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Top 10 Beauty Consultant Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are important for a beauty consultant in the job market as they demonstrate that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency and knowledge in their field. Certifications can provide evidence to employers that a beauty consultant is qualified to perform specific tasks related to their profession, such as providing advice on treatments, makeup application, and skin care regimens. Certifications also demonstrate that a beauty consultant has taken the time to learn about industry trends and best practices, which can help them stand out from other job applicants. Finally, certifications can give employers an indication of the quality of work they can expect from a potential employee.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Beauty Consultants and explain how they can enhance a beauty consultant's career.

What are Beauty Consultant Certifications?

Beauty consultant certification is a type of professional training and certification program designed to help individuals become knowledgeable, skilled, and certified beauty consultants. The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the beauty industry, including product knowledge, customer service techniques, marketing principles, business operations, and other essential skills needed to provide excellent services to customers.

By obtaining a beauty consultant certification, individuals can be assured that they are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills required to succeed in the industry. This certification is also beneficial for employers since it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their career path in beauty consulting. Furthermore, having this certification may help open doors to more opportunities within the field as many employers prefer applicants with such qualifications.

In addition to providing valuable knowledge and experience in the field of beauty consulting, completing a beauty consultant certification program can also be beneficial for personal development and self-confidence. By learning new techniques and expanding their knowledge base beyond what they already know about the industry, individuals will feel more confident when talking about products or services related to beauty consulting. This confidence can help them better interact with customers and build trust with their clients.

Pro Tip: When considering a beauty consultant certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Ensure that the program is accredited and has a good reputation within the industry. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on training and real-world experience so that you can apply what you learn in your day-to-day work.

Related: What does a Beauty Consultant do?

Top 10 Beauty Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Beauty Consultants today.

1. International Institute of Cosmetology Beauty Consultant Certification

The International Institute of Cosmetology Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification designed to provide beauty professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful beauty consultants. The program is designed to help beauty professionals develop their skills in areas such as product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, and more.

The certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to Beauty Consulting, Advanced Beauty Consulting, and Professional Development for Beauty Consultants. Each course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete and can be taken online or in-person at the International Institute of Cosmetology's training facility.

To get certified, students must complete all three courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Upon completion of the program, students will receive their official certificate from the International Institute of Cosmetology.

The cost for the entire certification program is $495 USD. This includes access to all three courses and materials needed for the final exam.

2. American Association of Cosmetology Schools Beauty Consultant Certification

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide cosmetologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful beauty consultants. The certification requires completion of an online course and passing a comprehensive exam.

The online course typically takes between 10-20 hours to complete, depending on the student’s prior knowledge and experience. The course covers topics such as product knowledge, customer service, sales techniques, business management, salon safety, and more. Upon completion of the course, students must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their AACS Beauty Consultant Certification.

To get certified, students must first register for the AACS Beauty Consultant Certification program through their local beauty school or online. Once registered, students will be provided with access to the online course materials and exam.

The cost for the AACS Beauty Consultant Certification varies depending on where you register for the program; however, it typically ranges from $100-$300 USD.

3. International Dermal Institute Beauty Consultant Certification

The International Dermal Institute Beauty Consultant Certification is a comprehensive program designed to provide beauty professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful beauty consultant. The certification is offered by the International Dermal Institute (IDI), a leading provider of skin care education and training.

The certification consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as facial anatomy, skin physiology, product ingredients, and customer service. It also includes quizzes and exams to test your understanding of the material. The in-person workshop provides hands-on experience in performing skin analysis, product selection, and client consultation.

The certification typically takes about six months to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete the online coursework and attend the in-person workshop. To get started, you will need to register for the program on the IDI website. You will then be given access to the online course materials and instructions on how to sign up for the in-person workshop.

The cost of the International Dermal Institute Beauty Consultant Certification varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes both the online course materials and attendance at the in-person workshop.

4. National Esthetician Association Beauty Consultant Certification

The National Esthetician Association Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide estheticians with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful beauty consultant. The certification is offered through the National Esthetician Association (NEA), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of esthetics.

The certification program consists of four courses, which can be completed in as little as six weeks or up to one year. The courses cover topics such as skin care, makeup application, hair styling, and customer service. Upon completion of the program, students will receive their certificate of completion and be eligible for employment in beauty consulting roles.

To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once approved by the NEA, applicants must pay a fee of $499 USD before they can begin the courses.

Once all four courses have been completed successfully, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NEA in order to receive their certification. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from the NEA and be recognized as a Certified Beauty Consultant.

The cost for this certification program is $499 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. International Spa Association Beauty Consultant Certification

The International Spa Association (ISPA) Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of beauty consultants. This certification is an important credential for beauty professionals who wish to demonstrate their expertise in providing spa services.

The ISPA Beauty Consultant Certification requires successful completion of an online exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as skin care, facial treatments, body treatments, makeup application, and product knowledge. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in the beauty industry or have completed a recognized beauty school program.

The exam can be taken at any time and takes approximately two hours to complete. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their scores immediately and will be notified via email if they have passed or failed.

The cost for the ISPA Beauty Consultant Certification is $150 USD. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam and receiving your certification certificate upon passing the exam.

