The Beauty Denominator

Many Government Sites frequently change the structure of their site and I have found links from this blog to forms and other information that is out dated because that information was moved. When I find these links I try to change them, but if you the seeker don’t let me know when a link is broke I really wont know about it.

I am assuming no one catches the broken links because no one is actually looking any further than the page that Google sent you to. I am not a genius and I do not possess a photographic memory so when you ask me for information I have to take the time to go do the research for you. I know people get impatient and want answers right now and I don’t mind helping when I can.

People try to find information, but they really don’t look very far, they kind of like for someone else to do the leg work for them. Like I said I really don’t mind helping when I see that people have earnestly checked through the information I have here and couldn’t find what they were looking for.

When I see that they don’t even bother to look and just want the answer from me I sometimes get irritated because then I have to stop what I’m in the middle of and search for it myself. I tried to make it easy to sort through, but maybe I need to restructure this blog also, but even though categories are now named and one in particular says RECIPROCITY no one looks. Sorry for shouting, but I feel much better now.

Martha left a comment and I’m moving it to a post because someone else might need the same info at some point and this way I wont have to look for it again and can just direct them to this post. I am never too busy to help another professional or anyone else for that matter if I can.

Martha: I’m a student in California and moving to Virginia. I should have the 1500 hours required for Virginia before I move, how would I go about applying for a test in Virginia?
Thank you

It’s not always easy to find the information that my readers require because a lot of the state board sites aren’t very user friendly, but I’m always willing to try and after figuring out how Virgina stores their information I found  the answer to your question and you can read it below, but here is the link that you can follow. Also listed below is info for nail technician.

You will actually have to get in touch with your state board and have them send your certified school hours to Virginia or transcript of hours. You will have to pay a fee for that and it’s non-refundable. Virginia would then decide if you will be accepted to apply for licensure.

Training outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but within the United States and its territories.

a. Any person completing a barber or cosmetology training program that is substantially equivalent to the Virginia program but is outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia must submit to the board documentation of the successful completion of 1,500 hours of training to be eligible for examination.

If less than 1,500 hours of barber or cosmetology training was completed, an applicant must submit a certificate, diploma or other documentation acceptable to the board verifying the completion of a substantially equivalent barber or cosmetology course and documentation of six months of barber or cosmetology work experience in order to be eligible for examination

b. Any person completing a nail technician training program that is substantially equivalent to the Virginia program but is outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia must submit to the board documentation of the successful completion of 150 hours of training to be eligible for examination

If less than 150 hours of nail technician training was completed, an applicant must submit a certificate, diploma or other documentation acceptable to the board verifying the completion of a substantially equivalent nail technician course and documentation of six months of nail technician work experience in order to be eligible for the nail technician examination.

I decided to turn this comment into a post so other people could add any comments that might help someone else concerning reciprocity between NY and Texas, so if anyone has any experiences they would like to share then please do.

Sebastian: I went to the Aveda Institute in NYC and just moved to Texas. I haven’t yet taken the test in NY to get my license, but was going to fly back to do so, and then see about transferring my license to Texas. I’ve called the Tx. Dept of Licensing and they say that there should be no problem getting a Texas license and that I won’t have to redo hours. But from everything I’ve looked at on the web, nothing says that Texas and NY have reciprocity. Am I not understanding them correctly?

I know the hours between NY and TX are not equal — I just want to make sure I can get my TX license as quickly as possible so I can start working. Another option I asked about was if I didn’t bother going to NY to take the exam to get licensed, but instead transfered my hours down here and took the test in Texas. The Dept. of Lic. said that “maybe” I would be allowed to take the test without doing extra hours, but it depends on the “mood” of the examiner. Hah. This is awfully confusing — any clarity would be appreciated.

My Answer:

I seriously doubt that Texas would let 500 needed hours slip past regardless the mood of the examiner. If you had your license already and had work experience then that would be documented and probably accepted.

It’s true that New York doesn’t reciprocate with many states and Texas is not on their list and usually those states react in kind so it’s very important to have everything clarified up front and make sure you get it in print so you will have proof of what was said.

