How to Get a Cosmetology License in Oregon

You’ve just completed the enrollment process for cosmetology school. You are probably pumped to begin your training, right? We feel you. We love our programs here at Phagans School of Hair Design, and we are so excited that you are either considering signing up to begin your training with us, or have already done so and are looking forward to classes. Because we are always trying to look ahead and prepare our students for the future, we wanted to help you succeed by laying out the process for getting your cosmetology license in the state of Oregon. If you follow these steps, we are confident that you can become a licensed beauty professional in Oregon.

To become a licensed beauty professional in Oregon, you need to complete the education and practical requirements for your chosen field of practice, meet Oregon’s application requirements, and pass the required written examinations. Oregon licenses individual fields of practice, including hair design, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology, rather than issuing one general cosmetology license. At Phagans School of Hair Design, students can train in individual or combined beauty programs and prepare to sit for the applicable Oregon licensing exams.

Getting Your Oregon Cosmetology License in 6 Steps

Step 1: Research Your Schools

This step is pretty important because it can determine your future success. When researching your school, consider the following:

• Location: If you plan on moving, do your research on the city that school is in. Ensure you choose a school in a city you feel comfortable moving to. Otherwise, try to choose a school within your city limits to cut down on travel time and expenses.
• School programs: Many beauty schools offer multiple programs including cosmetology, esthetics, nail design, and more. Really think about what you’d like to focus on, and how passionate you are about your chosen subject.
• School authority: There are many beauty schools in the world to choose from, and Oregon is no exception. Here is where you will need to visit each potential school’s website and look into placement rates, graduation rates, and licensure rates. Make sure they are accredited, and that you can see yourself succeeding at your chosen school.
• Tuition: Do your research to figure out how you will be able to pay for your tuition. Does the school offer financial aid or scholarships? Can you make payments, and how much is the total cost? Get your finances in order before you sign up.

Phagans School of Hair Design strives to provide students with the education and practical experience they need to complete their training, prepare to sit for the applicable Oregon licensing exams, and explore opportunities in their chosen field of study.

Now that you’ve chosen to come study with us, it’s time to get the ball rolling!

Step 2: Sign Up

This is the best part! You are just beginning your journey and you likely can’t wait to get started! Many schools will have you contact them and from there set up a time for you to meet and tour the school. Visiting campus is the best way to see what the school has to offer. During your tour, you’ll be able to meet with a member of the team and answer any questions you may have. A tour is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know the school, and for the school to get to know you. Make sure you are checking all the boxes during this step so you don’t miss any necessary information.

Step 3: Complete Your Training

The education requirements for becoming licensed in Oregon depend on the field of practice you choose. Current Oregon curriculum requirements include 1,110 hours for Hair Design, 746 hours for Barbering, 444 hours for Esthetics, and 241 hours for Nail Technology, along with required Oregon Laws and Rules and Career Development education. Students pursuing multiple fields of practice may have different combined program requirements.

Make sure that during your time with Phagans, you are arriving to your courses on time, you are dressed appropriately, and you are in a mindset to truly learn and grow with us. The effort you put into your education can help you get more from your training and prepare for the next steps toward licensure.

Step 4: Take the Exam

After completing the applicable education and practical examination requirements, your Oregon school submits your official transcript and passing practical examination score to the Health Licensing Office. You can then take the required written examination for each field of practice you’re pursuing, along with the Oregon Laws and Rules examination.

Visit the Oregon Health Licensing Office website for current testing requirements, identification requirements, examination information, fees, and testing hours. Phagans’ training can help you build the knowledge and practical skills you need as you prepare to sit for your applicable licensing exams.

Step 5: Begin Your Career Search

After you’ve completed Oregon’s licensing requirements and received your certification in your chosen field of practice, you can begin exploring opportunities in the beauty industry. This is an exciting time to start thinking about the type of salon, barbershop, spa, or other professional environment that may fit your goals.

The best way to begin finding a career that fits is to explore the list of hair salons in and around Portland. You can either apply online, or visit them in person. For a great guide on how to interview better, you can read this article by Career Assessment.

Step 6: Improve Your Craft

The beauty industry is ever-changing. There are always new techniques and skills to learn in the world of cosmetology. That means that those within the community should be growing with it. You should always be pushing yourself to be better, but you can do even better by looking for new trends and shadowing others who have been in the industry longer than you. Try to push your limits. Try to explore new ideas. These are the ways that you can be successful, and ways that you can build your clientele.

Get Started On Your Dream

We know you are capable of becoming a leader in the beauty industry, you just have to get out there and do it. Phagans School of Hair Design can provide you with an excellent foundation for this path. If you are ready to get started on your dream career, please get in touch with us. Good luck and we can’t wait to hear from you!

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program click for our Clackamas report.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Cosmetology Licensing

Does Oregon have one cosmetology license?

Oregon licenses beauty professionals by individual fields of practice, including hair design, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology. The requirements depend on the field or combination of fields you want to pursue.

How many hours do you need for cosmetology school in Oregon?

Required training hours depend on your field of practice. Current Oregon curriculum requirements include 1,110 hours for Hair Design, 746 hours for Barbering, 444 hours for Esthetics, and 241 hours for Nail Technology, along with required Oregon Laws and Rules and Career Development education.

Do you have to take an exam to become licensed in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon applicants must meet the applicable education and practical examination requirements and pass a written examination for each field of practice they want to pursue. Applicants must also pass the Oregon Laws and Rules written examination.

Can Phagans help prepare me for Oregon licensing?

Yes. Phagans offers programs in several beauty fields designed to provide the education and practical training students need as they prepare to sit for the applicable Oregon licensing exams.