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Hairstylists cut, style, curl and colour hair; and perform permanent waves; provide hair and scalp treatments. Barbers, whose main duties are to cut and trim hair and trim and style beards and moustaches, are included in this occupation. Hairstylists in Ontario are skilled workers and provide the public with a high standard of service, which is maintained through certification. To work as a Hairstylist in Ontario you must have a valid Certificate of Qualification.

Certification Requirements in Ontario

Hairstylists must be certified to work in Ontario. The Apprenticeship and Certification Act (1998) regulates this trade. It states that all Hairstylists must have a valid Certificate of Qualification, or be registered as an apprentice, before they can work in Ontario. It is illegal to perform the duties of a Hairstylist if you don’t have a valid certificate. This certification is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

To become a Hairstylist in Ontario, you must do one of the following:

• complete an apprenticeship, which includes approximately 2–3 years of on-the-job training (about 90 per cent of the apprenticeship) and 16 weeks of in-school training (about 10 per cent of the apprenticeship). Graduates from Ministry approved 1500 hour Hairstylist programs at private hairstyling schools are only required to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Fees for these courses range from $5,000 to $6,000. Apprenticeship is a training agreement between a person who wants to learn a skilled trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker. Apprentices must work with a qualified trainer. An apprentice earns at least minimum wage while working and learning the skills necessary to become a qualified tradesperson or journeyperson. Apprentices receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship when they complete their training. Employers often request this certificate as proof of training and experience

or

• have the training and experience from another Canadian province, Canadian territory, or another country that meet the requirements of an apprenticeship in Ontario

When you have met the above requirements, you must:

• complete and submit an application for the Certificate of Qualification (called the “C of Q”);
• pay the required fees;
• write and pass the Certificate of Qualification exam ination.
  

Competencies Required to Practise Your Trade in Ontario

Before you can receive government certification, you must complete training that covers the competencies listed in the Apprenticeship Training Standards – Hairstylist. This document lists in detail all of the skills and work tasks that Hairstylists must be able to demonstrate in order to be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam ination . In Ontario, an employer who sponsors an apprenticeship signs off on each of the following competencies during an apprenticeship:

• protect self and others
• perform routine salon functions
• perform sanitization procedures
• treat scalp and hair
• cut hair
• style hair
• perform a permanent wave or straighten and wave super-curly hair
• colour hair
• lighten and tone hair
• work with wigs, hairpieces, and extensions (optional)
• perform hand and facial services (optional)

As an internationally trained Hairstylist, you must be able to prove that you have these skills before you can write the Certificate of Qualification exam ination .

Language Requirements

When you apply for certification as a Hairstylist, you are not required to pass an English language test, but the job requires excellent language skills. As a Hairstylist, you must be able to talk comfortably with customers about their needs, give and receive instructions clearly and effectively, read and interpret instructions and warnings on product labels, and understand how to use computerized cash registers.

To become certified, you must write a technical multiple-choice exam ination, which requires a knowledge and understanding of the technical terms used in this trade.

Application Process

There is no automatic certification for internationally trained tradespeople in any trade in Ontario, but there is an assessment process that evaluates the training and experience of internationally trained tradespeople. The length of time that it will take you to become certified will depend on how closely your training and experience match the training standards for your trade in Ontario. It can take as little as three months if you are immediately eligible to write the certification exam ination , or as long as three years if you are required to get work experience or if you have to complete a full apprenticeship.

Before You Emigrate To Canada

Get information about working as a Hairstylist in Ontario. The more you know about the Canadian system, the easier it will be for you to find a job when you arrive. Apprenticeship Training Standards – Hairstylist is a useful reference for internationally trained Hairstylists who are unfamiliar with the terminology used and the skills required in Ontario. You can get a copy of this booklet from a Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship. There is a list of these offices at the end of this fact sheet.

You will need proof of your training and experience. Collect documentation that proves your skill level as a Hairstylist. Include letters from employers, diplomas, and other documents that describe your training and the work tasks you have performed. These documents must also show where and how long you have worked as a Hairstylist. It is important to include as much information as possible about your years of experience and your duties at work because the evaluation of your skills will be based on your on-the-job experience.

