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Whether you've worked professionally in hair design, nail technology, or skin care fields, you may eventually decide that you'd like to share your accumulated knowledge and skill with peers just entering the cosmetology industry.

Becoming a cosmetology instructor allows you to share your passion and mentor a new generation of cosmetology professionals. You can also advance in your career, potentially enjoying greater stability and higher earning potential.

Once you've obtained your instructor license, you should know that the Oregon Board of Cosmetology, operating under the state's Health Licensing Office, requires periodic license renewal. It's helpful to learn about the requirements to renew your license and what happens if it lapses.

Renewal Requirements

Teachers working for private career schools in Oregon, including cosmetology instructors, are required to renew their registration every three years from the date of issue.

Renewal includes submitting an application, applicable fees, and a listing of work experience during the three years prior to renewal (the schools you worked at and the programs or courses you taught).

Cosmetology instructors must also complete 30 hours of qualifying continuing education (CE), including topics like:

• Teaching methodologies
• Motivating learners
• Lesson planning
• Multiple intelligences
• Educational psychology for adult educators
• Clinic floor etiquette for instructors
• Communication in the salon
• Marketing for beauty professionals
• Professional ethics

Although only field of practice cosmetologists are required to maintain current bloodborne pathogens training through annual CE, as an instructor, you may wish to stay up-to-date with this training as well.

What Happens if My License Becomes Inactive or Expires?

In Oregon, you must hold a valid license to work as a cosmetology instructor. If you miss your renewal deadline, your license becomes inactive, and you are not legally permitted to continue teaching. You must stop working until your license is renewed, or you face potential legal penalties.

There is no set grace period for late renewal with instructor licenses. If you fail to renew your license on time, you must pay a late fee, in addition to meeting all renewal requirements. Late fees increase the longer you wait to renew.

If your license has lapsed for three or more years, it is considered expired, and you can no longer pay a late fee to renew it. You must apply for a new license and meet all requirements, including passing the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam and the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Instructor Exam.

Online Continuing Education Designed for Working Professionals

As a working professional, it can be difficult to find suitable CE programs for license renewal. You need a board-approved program designed for your busy lifestyle, with 24/7 online access to course materials, which facilitates self-paced learning.

You should also look for courses developed by industry experts and educators, ensuring materials meet educational requirements but also offer practical benefits.

Finally, it's best to select a program that provides an instant certificate of completion for your records, making it easy to submit your completed renewal application in a timely manner.

Is your Oregon cosmetology teacher license renewal coming up? RocketCert has the convenient and comprehensive CE program you need. Contact us now to learn more.