Cosmetology

Career and Technical Education Program

Upon successful completion, this program enables students to sit for the State Cosmetology licensing exam.

General Requirements for Cosmetology License:

a. Applicant must be at least 16 years of age or have received a high school diploma.

b. Applicant must possess a Social Security number to apply.

c. Applicant must:

i. Complete at least 1,000 hours of training at a Florida cosmetology school and be determined competent by a school official to sit for the cosmetology exam, OR

ii. Complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of training at a Florida cosmetology school.

d. Applicant must submit a course completion certificate from a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course provider with their application. Applicants who completed their education at a Florida school should submit a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course completion certificate from their school. The board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course must have been completed within two years prior to submitting an application, and the course must be at least 4 hours long. Refer to the list of board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS Courses.

e. Applicant must pass both portions of the cosmetology examination within a two-year period from the date of the first attempt of either portion of the examination. If both portions of the examination are not passed within a two-year period, applicant is required to pass both portions of the examination again. If applicant fails either portion of the examination on the first attempt, applicant can submit a reexamination application without any additional signatures from the cosmetology school. Remedial hours may be required with verification by the cosmetology school.

Cosmetology Specialist – Facials

Career and Technical Education Program

The Indian River State College Esthetics program prepares students for a rewarding career in the skincare industry. Through hands-on instruction, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform professional skincare services in salons, spas, medical spas, and other wellness settings.

The curriculum includes infection control, skin analysis, basic and advanced facials, facial treatments and modalities, LED therapy, galvanic current, high-frequency treatments, chemical peels, facial waxing, lash and brow tinting, makeup fundamentals, and Florida laws and rules related to the profession. Students also gain practical experience in a clinical setting while providing services to the public.

This Career and Technical Education (CTE) program consists of 220 clock hours and can be completed in approximately one semester. Classes are offered on the Fort Pierce Campus, with both day and evening scheduling options available. The approximate cost of the program is $1,500.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for registration as a Facial Specialist through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The required licensing examination is administered on-site.

General Requirements for Florida Facial Specialist Registration

To apply for registration, applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years of age or hold a high school diploma.
• Possess a valid Social Security number.
• Applicant must complete an approved Nail Specialty program through a licensed Florida cosmetology school.
• Complete a board-approved 4-hour HIV/AIDS course within two years of submitting the application.
• Submit a Facial Specialist application and the required fee to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment as:

• Facial Specialist
• Esthetician (where permitted by state registration)
• Spa or Salon Skincare Specialist
• Medical Spa Assistant
• Skincare Consultant
• Beauty Product Sales Representative

For more information about the Esthetics program, please contact us at Cosmetology@irsc.edu.

Career and Technical Education Program

Upon successful completion, this program enables students to apply for Florida registration as a Nail Specialist.

Nail Specialists provide manicure, pedicure, and nail extension services in salons, spas, and other beauty and wellness settings. Students will build a strong foundation in both technique and professionalism as they prepare to enter the field.

For more information, click here.

Barbering

Career and Technical Education Programs

The barbering program at Indian River State College is divided into two equal parts: theory coursework and a supervised clinical experience at our on-site salon/barbershop.

Throughout both parts of the program, you’ll learn about:

• Cutting
• Styling
• Shaving
• Mustache and beard design
• Chemistry of hair coloring
• Customer service/professional image
• Barbering and salon management

After successfully completing the program, you’ll meet the educational requirements to sit for the Florida state barbering exam.

Disclaimers: Indian River State College offers a number of degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both certification and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. Student eligibility to apply to sit for the State Barber licensing exam in the State of Florida is defined in 476.144, F.S., and also requires possession of a valid form of identification and a Social Security number.