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A career in cosmetology can be incredibly rewarding as you help customers look and feel their best with hairstyling, makeup, and nail care. However, you may also choose to share your knowledge and skills with aspiring cosmetologists by becoming an instructor.

To do this, you will have to obtain a cosmetology teacher license from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Once you have received your license to teach, you must renew it periodically. How do you go about renewing your license?

Requirements to Become a Cosmetology Teacher

Before you can obtain your cosmetology teacher license, you must already hold an active cosmetology license in Montana.

You must also meet education and experience requirements, including 1,500 hours of qualifying work in the field during the year before applying for a teacher license and the completion of a 650-hour student teacher training course from a licensed school.

Alternatively, you may complete a total of 4,500 hours of work experience over the course of three years (1,500 hours per year) and complete 135 hours of approved teaching methodology classes within two years of being issued a teacher license (not necessarily before licensure).

Finally, you must pass the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology instructor theory and practical exams.

Steps to Renew Your License

In Montana, cosmetology teacher licenses must be renewed every two years during the individual license renewal period, which falls between January 2 and March 1. To qualify for renewal, you must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) related to your license.

This typically includes courses covering subjects like sanitation, safety, laws, and rules, as well as professional development. Approved CE courses to renew a cosmetology teacher license could include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Safety and emergency procedures
• Sanitation and sterilization
• Diseases of the scalp
• Chemical makeup of hair, skin, and nails
• Sustainable beauty
• Domestic violence awareness
• Professional ethics
• Mental health awareness
• Teaching methodology

New license holders are exempt from CE requirements during their first license renewal period but must meet CE requirements for all following license renewals.

What Happens if You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your license expires because you fail to apply for renewal on time or meet CE requirements, you have up to 45 days (until April 15 of your renewal year) to apply for late renewal and pay additional late fees.

You are prohibited from practicing with an expired license, so you must suspend teaching activities until your license is renewed, or you risk penalties like fines and disciplinary action.

If you fail to renew by the April 15 deadline, you will face additional penalties for license reinstatement. Extended lapses in license renewal could result in having to reapply for a license and retake exams.

Finding the Right CE Program

Working professionals have limited time to devote to CE, which is why it’s important to find a program designed for your needs. With 24/7 online access to course materials, you control the pace of learning with a schedule that works for you.

Is it time to renew your Montana cosmetology teacher license? Contact RocketCert now to learn more about approved courses.