If I were you I would have my certified school hours sent to Texas and finish the hours there and take the test just to make everything simple. It can get pretty expensive flying back paying fees waiting for your license, paying fees to have your certified licence proof sent to Texas Paying Texas fees to have your license approved.

Waiting to find out if your license will be accepted no return policy on fees if it’s not. Havi ng to take a course for extra hours anyhow then reapplying. Way too complicated for me. I like the simple direct approach and besides from the time you apply to take your boards till you go through the reciprocity process could be around 3 months and you might not be approved.

I receive many comments from the readers about reciprocity and I like to add them to separate posts instead of just leaving them in the comments because a lot of times other people are looking for the same answers and it’s easier to find when they are singled out. I always appreciate any comments from you the readers on any subject.

I had a comment yesterday from a reader that was upset with Louisiana and Tashiana Chrysanthus said:

” Louisiana stating that they “trade state for state ” is very misleading and pretty much a lie to complicate the reciprocity action. They still require an exam, even if you’ve been licensed for 15 years and have had Continuing Education every year (which Louisiana DOES NOT require). All of these websites should inform anyone looking into it and mostly Louisiana needs to step up and let applicants know of this.”

I am assuming that Tashiana has firsthand knowledge from applying for reciprocity with Louisiana and simply felt the need for a rant which is fine.Most states will have all the information you need under the Faqs page or their rules and regulations of what is required when you do reciprocate.

It is up to you the applicant to find all the information you need beforehand and if something isn’t clear, you should contact them by phone or e-mail and make sure of all requirements because once you send in your fee it is nonreturnable if you change your mind. Like I said most state board sites do give you the information, but sometimes it seems hidden, but this is a very good point to keep in mind.

Always make sure you know what is expected from you up front when applying, that way there are no hidden surprises later and you will be well prepared. A lot of states decide these things on an individual bases and with the way statutes and rules change sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the changes. It would be great if everything was the same for every state it would make things so simple then.

I decided to turn this comment into a post because a lot of Cosmetologist don’t realize that they can use their work history if they don’t meet the states requirement hours of training if they have worked long enough to qualify. All states are different and constantly changing.

jillmarie000: This is the biggest headache. Why can’t there just be national requirements? I have been licensed as an Esthetician and Cosmetologist for three years in Washington, but now that I am moving to Utah I have to jump through a thousand hoops, and I still have to go back to school! How annoying is this?!

Answer: You are so right and maybe someday they will do that. I know more and more states now require you to take a national exam, but not all. It is a big hassle. Almost all states will except work experience in lieu of the extra hours that may be required.

If I were you I would contact Utah Dept of licensing and tell them you have 3 years of experience. You would have to have your hours verified, but they will tell you exactly what you need to do for that.

I did a little checking on their site and found this Utah application and was wondering if you had checked it? Go all the way down to C it will give you information on how to proceed using your work history. Plus it has all the information anyone else would need if they are moving to Utah from any where else.

Hopefully you were working full time in those 3 years and have 4,000 hours of full time paid employment in your field and they can be verified then you wouldn’t have to go back for more training. I wasn’t sure if you were just making a comment in passing or if you wanted me to answer so I decided it might help someone else.

A reader left a comment and I thought it deserved a post because many people don’t realize how simple it is to find the information they need and in Donna’s case it was very simple to solve her problem.

Donna L Boettger: I would like to renew my license from Pa. I don’t have a copy of my license so I don’t know the number. My D.O.B. is 2-13-44. I believe I was licensed in October,1963 and have kept it since then, but moving around it has gotten lost in transit. Please reply. Thank you

Answer: In cases like this all states will have a page that the public can go to to verify that someone has a license and all of your information will come up. You can either search by name or license number or use a wild card if your not sure of the spelling of a name and it will bring up every listing they have for the letter that the name starts with.

