PETAL — Weeks after Mississippi eliminated its hands-on licensing exam for cosmetology and barbering students, instructors say they are already seeing benefits in the classroom, including more targeted skills training and less pressure on students. 

The Mississippi Board of Cosmetology and Barbering voted earlier this month to remove the practical skills test, effective Feb. 2. Licensing candidates must now pass only a written theory exam after completing the training hours required by state law.

Local educators said the change allows them to focus more closely on individual learning needs rather than preparing students for a second state test. 

“Removing the practicals actually helps us to be able to hone in on the skills even more that the students are weak in,” said Sylvina Buckley, owner and lead instructor at Hair Station Studio College of Beauty in Petal. 

Buckley said the shift reinforces accountability at the school level and places greater responsibility on instructors to ensure students are ready before graduation. 

“It’s just really going to force the schools to do what they need to do to make sure these students are prepared when they graduate,” she said. 

State officials said the change is designed to reduce costs and help graduates enter the workforce more quickly without lowering education standards. 

Catherine Bell, executive director of the board, said students must still complete the full training program before qualifying to test.

Cosmetologists and barbers are required to complete 1,500 hours of instruction; estheticians must complete 600 hours; and nail technicians must complete 350 hours. 

“Students or licensing candidates are never going to even make it to the board theory exam until they’ve gone through that full program of study,” Bell said. “They’ve demonstrated throughout their program of study the ability to do the skills required, do them well and do them safely.” 

Bell said eliminating the second exam reduces overall licensing costs and shortens the path to employment. 

“Mississippians get to work faster because they’re having to take one exam versus two,” she said. “The cost of your initial licensing process, when you look at the total process, is reduced.” 

Mississippi joins 12 other states that have eliminated the practical licensing exam requirement.