Here's the honest map of cosmetology school — three named phases, two
state exams, and a license at the end. No mystery, no fine print.
Nail technology runs the same idea at sprint length: 350 hours in about
three months — see that program.
Months 1–3 · 0 → ~400 hours
1 Foundations
Mannequin heads, theory, and muscle memory. Nobody expects you to know anything on day one — that's the whole point of day one.
Month 1
Kit day. Your Pivot Point books, tools, and Dermalogica kit land in your hands. Sanitation and safety first — the license depends on it.
Month 2
First real cuts on mannequins. Theory classes run alongside floor practice — Tuesday through Saturday, it's a full-time rhythm fast.
Month 3
Color theory begins, and the Wella Cut Craft curriculum — we were the first school in the world to teach it.
Months 4–9 · ~400 → 1,100 hours
2 Floor
Real clients, supervised every step. This is where school starts feeling like the job — because it basically is the job.
Months 4–6
Your first paying clients on the salon floor, always under a licensed instructor. Skin care, facials, and nail services join the rotation.
Months 7–8
The MONEY by Qnity financial-literacy modules — pricing, saving, booth rent math. Building the business brain behind the chair.
Month 9
You cross 1,000 hours — eligible for the state written theory exam.
◆ 1,000 hours · written theory exam (75% to pass, $75, Ergometrics)
Months 10–12 · ~1,100 → 1,500 hours
3 Finish
Portfolio, boards, and the last climb. By now the question isn't whether you can do this — it's which salon gets you.
Months 10–11
Portfolio building for social and for salon interviews, plus career services: resume help, salon networking, job fairs.
◆ ~1,420 hours · practical exam eligibility
Month 12
1,500 hours complete, skill book signed off, 75% GPA across theory, practical, and attendance — graduation requirements met. You walk out licensed.
Month one is waiting
Pick your start.
October 2026 — 4 seats left
February 2027 — 12 seats left
May 2027 — 14 seats left
Programs start four times a year: February, May, August, October — the
school's published calendar. Both campuses, both programs. Seat counts
shown are illustrative for this demo.
Want the month-one details?
We'll text you what week one looks like, the next start dates, and a tour invite — real answers from real people.
Ok — check your texts. 💌
Randi will text you real answers — cost, start dates, and a tour invite. No spam, no pressure.
Randi Gerstner Admissions Director — she's the one texting you.