When You Arrive In Ontario

The Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices process all applications for trade certification in Ontario. When you arrive in Ontario, contact the Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office in your area and make an appointment to see a training consultant. If you haven’t already requested a copy of Apprenticeship Standards – Hairstylist, you can get one from the office.

Step 1. Meeting a Training Consultant

The training consultant will ask you for documentation that describes your past work experience and training. Take as many of these documents as possible to this first meeting:

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• letters from current or past employers, dated and written on company letterhead, showing the company name and address, the exact dates of your employment, the number of hours that you worked, your title, and a complete description of your job duties
• trade certificates, diplomas, or licences
• official school transcripts from your training, if available. You should also provide a detailed list of the subjects covered in each course and the length of each course.

If these documents are in a language other than English or French, bring a translation that is signed by a notary public, or a lawyer. The training consultant will use these documents to compare your work experience to the requirements for certification as a Hairstylist in Ontario.

Step 2. Assessment of Your Previous Training and Experience

The training consultant will assess your documents and compare your training and experience to the training and experience required in Ontario

• If your documented experience is equivalent to that required of an apprentice in Ontario, you will be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam ination without serving an apprenticeship. You will then complete an application for the Certificate of Qualification.
• If your documented experience is not equivalent to an apprenticeship in Ontario, you will need more training and work experience as a Hairstylist. You can find an employer who will agree to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with you, or you may decide to take a Hairstylist course that includes on-the-job training, which still involves an apprenticeship agreement.

Training and work experience

If required, you may have to serve an apprenticeship to get the skills needed to work in Ontario. This apprenticeship may be shorter than the apprenticeship required of an inexperienced worker in the trade. During the apprenticeship, you will work as you learn and complete your in-school training.

To get a position as an apprentice, you must apply directly to employers and find one to sponsor your apprenticeship. You can find employers by looking in the Yellow Pages (the telephone directory for businesses), local newspapers, or just by walking into hair salons in your neighbourhood (this is called a cold call visit). Employers are looking for a well-written r Jsum J and your ability to sell yourself (tell them why you will be good for their beauty shop or salon). Once you have a job, employers will be looking for high quality work and reliability. You may need to demonstrate your skills as part of the interview process.

When you find a position, you must register your apprenticeship training agreement with a Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office. Once you have completed the apprenticeship, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

To find a Hairstylist course at a private hairstyling school, consult the Yellow Pages under “Schools – Hairdressing”, or contact the Ontario Association of Hairstyling Schools. (See the “For More Information” section at the end of this fact sheet for more information about the association.) Some private hairstyling schools offer 450-hour upgrading courses. The cost for upgrading courses is approximately $1,500. Private hairstyling schools may place graduates of upgrading courses in jobs in salons.

Attestation of Competencies

In addition to providing documentation above, you will be asked to complete and sign an Attestation of Competencies. This document is an oath that you make, stating that you have all the competencies required for the trade. This Attestation of Competencies will be considered as proof that you are able to do the work of a Hairstylist. A false attestation is a serious criminal offence.

Step 3. Application for the Certificate of Qualification

When you have met the requirements for certification, you will complete an application for the Certificate of Qualification.

Step 4. Letter of Permission

If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Permission will be issued by the Ministry that allows you to work for up to ninety days until you write the Certificate of Qualification exam ination . You must write the exam ination within this time.

Step 5. Exam Preparation

The Certificate of Qualification exam ination is based on the skills that Hairstylists need to succeed in the workplace. The content of the exam reflects both on-the-job and in-school training.

The best way to prepare for the exam ination is to make sure that you can perform all the skills described in Apprenticeship Training Standards – Hairstylist. Study the competencies and be sure that you can explain the theory behind each task.

You can also study Milady’sStandard Textbook of Cosmetology (Thomson Delmar Learning, 2004 ISBN 1-56253-880-2). It is available at private hairstyling schools and at public libraries in Ontario, although they may carry older editions. The cost of this textbook is about $90.

