Licensed or Certified Beauty Professional?

In the beauty industry, skills and credentials matter. Whether you are an esthetician, hairstylist, nail technician, makeup artist or beauty therapist, you’ve probably heard the terms certified and licensed. But what do they really mean?

The difference is simple:
Certification = Proof of training and expertise.
Licensing = Legal permission to practice.

Understanding both is key to building a successful beauty career. Let’s break it down.

What is a Certified Beauty Professional?

A certified beauty professional has completed training in a specific skill and received a certificate of competence. Certifications can be earned from:

1. Beauty schools. This can be their local certification or International if they affiliate with any International awarding bodies.
2. Local Government like TVET in Africa
3. Product or brand-based course.
4. Industry Association

Popular Certifications International Include: ITEC and CIDESCO –both globally recognised standards in beauty and spa therapy.

What is a Licensed Beauty Professional?

A licensed beauty professional has met government-mandated requirements to legally provide services. To Get Licensed, Professionals Must:

1. Complete a formal training program at a local school and pass

2. Meet the required number of training hours

3. Pass a government licensing exam

Without a license, offering certain services may be illegal depending on local laws.

Which One Do You Need?

It depends on where you live and your career goals.
In countries like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe, you need a license to legally work as an esthetician or cosmetologist. So if your plan to grow your career by wprking internationally, that is something you will need to look into.

In African countries, no government license is required, but certifications (Local school, local Government or International) is necessary to prove training and expertise and to build credibility and job opportunities.

Best strategy? Depends on where you are. For therapists in kenya you are Certified not licensed. Countries that issue licensing, you still need to be certified before you can get your license. Be sure to check the laws and comply.

#Careers in the beauty industry

#Career opportunities in beauty and wellness

👉 Watch a video explaining the differnce.