In your case it was very simple and you popped right up Issue Date: 11/30/1963 Expires: 1/31/2009 Last Renewed: 11/28/2006 Standing: This license is in good standing. I wont post everything I’ll let you have the fun of doing that discovery yourself and discovering how easy it is. When your information comes up it will show your license number and your problem will be solved.

If you click on your license number then more information will be shown. As I said before, this information is all made public so consumers and customers can check and see if someone has been reported for anything, has any violations and if they are current and legitimate. You’d be surprised how many people work without a license.

Maybe I will get a list of every states verification page so other people will be able to find the state they need at a glance. I had never really thought about this issue before so thank-you very much for your comment. I moved your comment to this post so it might be of use to others.

Pennsylvania License Verification

Below are a few questions that have been asked by visitors seeking information. I always try to answer all questions to the best of my ability. Contact information for Missouri is listed below. As I often mention it is always best to visit the official state site in question because laws are changed frequently and you will get the most up to date information that you require, but I’m always willing to try and help.

Tanisha: What number do I need to call to transfer my GA license to MO?

Answer: This is what Missouri says to do:

Reciprocity
Cosmetology Operators. Upon making application to the board, the board shall issue
a Missouri certificate of registration or license without an examination to a person who holds a current cosmetology license in another state, territory, or District of Columbia, provided the requirements for licensure, including but not limited to the training and examination requirements therein are substantially equal or superior to those in Missouri at the time of application. The application shall be properly completed on a
form supplied by the board and shall be accompanied by the following: (A) An affidavit completed by the state licensing agency verifying the type of license held by the applicant in that state; (B) Two (2) bust photographs measuring two inches by two inches (2? × 2?) taken within the last two (2) years; and (C) The cosmetology reciprocity fee.

Contact Information
Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
P.O. Box 1062
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-1052 (phone)
573-751-8167(fax)

Amy: Hey! I am a licenses esthetician in the state of California and am moving to St. Louis Missouri. What will i need to do in order to begin working as an esthetician in Missouri?

Answer: You would need to have your certified license sent to MO and if you have work history you should have that verified and sent also because there is a 100 hours difference in state requirements. Check with them directly for the most up to date info.

Lan Tran: I’m currently holding a manicuring license from California but planning to move to Missouri, do you know if the CA license is valid in MO? Thanks!

Answer: Since the hours in both states are equal you can file for reciprocity without taking their exam.

FrankieandJewels.com  Franky says: I am a  licensed cosmotologist in NY and have been for almost three years. I am wondering what I would need to do to obtain a license in TN. I am planning on relocating.

Answer:
The following is what you will find on Tennessee’s website
Reciprocity:
Reciprocating Hours with Current License

The Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology requires 1,500 (cosmetologist); 750 (aesthetician); 300 (shampoo tech, natural hairstylist) classroom hours of training and 600 hours are required for manicurist.

If you are licensed but do not meet the required classroom hours and cannot provide a five year work history, you will need to submit your application for reciprocity to the board office.

Applying for Examination (Not a US Citizen)

Submit a copy of each of the following:

1. Your completed and notarized application
2. A copy of your green card
3. A copy of your social security card
4. A copy of your drivers license or birth record
5. A recent photograph
6. Your original high school transcript or diploma (Document will be returned to you)
7. Proof of completion of the tenth grade or equivalent must be submitted.
8. The original document should be accompanied by an official translation into English, per board policy set July 12, 1993
9. Your State Board Certification.

Tennessee requires transfer hours to be certified by the State Board, if you are licensed and are transferring hours to qualify for an examination in Tennessee, call the Board you are licensed with and check to see what the procedure is to obtain a license certification. Said certification will need to be an original document, with the State Board seal affixed. Some Boards require a written request for certification, and others require a fee be submitted. Call your Board for this Information.

Transferring hours as a Student

* You must obtain a State Board certification, as described above, unless the state you trained in does not certify student hours.
* If your State Board does not certify student hours, submit your original certification from your school.
* School certifications must be original, and notarized or have the official school seal.
* California students will need to have their proof of training document notarized or affixed with the school seal.
* All school certifications must reflect total hours completed and passed.
* The Board has a new policy concerning documentation of proof of educational background. This policy requires a Tennessee State Board representative view the original documents submitted as proof of completion of the tenth (10th) grade or equivalent.
* Your original document will be returned as soon as the Board authenticates and copies the original document.