Step 6. Certificate of Qualification E xam ination

You may write the Certificate of Qualification exam ination for Hairstylists at an Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office once you have either completed an apprenticeship or applied and been approved through the application process above. The exam ination is available year-round, by appointment. You can arrange a date to write the exam ination during your meeting with a training consultant, or you can call the Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office to make an appointment to write the exam ination . You must show photo identification on the day of the exam ination .

Description of the exam

The Certificate of Qualification exam ination is a written exam ination with multiple-choice questions. These questions test your practical knowledge of workplace procedures and tasks. You are allowed three hours to complete the exam ination . A copy of the exam ination plan is available at any Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office.

Readers/translators

If you have difficulty with English you will be allowed to bring a reader with you. Readers can be anyone whose English skills are strong; they may be relatives, friends, or interpreters from your community. Readers can translate the parts of the exam ination that you don’t understand, but they are not allowed to help you answer the questions. The exam ination is highly technical; make sure that you choose someone who knows English well, but does not have knowledge of the Hairstylist trade. Readers must sign a statement that they don’t have any training or experience in the trade.

If you think you will need more time, you can begin the exam ination in the morning and make special arrangements to stay for a maximum of six hours. Dictionaries, pencils, erasers, and paper are available in the exam ination room. If you bring your own dictionary, you will be asked to submit it to the exam ination supervisor for inspection.

Pass mark

The pass mark for the exam ination is 70 per cent.

Rewriting failed e xamination s

Your exam ination results will be mailed to you. The results sheet will detail the score as a percentage for each section of the exam ination , so if you fail you will know which areas you still need to improve. If you fail an exam ination you can re-write it after fifteen days.

If you fail the exam ination twice, you will be required to either take a refresher course to upgrade your training or get more work experience before you can try the exam ination again. There is a $100 fee every time you write the exam ination .

Step 7. Certificate of Qualification

If you pass the exam ination , your Certificate of Qualification, which is valid for three years, will be mailed to you. You can get an official duplicate (copy) of the certificate from the Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office for a fee of $60. Hairstylists must renew their certificates once every three years. The renewal fee is $60.

Fees and Costs (in Canadian dollars)

Assessment ..................................................................................... no fee
Application for the Certificate of Qualification .............................. no fee
Registration of an apprenticeship, if required ............................. $40.00
Certificate of Qualification exam ination .................................... $100.00
Rewriting failed exam ination s (re-examination) ...................... $100.00
Official duplicate (copy) of the Certificate of Qualification .......... $60.00
Renewal of the Certificate of Qualification ................................... $60.00

Training and Upgrading

Hairstylists in Ontario have opportunities to upgrade their skills by attending special seminars, workshops, and trade shows:

• Some private hairstyling schools offer special courses for skills upgrading. The cost is approximately $600 per week.
• Training and upgrading for Hairstylists and students are also available from industry suppliers. These courses showcase new products and techniques. Prices vary. You can usually obtain information on these courses through your workplace. See the Yellow Pages for a list of schools.
• For information on trade shows for Hairstylists, contact the Allied Beauty Association. See the contacts listed at the end of this fact sheet for more information about this association.

Labour Market Information

There is a steady demand for skilled Hairstylists. Some salons hire only experienced workers who can bring with them an established clientele. Other salons are willing to train new staff.

The hours of work can be long, with many of them spent standing serving clients, often in the evenings and on weekends. The rates of pay vary depending on the workplace, the clientele, and whether the work is full-time, part-time, or on commission. The salary range for apprentices and skilled Hairstylists is from $14,000 to $50,000 (excluding overtime, commissions, and tips).

An increasing number of Ontario Hairstylists rent chairs in salons. Some Hairstylists work out of their own homes, obtaining a permit and licence to have a home-based business. There are strict rules in Ontario regarding health and safety that Hairstylists must follow regardless of where they work.

Most salons in Ontario require Hairstylists to have their own equipment . The cost of equipment will vary depending on the quality. Basic scissors, a dryer, a curling iron, flat irons, and brushes could cost from $300 to $900 or more.

