Do You Need a Diploma or GED to Attend a Cosmetology Program?

Venturing into the beauty industry can be exciting. The admission requirements for a cosmetology program aren’t as lofty as a conventional 4-year college, but some prerequisites can vary from state to state. Virtually all cosmetology schools require incoming students to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a general educational development (GED) certificate.

Let’s break down the relatively straightforward application process and what it takes to begin your career in cosmetology. 

Admission requirements for beauty school

Whether you just graduated or are in the process of a career change, all prospective students must go through the admission process. Do you need to have a GED or high school diploma? The answer is yes––most cosmetology schools require you to have one or the other. Do you need to hand in letters of recommendation or do admissions interviews?

Vocational schools usually don’t require the students to adhere to the traditional 4-year college admissions process, so you are unlikely to need recommendations or be accessed by a staff member.

While there are minimal prerequisites for trade schools, the good news is everyone has a chance at having a career in cosmetology. What you do with your education at school and beyond is up to you. 

Basic requirements

To qualify for enrollment, you need to meet the age requirements and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must be a certain age to apply for a cosmetology program. In New York, you must be at least 17 years old, and in Washington, you must be at least 16.

Cosmetology school doesn’t require students to study general education courses. Before earning a cosmetology license, you must successfully complete the beauty school program to make a living as a cosmetologist.

woman sitting ans studying

Ezequiel Giménez/Stocksy- stock.adobe.com   

GED or high school diploma

If you’re attending a public institution, the cost of earning a high school diploma is free, but there may be a small fee to order a copy of your diploma.

Assuming you take the GED test, the cost is typically $30 per subject, so four subjects would total $120. Additional fees may apply if you choose to take the test online.

The official term for GED is the General Educational Development Test. Either certificate is eligible for admission to beauty school.

Licensing information after completing an accredited cosmetology school

In Washington state, the fee for a licensing exam in 2024 consists of a few parts.

The practical exam cost is $114, and the written exam fee is $180. Once you pass the exam, there is an additional cosmetology license fee of $35. 

What’s next for beauty school applicants

For beauty school applicants, the journey begins with a passion for beauty and a commitment to achieving their education goals. After meeting your school’s qualifications for enrollment and completing the trade school program, the following steps involve meeting the cosmetology license requirements, essentially the course curriculum.

Applicants should focus on completing their school education, as this will provide the foundational skills and knowledge needed to excel in the beauty industry.

Graduating from a trade school with a solid understanding of cosmetology principles fulfills licensing requirements and opens doors to diverse career opportunities in salons, spas, and beyond.

What to expect at Evergreen Beauty College

At Evergreen Beauty College, students can expect a quality education. Here, students work with real clients to hone their skills in various areas, such as skin care, nail technology, and makeup artistry. Aspiring hair stylists, nail technicians, and makeup artists can expect hands-on training using professional products to master techniques like makeup application.

This real-world experience is invaluable for students to achieve their career goals. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in the beauty industry.

 Contact us to find out more about our admissions requirements! Eligible students can apply for financial aid and use their 529 funds to apply for tuition at Evergreen.

FAQ: Do you need a diploma or GED to attend a cosmetology program?

What are the requirements for attending a cosmetology program?

The school usually asks for proof of age and either a high school diploma or a GED. While the age requirements vary from state to state, the minimum age is typically 17. 

How many hours do you need to become a cosmetologist in Washington?

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, you need 1,600 hours of training at an approved school. Once you’ve completed your hours, you must pass the state exams to earn your license.

What are the cosmetology licensing requirements in Washington state?

In Washington state, to get your cosmetology license, you need to:

  • Complete 1,600 hours of training at an approved school.
  • Be at least 17 years old.
  • Pass the written and practical state exams.
  • Submit an application with proof of your education and exam results to the Department of Licensing.
  • Pay the necessary fees.

 Keep an eye on any continuing education requirements for renewing your license.

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

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