Program Open house
You're invited to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and learn about the program and career pathways open to you through the hands-on Cosmetology Certificate Program on May 4th from 5 to 7 PM. Learn more and RSVP.
Cosmetology - Certificate Program
The EFSC Cosmetology program is 1,200 hours of specialized training focused on the theoretical and practical principals of cosmetology as required by the Florida State Board.
It includes, but is not limited to, sanitation, hair sculpting and arranging, chemical application, client communication, knowledge of multi-textured hair and types, hair coloring and lightening, facials, nails, make-up, and salon business and marketing.
Cosmetologists work in hair and nail salons, spas and medi spas, medical and educational facilities, media production (such as photography, movie, or magazine settings, and more. There are also career opportunities via other facets of the industry, such as customer care, merchandising, management, scientific/ research, marketing, and editorial fields.
Cosmetology Clock Hour Certificate - COURSE CURRICULUM
There are five classes within this certificate, each one comprised of 240 clock-hours of instruction, offered in-person on EFSC's Cocoa campus. Each course builds on the skills and knowledge learned in the course before.
Cosmetology - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- Career and Technical Certificate (CTC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Location
- Cocoa
- Total Clock Hours
- 1,200
- Academic Community
- Business
- Contact Information
Students gain real-world experience working both with mannequins, and real people in the EFSC Cocoa Campus Cosmetology Salon. The Salon provides students with the opportunity to practice hair styling, scalp treatments, chemical-based coloring/ highlighting, hair cutting and sculpting, nail services, and waxing as they build their customer service skills.
Cosmetology Clock Hour Certificate - Admissions Information
The Cosmetology certificate at Eastern Florida is a limited access program. Prospective students must complete a specialized, easy-to-follow application and selection process in addition to the general EFSC admission application.
Fall Term 2026 Program Start (2-Day Hybrid Cohort): Application Deadline July 17, 2026
Fall Term 2026 Program Start (3-Night Hybrid Cohort): Application Deadline July 17, 2026
Spring 2027 Program Start (2-Day Hybrid Cohort): Application Deadline November 28, 2026
In preparation for state licensing, students offered admission to the Cosmetology program must pass a background check as part of the acceptance process.
This criminal History Information Request will be done through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as an FDLE Level 2 Background Check. Students will be given information about having the background check performed as part of the acceptance process. For more information about the requirements, see the Florida State Statutes on the Florida Legislature web page as well as on the State of Florida Employment Screenings web page.
- Complete & submit the online application for general admission to EFSC.
- Select "CTC Cosmetology" as your desired program of study.
- Be prepared to submit a paragraph of intent with the application: "In 250 words or less, describe why you want to enroll in this program and what you hope to do once you’ve completed the program. Please include any relevant academic, professional, and/or personal experience."
- A $30 non-refundable fee is due at the time of application.
NOTE: This step pertains ONLY to students who are not currently enrolled at EFSC. If you're a returning/readmit student who applied one or more years ago, and have not completed a course in the past year, you'll need to re-apply online, and will not be charged the application fee again.
If you have additional questions about the application process or program requirements, please email the Cosmetology program advisor.
New and existing students will need to verify there are no Admissions holds that would prevent course registration, if accepted into the program. Please visit the Registration Holds page to learn how to check for holds in your student portal Message Center and how to clear them.
The TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education) is a required exam that students must take
within six weeks of starting the Cosmetology program unless exempt. The current version
of the exam administered at EFSC is TABE 13/14 Level A. Students without a licensure
or another exemption must meet the minimum score requirement(s) on the TABE to graduate
from the Cosmetology program. It is not an entrance exam.
Many students qualify for a TABE exemption. See the TABE Exemptions page to determine if you qualify. If you do not meet one of the exemptions, you
can schedule the TABE at an EFSC Assessment Center using the RegisterBlast appointment system. Our team will also review your record for exemptions and let you know.
Learn more about the TABE, including score requirements, exemptions options, and how
to take the test at an EFSC Testing Center on the TABE page.
Brief Program Costs & Financial Aid Eligibility
The estimated cost of completing this program — including in-state tuition, lab fees, course materials, student facility and access fees — is approximately $6,300. This does not include uniforms or necessary vaccinations.
You may qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships, which can both help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Why Study Cosmetology at EFSC?
Hands-On Learning at the EFSC Cosmetology & Facials Salon
The EFSC Cosmetology & Facials Salon, located on Eastern Florida's Cocoa Campus, is open to the public, and gives Cosmetology students the chance to work with clients in a real-life setting. All services are performed by EFSC Cosmetology and Facial Program students. Through these interactive classes, students gain knowledge and experience in: Hair design and creative hair styling; Safe application of cosmetics/ chemicals to the skin, hair, and scalp; Proper procedure and chemical applications for manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and nail wraps; Incorporating safe, sanitary, and efficient work habits; Basic entrepreneurship skills and useful employability recommendations.
earn licensure to launch your career
Courses in fundamental skills, theory, techniques, sales, public relations and salon management prepare students to take the State Board Licensure Examination. EFSC cosmetology students have a pass rate of approximately 95%.
Irie Sutton: Living Her Creativity
I always had a niche for hair. Once I got to the end of high school, I thought to myself, 'What could I do to ensure myself a career?' I decided to do cosmetology. We express ourselves with our hair — big, curly hair… colorful hair… It’s what I’ve grown up around and that’s how I express myself... including my makeup.Read Irie's Story
Other Programs to Explore
If the Cosmetology CTC program is something you're interested in, Eastern Florida offers a variety of other career training programs, including the Facial Specialty program to build on your skills.