For more information on labour market conditions for this trade, see Ontario Job Futures at www.ontariojobfutures.net or on the Human Resources Social Development Canada (HRSDC) website - www.on.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca. In Ontario, this information is also available in the Ontario Job Futures binder at public libraries and HRSDC Employment Resource Centres in your community. Another useful Hairstylist website is Career Matters – Apprenticeship, part of the Independent Learning Centre website - www.ilc.org/cfmx/CM/Apprenticeship/index.cfm?Menu_ID_Sel=5999&Lang_Sel=1

Related Occupations

There are many other personal care occupations related to hairstyling. Esthetics, electrolysis, cosmetology, and nail technology are services that may be offered in salons and spas.

Estheticians (manicurists and pedicurists), cosmeticians, electrologists, and nail technicians are just a few of the occupations related to hairstyling that might be of interest to someone who has experience in the beauty sector. Apprenticeship and certification are not required for these occupations. For more information, see Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology and visit Ontario Job Futures at www.ontariojobfutures.net or at www.on.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices in Ontario

To order a copy of Apprenticeship Training Standards – Hairstylist, to get more information about certification, or to make an appointment with a training consultant, contact the office in your community.

Toronto District Office 625 Church Street 1st Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 2B5 General inquiries: 416-326-5800 Front desk: 416-326-5775 Fax: 416-326-5799	Pickering Regional Office 1420 Bayly Street Unit 1 Pickering, Ontario L1W 3R4 Telephone: 905-837-7721 or 1-800-461-4608 Fax: 905-837-6726 or 1-800-461-5385	Mississauga Regional Office The Emerald Centre 10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle Suite 610 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3K6 Telephone: 905-279-7333 or 1-800-736-5520 Voice-mail: 905-279-7709 Fax: 905-279-7332
Hamilton District Office Ontario Government Building 119 King Street West 5th Floor Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y7 Telephone: 905-521-7764 or 1-800-668-4479 Fax: 905-521-7701	Brantford Area Office 515 Park Road North Suite 7 Brantford, Ontario N3R 7K8 Telephone: 519-756-5197 Fax: 519-756-0724	Owen Sound Area Office Nor-Towne Plaza Suite 108 1131–2nd Avenue East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 2J1 Telephone: 519-376-5790, ext. 23 or 1-800-838-9468 Fax: 519-376-4843
St. Catharines Area Office 301 St. Paul St. 9th Floor St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R4 Telephone: 905-704-2991 or 1-800-263-4475 Fax: 905-704-2985	Barrie Regional Office Ontario Government Building 34 Simcoe Street Barrie, Ontario L4N 6T4 Telephone: 705-737-1431 or 1-800-560-3821 Fax: 705-737-5684	London Area Office 217 York Street Suite 201 London, Ontario N6A 5P9 Telephone: 519-675-7788 or 1-800-265-1050 Fax: 519-675-7795
Sarnia Area Office 1319 Exmouth Street Suite 101, 1st Floor Sarnia, Ontario N7S 3Y1 Telephone: 519-542-7705 or 1-800-363-8453 Fax: 519-542-3391	Waterloo Area Office 285 Weber Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J 3H8 Telephone: 519-571-6009 or 1-800-265-6180 Fax: 519-571-6047	Windsor Area Office Roundhouse Centre, 3155 Howard Avenue, Suite 200 Windsor, Ontario N8X 4Y8 Telephone: 519-973-1441 or 1-800-663-5609 Fax: 519-973-1415
Chatham Area Office 870 Richmond Street P.O. Box 220 Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K3 Telephone: 519-354-2766 1-800-214-8284 Fax: 519-354-3094	Ottawa District Office 1355 Bank Street Suite 703 Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8K7 Telephone: 613-731-7100 or 1-877-221-1220 Fax: 613-731-4160	Brockville Area Office Ontario Government Building P.O. Box 1511 Oxford Street Brockville, Ontario K6V 5Y6 Telephone: 613-342-5481 or 1-877-417-9333 Fax: 613-342-9299 Note: Office is closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Cornwall Area Office 113 Amelia Street Cornwall, Ontario K6H 3P1 Telephone: 613-938-9702 or 1-877-668-6604 Fax: 613-938-6627	Kingston Area Office 1055 Princess Street Suite 404 Kingston, Ontario K7L 5T3 Telephone: 613-545-4338 or 1-877-220-2721 Fax: 613-545-1204	Pembroke Area Office 169 Lake Street Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5L8 Telephone: 613-735-3911 or 1-800-807-0227 Fax: 613-735-6452
Peterborough Area Office Ontario Government Building 306 George Street North Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3H2 Telephone: 705-745-1918 or 1-877-433-6555 Fax: 705-745-1926	Belleville Area Office 1 Bridge Street East 3rd Floor Canada Trust Building Belleville, Ontario K8N 5N9 Telephone: 613-968-5558 or 1-800-953-6885 Fax: 613-968-2364	Sault Ste. Marie District Office 70 Foster Drive 1st and 2nd Floors Roberta Bondar Place Sault Ste. Marie , Ontario P6A 6V9 Telephone: 705-945-6815 or 1-800-236-8817 Fax: 705-945-6818
North Bay Area Office Northgate Plaza 1500 Fisher Street 2nd Floor North Bay, Ontario P1B 2H3 Telephone: 705-495-8515 or 1-800-236-0744 Fax: 705-495-8517	Sudbury Area Office 450 Notre Dame Avenue Sudbury, Ontario P3C 5K8 Telephone: 705-564-3030 or 1-800-603-5999 Fax: 705-564-3033	Timmins Area Office 1270 Hwy 101 East Ontario Government Building P.O. Bag 3095, C Wing South Porcupine, Ontario P0N 1C0 Telephone: 705-235-1950 or 1-877-275-5139 Fax: 705-235-1955
Thunder Bay Regional Office 28 Cumberland Street North 3rd Floor Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4K9 Telephone: 807-345-8888 or 1-800-439-5493 Fax: 807-768-2536	Kenora Area Office 810 Robertson Street Suite 105 Kenora, Ontario P9N 4J5 Telephone: 807-468-2879 Fax: 807-468-2881

