manager, make sure that you stay up-to-date on licensing requirements in your state. In Minnesota, for example, salon manager licenses must be renewed every three years. Typically, you do not have to take any exams to renew your license as long as you are renewing it on time.

However, you may be expected to meet certain continuing education rules to keep your license valid. As a salon manager, you may need to take ongoing coursework in management techniques, cosmetology laws and statutes, human resources, and other subjects that fit into your management role.

Can I Use My Salon License in Another State?

Before deciding that you are going to move to another state and take your salon management career with you, make sure that you will be able to work as a salon manager in your new state. You should contact the Board of Cosmetology in your new state to see if salon manager is a licensed career path. If it is, the education you received in your home state must be equal to or greater than the education requirements in your new state. If you do not meet this requirement, you may either need to spend additional time in school or use salon management work experience to make up for some of your training hours.

This process is easiest if you are moving to a state that does not license salon managers. This is the case for most states. Rather than having to transfer your license or see if it is eligible for license reciprocity, you can simply begin your job search in your new state.

Are you ready to become a leader and maintain high standards in spas and salons in your state? Find out more now by contacting salon management programs near you.

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