Who determines the qualifications for admission to the board examinations?

The Board is responsible for determining the qualifications for admission to the board examinations. This authority is critical because the Board ensures that all candidates meet the necessary standards of knowledge and skill required to practice cosmetology safely and effectively. Having a governing body like the Board allows for a standardized process in assessing candidates, ensuring that all individuals who enter the profession have received adequate training and possess the competencies necessary for success.

The owner of a salon, applicants themselves, and certified instructors do not hold the authority to set these qualifications. Salon owners may have specific hiring standards, but they do not create or oversee the examination process. Similarly, applicants may have personal goals and standards, but they lack the structural authority to determine the qualifications needed for examination. Certified instructors play a significant role in training students, but it is ultimately the Board that establishes what criteria need to be met for candidates to qualify for licensure. This structure helps maintain consistent standards across the profession.