For More Information

For information on certification requirements and training in Ontario, contact:

• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities - training hotline (toll free in Ontario): 1-800-387-5656; website:
• The Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship office in your community (see the addresses and fax and telephone numbers listed above).

For more information on the hairstyling trade and related occupations, contact:

Allied Beauty Association
3625 Dufferin Street, Suite 235
Downsview , Ontario M3K 1Z2
Telephone: 416-635-1282
No charge: 1-800-268-6644
Fax: 416-635-1705
E-mail: postmaster@abacanada.com
Website: www.abacanada.com

For information on private hairstyling schools, contact:

Ontario Association of Hairstyling Schools
c/o Bruno's Schools of Hair Design
117 King St East
Hamilton , Ontario,
L8N 1A9
Telephone: 1-905-528-0428
Fax: 1-905-528-5202
Email: brunoschools@rogers.com

For information on trade shows, awards, current trends, and latest beauty products, see the following trade journals and magazines:

Beauty Beat Magazine
Canadian Hairdresser Magazine
Harco Publishing
11 Spadina Road
Toronto , Ontario
M5R 2S9
Telephone: 416-923-1111
Fax: 416-968-1031
Website: www.beautybeat.com

Salon Magazine Communications Inc.
411 Richmond Street East, Suite 300
Toronto , Ontario
M5A 3S5
Telephone: 416-869-3131
Fax: 416-869-3008
E-mail: salon@beautynet.com
Website: www.beautynet.com

For information on where to get help once you arrive in Ontario, contact:

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
110 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 200
Toronto , Ontario M4R 1A3
Telephone: 416-322-4950
Fax: 416-322-8084
E-mail: general@ocasi.org
Website: www.ocasi.org
For information on settling in Ontario, visit www.settlement.org.

For information on access to employment for internationally trained professionals and tradespeople in Ontario, contact:

Government of Ontario, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Access to Professions and Trades Unit
900 Bay Street , Mowat Block, 12th Floor
Toronto , Ontario
M7A 1L2
Telephone: 416-326-9714
Fax: 416-326-6265
E-mail: aptinfo@mci.gov.on.ca
Website: www.edu.gov.on.ca

Certification Process