Cosmetology Certificate

Fall 2025, Pending ICCB Approval

About the Program:
The beauty industry is booming, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in hair, skin, and nail care. From salons and spas to entertainment and fashion, trained cosmetologists have a wide range of career paths to explore. As self-care and wellness trends continue to rise, the need for licensed cosmetologists is stronger than ever. According to industry reports, job openings for hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians are projected to grow steadily in the coming years, offering stable employment, flexible career options, and strong earning potential.

Beyond traditional salon roles, cosmetology careers extend into entrepreneurship, product development, beauty education, and film and television. Many professionals own their salons, work as freelance artists, or specialize in high-end beauty services that cater to an elite clientele. Whether you're looking to launch a new career, develop advanced beauty skills, or open your own business, Triton College’s Cosmetology Program provides the training, licensing preparation, and industry connections to help you succeed in this exciting and dynamic field.

Program Prerequisites:

  • Must be able to speak and understand English
  • Must be at a reading and writing level demonstrated by course equivalency or placement test of 440+ Next Gen Accuplacer, or SAT 340+, or ACT14+

Why Choose Triton’s Cosmetology Program?

  • High-Demand Industry - The beauty industry is projected to grow, offering diverse job opportunities
  • Hands-On Training - Learn in a modern salon environment with real clients
  • Industry Certification - Prepare for the Illinois Licensed Cosmetology Exam and launch your career
  • Affordable & Flexible Training - Gain industry-ready skills in a structured, cost-effective program
  • Career Advancement - Opportunities to specialize in hair, skincare, nail technology, salon management, and more

What You’ll Learn:

  • Haircutting, styling, and coloring techniques
  • Skincare, esthetics, and nail technology
  • Chemical services (perms, relaxers, and treatments)
  • Salon safety, sanitation, and infection control, salon management and business strategies

 Cosmetology Career Outlook:

  • Job Growth: The demand for licensed cosmetologists continues to expand, with thousands of job openings nationwide
  • Earning Potential: The median hourly wage for cosmetologists is $18-$25/hour, with experienced professionals earning more
  • Top Employers Hiring: Salons, spas, beauty brands, media, and self-employment opportunities

Program Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Cosmetology Program, graduates will be able to:

  • Communicate professionally in the workplace, demonstrating strong client interaction and customer service skills
  • Develop an employment portfolio showcasing technical skills, artistry, and professional readiness
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in:
    • Haircutting, styling, and chemical services
    • Create personalized haircuts and styles tailored to a client’s facial structure, preferences, and lifestyle.
    • Product usage and application techniques
    • Practice proper decontamination and infection control procedures, ensuring a safe and hygienic salon environment.
    • Skin care and esthetics treatments
    • Nail services and enhancements
  • Demonstrate effective learning of didactic material and techniques by passing the Illinois Licensed Cosmetology Exam on the first attempt

Complete the MANDATORY Application for Triton College

NOTE: Applicants should not apply to the Cosmetology Certificate Program until they have successfully completed the prerequisites for the program

To enroll in the Cosmetology Program, all applicants must complete the following general admission requirements:

  • Submit a Triton College Application
  • Submit applicable transcripts
  • Take placement exams or demonstrate course equivalency
  • Complete new student orientation

Complete the MANDATORY Selective Admission Application for Health Careers

Certificate:

  • Cosmetology Certificate
    • Total Credits: 50
    • Time to Complete: 5 Semesters (Fall Start Only)
    • Ideal for: Those seeking state licensure and employment in the beauty industry

Course Sequence:

Semester 1: Foundations of Cosmetology

  • COS 101 – Fundamentals of Cosmetology (3 credits)
  • COS 102 – Basic Hairstyling (3 credits)
  • COS 103 – Thermal Hair Styling (3 credits)
  • COS 104 – Salon Safety & Sanitation (3 credits)

Semester 2: Salon Operations & Techniques

  • COS 111 – Salon Operations (3 credits)
  • COS 112 – Hairstyling II (3 credits)
  • COS 113 – Thermal Hairstyling II (3 credits)
  • COS 114 – Esthetics & Nail Technology (3 credits)

Semester 3: Advanced Techniques

  • COS 201 – Basic Haircutting (3 credits)
  • COS 202 – Hairstyling III (3 credits)
  • COS 204 – Chemical Services I (3 credits)
  • COS 205 – Esthetics & Nail Technology II (3 credits)

Semester 4: Business & Specializations

  • COS 213 – Salon Management (3 credits)
  • COS 214 – Chemical Services II (3 credits)
  • COS 225 – Advanced Cosmetology (3 credits)
  • COS 245 – Cosmetology Clinic (3 credits)

Semester 5: Licensure Preparation

  • COS 250 – Cosmetology Licensing Preparation (2 credits)

Attendance at an information session is ENCOURAGED in order to apply for admission to this program.
By attending an information session, you will learn about the career, the program at the college and the career pathways in the field.
For information on information session dates, times and locations, please register through our form below.

Cosmetology Program
Information Session Registration

Career Opportunities in Cosmetology:
Graduates of Triton’s Cosmetology Program are prepared for roles such as:

  • Hair Stylist & Color Specialist
  • Makeup Artist
  • Nail Technician
  • Esthetician & Skincare Specialist
  • Salon Manager or Owner
  • Beauty Consultant for Film, TV, or Fashion

Did you Know?
Many beauty professionals own their own businesses, set their own schedules and build their personal brands!

Get Started Today!
Apply Now - No prior experience required!
Meet with an Academic Advisor to explore your options.
Learn about Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Contact Us

Donita Mitchell
Cosmetology Faculty
donitamitchell@triton.edu
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3984