Things You Should Know About Cosmetology CE

Becoming licensed as a cosmetologist in Illinois is a great achievement. Now you have the permission to practice your skills and explore your field as much as you like. But there’s a problem. Or is it a perk? Depends on how you look at it.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires you to renew your licence every two years. You will also have to complete 14 continuing education units (CEUs) as part of the requirements you must meet to renew your licence successfully. So, what is it you should know about cosmetology CE in Illinois?

1. You Don’t Have to Be a Graduate of the Course Provider

Many professionals believe that they must take their CE classes from the school where they took their pre-licensing course, but that’s a pure myth. The only thing the IDFPR is interested in here is you taking an approved CE course for your specialisation, and that’s it. For cosmetologists, this is a 14-hour course that must include a domestic violence and sexual harassment prevention course if this is your first-ever renewal.

However, you don’t want to take your course from any provider. It’s always advisable to take expertly written Illinois cosmetology license renewal courses from a top-rated provider like RocketCert to ensure you’re taking the right topics.

2. CE Classes Are Available for Different Styles and Schedules

Not everyone loves in-person classes, and in the same way, online classes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why it’s advisable to choose your course very carefully. Different providers offer CE courses in different formats to suit a wide range of styles and schedules. So, if you love hands-on learning, love to network, and enjoy the environment created by in-person programs, go for that type of course.

If, instead, you’d rather work with the convenience of online courses, there are plenty of courses that offer exactly what you are looking for. And if you are interested in the benefits that both these learning styles offer, just be sure there’s a school that offers hybrid CE programs.

So, first take your time to know what the market offers, including in-person workshops, hybrid certification programs, and live webinars, before making a choice. Also, keep in mind that during normal renewal cycles, 7 of the 14 CE hours must be earned from an “Instructor-led” program.

3. The IDFPR Temporarily Allows You to Complete CE in Any Format!

If you’re a busy cosmetologist or you just love to have the freedom of choice when it comes to crucial decisions such as completing CE, the good news is that the state’s licensing board allows it for now. So whether you want to take your course in a correspondence format, in-person classes, online programs, video, or even audio, it’s all up to you.

Granted, however, this is a temporary variance, so it will not always be like that. And even though the state’s licensing board allows you to take any form of CE, you must meet the vital requirements, which are ensuring you hit a total of 14 CEUs. This includes a 1-hour topic on domestic violence for first-time renewals, and another 1-hour sexual harassment topic each renewal cycle.

4. CE Classes Make You Part of a Community

If you take the right CE course, you’re not just taking a class, intending to complete it. You’re joining a beauty community that will become part of your network. Such courses are usually designed to inspire, educate, and make it easier for professionals like you to interact with and empower each other. This is why you should take the time to find a course that offers more than just educational content.

Join the RocketCert Community Today

Completing your cosmetology continuing education in Illinois is a great idea that will not only make renewing your licence easier but also equip you with skills and knowledge that will make you love your work more. You just have to choose the right school, and the rest will fall into place.

As one of the top professional education providers in Illinois, RocketCert is a great choice if you’re trying to grow in your career. Visit rocketcert.com today to see why it has a high rating on Google Business Reviews.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com