Education · 1 of 5

The path

A 2-year apprenticeship, or a private academy followed by apprenticeship hours. Compulsory in Ontario.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12. Many high schools offer cosmetology courses with a working salon. OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) can count your hours.

2. 2

   Choose a route

   Months

   Private academy (6 to 12 months, $10,000 to $20,000) then work as an apprentice, or find a salon that sponsors you from day one and take school blocks at a college. Both lead to the same exam.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   With Skilled Trades Ontario (trade code 332A), Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, or your province's authority.

4. 4

   Work and study

   2 years

   Ontario requires about 3,500 hours: 3,020 on the salon floor plus 480 in school. Roughly 2 years.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam. Hairstylist is a Red Seal trade nationally, though Ontario issues a provincial certificate rather than the Red Seal endorsement.