Working in cosmetology can be fun and rewarding if you enjoy helping people look and feel their best. And while your creativity goes a long way in helping you succeed in this field, you also need knowledge and skills. However, the problem is that these skills often become outdated quite quickly.
This is why you must continue your training even after getting your licence. And what better way to do this than by investing in an expertly written continuing education (CE) course? But since not all courses meet the standard, here is how to choose the best.
1. Start by Checking Tennessee’s Requirements
Even before you start thinking about formats or topics, it is a good idea to know what the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners expects from you. The first thing you need to understand is that continuing education is only mandatory for instructors. The board requires all instructors to complete 16 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licence renewal cycle period.
Make sure to get an approved renew cosmetology license Tennessee course since some providers don’t offer board-recognised CE programs. When in doubt, you can always check directly with the provider or confirm against the board’s guidance.
2. Focus on Practical Payoff
Many cosmetologists choose the quickest or easiest option available, especially when they have to juggle packed schedules, long hours, and personal commitments. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, you must keep in mind that CE is one of the rare chances that you get to step back and intentionally improve your craft.
Having considered this, it is important to ask yourself whether the course you are taking will improve your performance at work. On top of this, it should make you feel better protected as a professional.
3. Determine Which Is Better: Online or In-Person
The Tennessee board recognises both in-person and online courses, so long as they are approved. Still, you should take your time to choose wisely.
Online CE is the better choice if you prefer self-paced, theoretical-biased learning that comes with flexibility. In-person courses are, on the other hand, ideal for hands-on training that allows you to network and even get real-time feedback.
From what we have seen, many experienced cosmetologists prefer online CE to stay compliant, only choosing in-person education when they need the extra inspiration. Your best course of action is to choose a format that is ideal for the skill you want to build.
4. Vet The Course Provider
Some providers are so good at marketing their courses that they make you miss the fine print. This is why you should take some time to evaluate the provider before enrolling in any class or course. Some of the factors to look out for are:
- Clear Tennessee board approval information
- Transparent pricing
- Instructors with enough industry experience
- Recent reviews from licensed professionals
It’s especially vital to check reviews from professionals who have taken the provider’s course to check whether they deliver what they promise. When vetting a provider, be on the lookout for phrases like “Last chance” or countdown timers, since quality CE providers rarely use pressure tactics. Also, avoid providers who claim that their courses are accepted in most states.
Get a Course You Will Enjoy Studying
Taking your cosmetology CE course may seem like a steep requirement for your licence’s renewal. If you think about it, however, CE goes beyond being a compliance requirement. For someone interested in growing in their career, it can be the difference between excellence and stagnation.
If you ask us, however, the course provider you choose will have a great influence on how you view the entire renewal process. A provider like RocketCert, which puts in the work to simplify your course, will make you enjoy your studies and appreciate the importance of continuing education.