I feel like I have been on vacation for a month. I was off the computer for awhile except to check e-mail because that always gets backed up and it’s mostly junk, but I don’t like it cluttering my box so I simply glance and delete it all. It’s hard to get back in the beauty groove after stuffing and indulging for 2 weeks, but I have to make the effort for my poor old body’s sake.

So I think I will start back by adding the Illinois reciprocity questions and answers to this post and go from there. Hopefully things will get back to normal now that we have all the festivities behind us and we can start on our brand new year.

Contact info for Illinois:
Illinois Dept. of Professional Regulation
320W. Washington St., 3rd Fl.
Springfield, IL 62786
217-782-8556 (phone)
217-782-7645 (fax)

Allison: I’m a cosmetologist from Michigan but I’m planning on moving to Illinois. If I send in my application for endorsement of licensure for the state of Illinois along with my transcripts from beauty school and the fee as well as the other required information, what is the chance for me to receive the endorsement right away since the reciprocity is the same?

Answer: You need to write a letter to your state board and have your certified license sent to Illinois. Check their official site for certification directions.

That part usually takes around 30 days or so maybe less if you can do it on line. Then usually that state will tell you how to proceed with your endorsement or reciprocity and each applicant is judged individually. Hope that helps.

Tasha: I just graduated and am in the process of obtaining my license (for Esthetic’s or Cosmetician) in Colorado. I have already passed my practical and am waiting to take the written. We are being re-located to Illinois with in the next 2 months. What do I need to do to transfer my Colorado license to Illinois? Do I have to go back to school??

Answer: Since you do not have any working experience that could count as credit toward the extra 150 hours needed you will probably have to attend school for those hours needed to obtain a license in Illinois.

Tiffany: I am very interested in becoming a makeup artist, my question is, does the state of Illinois require you to have a cosmetology license to become a makeup artist?

Answer: In Illinois it’s illegal for anyone without a license to charge for their service however you are allowed to apply makeup without a license, if you work for a company that sells cosmetics, but only for demonstration purposes, and you’re not allowed to tell the client what looks good or what they should use. You can work in a dept. store behind a make-up counter without a license so long as you have basic makeup application skills. Read what Vault says about working for Estee Lauder

Ashley: Hello, I’m currently licensed in Florida with 1200 hours and in the process of trying to move up to Chicago, Illinois. I believe they required 1500 hours. Could you please tell me how to go about getting licensed in Chicago or who I could contact.

Sherry: Does Illinois have reciprocity with Maryland? I have been in the business for over 20 years and now have to move. I cant find any information any where.

Answer: You can find information about Endorsement and Forms and contact info is listed above.

South Carolina Question And Answer:

Cassandra: I have my license in Mass and I’m going to be moving to SC, I have had my license for 2 years and I have been working full time for a year and a half since then. I just wanted to know what I’m going to have to do to do hair there.

Answer: This is South Carolina’s application for reciprocity Since you have been working that means that you have experience that will makeup for the 500 hour difference in courses.

South Carolina says:If an applicant for a cosmetology license from another state, territory, or the District of Columbia has completed less than the required one thousand five hundred hours (1,500) of training, the Board may give credit of three hundred hours (300) for every six (6) months of proven work experience with a maximum credit of one thousand (1000) hours.

Besides getting in touch with your state board and having your license certification sent to South Carolina you would also need the place you work to sign an affidavit of your working hours and sent also. I would shoot them an e-mail to make sure of all requirements that are needed in the affidavit or if they have a special form that your employer needs to fill out.

North Carolina Question And Answer:

Jasmine: I am a licensed nail tech moving from New York to North Carolina wake forest . What do I need to do to transfer my license to NC?

Answer: I am in the process of moving comments to their own post so it will be easier to find the answers instead of reading through all comments, please see NC reciprocity answer.