January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of Professional Licensure Review releases cosmetology licensing recommendations following periodic review, Finds Utah Cosmetology License Requires Millions of Excess Training Hours
Salt Lake City, UT – The Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLR) has published an extensive report evaluating the state of cosmetology licensure in Utah, revealing critical insights aimed at enhancing consumer safety, economic opportunity, and access within the industry. The report, prepared in accordance with Utah Code Title 13-1b, underscores the importance of the profession to the state’s economy, as well as the necessity for regulatory reform.
OPLR’s report recommends changes to cosmetology licensure within the beehive state. These recommendations include creating a secondary, alternative path to licensure for individuals wishing to specialize in only certain services and adjustments to required training hours. These recommendations require a change to state law by the legislature and will likely be taken up in the coming session. Preliminary findings of the review have been shared with the Interim Business and Labor committee this past fall.
With over 56,766 licensed cosmetologists in Utah, the industry represents the largest number of licensees in any profession statewide. As a vital source of income, particularly for lower-income individuals and those not pursuing traditional college degrees, the report highlights the role of cosmetology in fostering economic mobility.
However, OPLR estimates that Utah’s current licensing policy compelled licensees to spend over 26 million hours in training beyond what is required for them to learn to perform their jobs safely. While some may have chosen to pursue the extra training on their own, the current licensing law likely generates significant economic waste for students and licensees. OPLR finds no rigorous evidence based on consumer safety to support the status quo licensing structure and entry requirements.
Key findings from the review indicate that:
- Consumer Safety: While the services offered by cosmetologists are generally low to moderate in risk, the existing training requirements do not align with the relative harm to consumers. The current educational framework results in areas of both over-training and under-training, which can compromise safety.
- Access and Economic Opportunity: The report points out that the existing licensing structure creates unnecessary barriers for new entrants into the profession. High and non-specific hour requirements, often unrelated to consumer safety, lead to excessive training costs and time commitments that inhibit economic participation.
- Training Effectiveness: There is inconsistency in the quality of instruction and the effective use of required training hours across various programs. Many students are unduly burdened with training in lower-risk services while receiving insufficient practice in higher-risk areas.
“Utahns are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and unmatched work ethic, and our mission is to ensure government empowers, not hinders, their success,” said Gov Cox. “This report presents a thoughtful roadmap to make training and licensing in the cosmetology industry more accessible and affordable. By removing unnecessary barriers, we can unlock opportunities for Utahns to build a stronger future for their families and our economy.”
Considering these findings, OPLR recommends a reevaluation of the current licensure requirements to ensure that education and training for cosmetologists are focused on consumer safety while streamlining the entry process into the field. By refining these regulations, OPLR aims to eliminate unnecessary economic waste for aspiring licensees and improve the overall quality of services provided to Utah residents.
“State-mandated licensure requirements, including training, should prioritize consumer safety in the cosmetology industry. These requirements, however, should not be excessively burdensome for those entering the profession, as long as public safety is ensured,” says Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “The OPLR’s recommendations aim to strike this balance, protecting consumers while removing unnecessary obstacles for aspiring cosmetologists.”
The full report and recommendations on cosmetology licensing are now available on the OPLR website. They provide detailed insights and data to support stakeholders in the beauty industry and state policymakers.