6. American Academy of Dermatology Beauty Consultant Certification

The American Academy of Dermatology Beauty Consultant Certification is a program designed to provide beauty professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to advise clients on skin care, makeup, and other beauty products. The certification is offered by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), an organization dedicated to promoting healthy skin and providing resources for dermatologists and their patients.

The certification requires completion of a series of online courses that cover topics such as skin anatomy, product ingredients, and makeup application techniques. The courses can be completed in as little as six months depending on the individual’s study habits. Upon completion of the coursework, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified, individuals must first apply for the program by submitting an application form and paying a $500 fee. Applicants must also submit proof of current licensure or certification in cosmetology or esthetics. Once accepted into the program, applicants will have access to all course materials and exams needed to complete the program.

The cost of becoming certified through AAD’s Beauty Consultant Certification Program is $500 plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers all course materials, exams, and certification upon successful completion of the program.

7. National Aesthetic Spa Network Beauty Consultant Certification

The National Aesthetic Spa Network (NASN) Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide beauty consultants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and ethical services in the spa industry. The certification is valid for three years and requires renewal every three years.

To obtain the NASN Beauty Consultant Certification, applicants must complete an online application, pass a written exam, and submit proof of current CPR/AED training. Applicants must also have completed at least 200 hours of esthetician or cosmetology education from a state-approved school.

The cost for the NASN Beauty Consultant Certification is $150 for members of NASN and $200 for non-members. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and processing fees.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification within two weeks of submitting their application materials.

8. Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists Beauty Consultant Certification

The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists Beauty Consultant Certification is a professional certification program for beauty consultants who specialize in providing skin care services to plastic surgery patients. It is designed to help beauty consultants better understand the needs of their clients and provide them with the highest level of service.

The certification program consists of a series of courses that cover topics such as skin anatomy, skin physiology, medical terminology, post-operative care, and cosmetic procedures. The courses are offered online or in person at approved training centers. The program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s availability and ability to dedicate time to the coursework.

To get certified, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites such as having a high school diploma or GED equivalent and being at least 18 years old. They must also pass an exam that covers all aspects of the course material. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certificate from the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on your location and other factors.

9. International Congress of Esthetics and Spa Beauty Consultant Certification

The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa Beauty Consultant Certification is a certification program designed to provide beauty professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the beauty industry. The program covers topics such as skin care, makeup, body treatments, spa services, business management, and customer service. It is designed to help beauty professionals develop their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To get certified, individuals must first complete a series of online courses that cover all aspects of esthetics and spa beauty consulting. After completing these courses, individuals must then pass an exam administered by the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa Beauty Consultants (ICESBC). Once they have passed this exam, they will be awarded their certification.

The cost of the ICESBC certification varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire program.

Once you have completed your certification program, you will be able to use it as proof of your qualifications when applying for jobs or when marketing yourself as an esthetician or spa consultant. Additionally, many states require that estheticians obtain a license before they can practice professionally; having an ICESBC certification may make it easier for you to obtain one in some states.

Do You Really Need a Beauty Consultant Certificate?

A beauty consultant certificate can be an important step in becoming a successful beauty consultant. It can provide the necessary credentials and qualifications to make it easier to find jobs and clients. However, depending on the type of services you offer and your level of experience, you may not always need one.

If you are just starting out as a beauty consultant, it may be beneficial to obtain a certificate. This will give potential employers and clients confidence in your abilities. A certificate also provides credibility to your qualifications, which is important when competing with other consultants for jobs or clients. Additionally, some states require beauty consultants to have a license or certification before they can practice professionally.

However, if you have years of experience in the industry and have built up a large network of contacts, then obtaining a formal certification may not be necessary. Your previous work experience and recommendations from past employers or clients can often speak louder than any certificate when applying for new opportunities. Furthermore, if you specialize in certain areas such as makeup artistry or skin care treatments that do not require certification, then this could add value to your skillset without needing a formal qualification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a beauty consultant certificate depends on the type of services you offer and how much experience you already have working in the field. If you are just starting out or looking for more recognition for your skillset, then obtaining a formal certification could prove beneficial. However, if you already have significant industry experience or specialize in areas that do not require certification – such as makeup artistry – then pursuing one may not be necessary.

Related: Beauty Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Beauty Consultant Certifications

Q1: What is a beauty consultant certification?

A1: A beauty consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of beauty and personal care. This certification can be obtained by completing an accredited training program or through experience in the field. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in topics such as skin care, makeup application, product knowledge, and customer service.

Q2: How do I become certified as a beauty consultant?

A2: To become certified as a beauty consultant you must complete an accredited training program or have sufficient experience in the field. The specific requirements vary depending on the certifying body but generally include passing an exam and/or completing a certain number of hours of education or hands-on experience.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a certified beauty consultant?

A3: Becoming certified as a beauty consultant allows you to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the field and gives you credibility with customers and employers alike. It also allows you to stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques, enabling you to provide better service for your clients.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a beauty consultant?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the certifying body and your own level of experience. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5: Are there any online courses available for becoming a certified beauty consultant?

A5: Yes, there are several online courses available for becoming a certified beauty consultant. These courses may include video lectures, written materials, interactive activities, quizzes, and more. Be sure to check with your certifying body for any specific requirements regarding online coursework before enrolling in one.

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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