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Cosmetology is arguably one of the most exciting and enriching job fields that you can enter. Not only does it give you a creative outlet to showcase the skills you have undoubtedly worked hard to obtain, but it also offers many different avenues for career advancement and allows you to feel good about helping people look their best. 

Getting started on such a unique career path, however, requires that you acquire the necessary education and experience to obtain a cosmetology license. Below, you’ll learn what it takes to receive your credentials so you can begin working with clients and keeping your business safe as soon as possible. 

What Can You Do With a Cosmetologist License in Florida? 

A cosmetology license is excellent for those who wish to perform the widest array of services in and outside of a salon setting. In Florida, cosmetology is defined as any form of mechanical or chemical treatment that occurs on the head, face, or scalp for aesthetic purposes, such as: 

• Shampooing, cutting, arranging, and coloring hair 
• Waving, relaxing, and removing hair on the face and scalp 
• Performing most pedicures and manicures 

However, the state imposes clear and specific rules about what professionals in the cosmetology industry cannot do with their licenses, such as performing any medical procedures, including laser hair removal. Additionally, some cosmetology treatments, including certain nail or facial procedures, require an additional specialized license. 

How You Can Get Your Cosmetology License in Florida 

All cosmetologists wishing to practice in Florida must take the same route to obtain their license. First, you must take an initial four-hour HIV/AIDS course from an approved provider like RocketCert.  

The course is designed to help you learn how to keep yourself and your clients safe by teaching you to identify the following: 

• The difference between HIV and AIDS 
• Routes of transmission 
• Types of tests 
• Prevention and treatments 
• Statistics and risk factors 
• Transmission, prevention, and treatment for other communicable diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis 

Once you have completed the course, you may then move on to completing your education requirement. In Florida, full cosmetologists must obtain 1,200 school hours in an approved cosmetology program. Nail, facial, and full-body specialists are required to complete 180, 220, and 400 hours, respectively, in specialist programs. 

Finally, cosmetologists are required to take a two-part exam to officially obtain their licenses. The first part covers theory on sanitation, legal and ethical issues, and client services, while the second covers clinical topics on hair coloring, chemical procedures, scalp and hair care, hair cutting, and hair styling. Each part of the test has 65 questions that must be answered within a 90-minute time limit. The passing score is 75%. 

Preparation Is Key to Ensuring Success on Your Professional Journey 

Everything you must do to become a licensed cosmetologist in Florida requires that you have a solid preparation plan in place. Fortunately, RocketCert can give you access to the right materials to help you on your journey.  

Our four-hour initial HIV/AIDS course will provide you with what you need to ensure a safe and successful start to your career, including expert-written learning materials and 24/7 access. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the necessary education to pursue your Florida cosmetologist license and start positively impacting lives.