How to Be a Nail Technician in Everett, WA
Nail technicians can be found in numerous establishments from salons to resorts. They cater to the needs of people both young and old. Common services include manicures and pedicures. Some are tapped to attach artificial nails of different designs and materials. All of these take skill that can be honed through training in a cosmetology school. Graduates must pass a licensing exam before they can practice in this profession. Each state has its own requirements so those wondering how to be a nail technician should seek out the policies where they live.
How to be a Nail Technician
One of the basic requirements is to have a high school diploma. After completing senior year, interested parties must then enroll in a beauty school to earn a certificate or a degree. There are hundreds of accredited institutions around the country that can provide adequate training including Evergreen Beauty College in Washington. Some specialty courses may be completed in a few months while more intensive courses may take up to two years. Choose a suitable program based on the state’s prescribed number of training hours. This can be as little as 100 hours or as much as 600 hours.
Application Form and Associated Fees
Download an application form for licensure from the official website of the state’s cosmetology board. This is the most convenient way to acquire and submit the form. Check out the other documents that may be needed such as beauty school transcript and the like. These will serve as initial evidence of proficiency and proof of completion for the mandatory training hours. The papers will have to be processed so applicants must pay a certain licensing fee as well. The amount is fairly reasonable, ranging from $20 up to $50 depending on the location. Additional fees may be charged on an annual basis.
The Exam Proper
The licensure exam is designed to test the applicants’ knowledge of both theory and practice. As such, it is divided into two parts. The written exam follows a multiple choice format. Examinees have an hour and a half to answer all of the questions regarding cosmetic procedures, safety guidelines, and underlying concepts. Next up is the practical exam which will be graded based on demonstrable skills in various techniques. Assessors are keen to see precise handling of the basic tools of the trade. Mannequins are often used for these exams but some jurisdictions may opt for real people to watch the interaction. Those who score at least 75% on each exam qualify for the license.
Continuing Education
The field of cosmetology is highly dynamic. New products, techniques, and tools are introduced to the market all the time. Practicing nail technicians need to carry on with their studies in order to keep up with the trends. License renewal formalizes this by requiring continuing education credits, usually fulfilled by attending a few hours of training each year.
