Opening a cosmetology school can be a profitable endeavor for the right business person, as the industry continues to boom despite recessionary trends. In 2006, there were 825,000 persons involved in the career of cosmetology including hairstylists, manicurists and other industry workers. According to projections from the National Employment Matrix, this trend is expected to increase 14 percent by 2016. Opening your own school requires proper licensing, premise guidelines and information supplied to the state.
Permits And Licensing
You will need to provide information to the state regarding your school and a letter of intent to obtain a license and permit. Permits may take up to 45 days or more to receive before you are allowed to open it. Information that will be requested from you may include--but is not be limited to--the name of the school, opening date, days and hours of operation, location, organization type (sole proprietor, LLC or Corporation), your Federal ID or Social Secrity number, student curriculum, and names and licensing numbers of all instructors that will be teaching on the premises. In addition, proper documentation of all student records and contracts must be maintained in compliance with the state.
Private School Building Requirements
Each state may vary in compliance requirements for building size and location. In some states, requirements for a private facility include a permanent building of not less than 3,500 square feet with separate area for instruction and clinical work. There must be enough equipment on site to instruct a specified number of persons, a current electrical report of the building and a fire marshal inspection report. You will also need to provide financial statements in some states from a certified public accountant that are no older than 180 days. Be sure to pick up a complete listing from the State Department of Licensing and Regulations in your area.
Public School Building Requirements
Public beauty schools in Texas, for example, need to have a permanent building of 2,200 square feet, which includes a dispensary, locker room, classroom area and a minimum of 1,200 feet of laboratory space. Size requirements and specifications may differ between states so be sure to obtain a copy of them from your local state department of Licensing and Regulations. You may also check out the Resource below detailing cosmetology requirements by state to help you properly plan your curriculum. In addition to licensing, you will need to get adequate commercial insurance to cover the premises and your liability with the students.
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