The mission of the Cosmetology Instructors Network Educator Certification  

 

is to set the standard by which all Cosmetology educators will be measured.


One way we will accomplish our mission to inspire excellence in Cosmetology education is to offer a certification for Beauty education professionals through a valid and uniform process, that assesses the knowledge and skills associated with competent, relevant, and structurally sound educational practices.  In designing the Cosmetology Instructor Network National Cosmetology Educator Certification examination, we sought to define the difference between entry-level and master-level Cosmetology educators.


Eligibility Requirements


  • Possess a minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience as documented by your CV/resume.
  • Possess a valid certification in the Cosmetology Industry and provide a photocopy of the credentials.
  • Provide documentation of successful completion of the Cosmetology Instructors Network Instructor Course or provide proof of credentials as a current state-recognized Beauty Educator/Instructor.


Exam Information


Pricing


Initial Exam $125

Retake Exam $75.00 (for the first retake ONLY)

Renewal Price $100.00

Late Fee $50.00


Scoring


A passing score is 75% or higher

A failing score is 74% or lower


Exam Process:


Once you are scheduled to take your Cosmetology Instructors Network exam, have uploaded all paperwork, and paid for the exam, you will receive further instructions via email.  The day before your scheduled exam, you will receive a link via email to check your system compatibility.  This will ensure that on the day of the exam, everything will run smoothly so all you have to worry about is passing.


History of Cosmetology Instructors Network


Over the next year, the Board of Directors constructed, rated, and standardized a 100-question exam designed to define the line between novice and expert level Beauty Educators.  The exam standardization process, carried out several months by a handful of expert educators, and led by a psychometrician, will define pass/fail criteria.  Therefore, the percentage needed to complete the examination is defined by a mathematical formula and is not arbitrary.  Future versions of the exam may indeed require a different completion percentage based on the ratings assigned to each question by an expert panel.


The Cosmetology Instructors Network Board of Directors is planning on administering its first examination during the 2025 Cosmetology Instructors Network Educational Summit.