I have been barbering for almost 20 years in the Uk, recently moved to Florida( with the wifes job) and been advised that my Uk apprenticeship papers and achievements are not valid here and I will have to return to hairdressing school and do 1200 hours. Has any one else come across this and got any ideas how I could do it more quickly. Cheers Nick

You should grandfather in Nick...Go to http://www.Myfloridalicense.com and look up the number to the state board....you MAY be able to challenge the board by doing the practical exam, word of caution in doing this, be sure you study up on Florida law before you do this, it's an important part of the exam...

Where are you in Florida I could use a good barber!!

I surprised that the UK City and Guilds qualifications isn't transferable. As I have mentioned in another thread its much easier in the uk, if you pass a trade test then you've got the job.

Hi Nick,

Did you call the stateboard and ask about grandfathering in yet? If so, would you mind telling us what they said as it might help those of us stuck back in the UK should we move out to the States.

Thanks,

Chris.

Hi, I came to the USA from the UK 11 years ago, I had the City &Guilds transfer my certification and my level 3 C&G, Trainer &Assessor D32/33 direct to the State board here in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin requires 8000 hours for a managers license and along with CA is considered the toughest State for getting licensed.

They phoned me and told me they would not insult me by asking me to take a test as the qualifications I had were way more advanced than the US standard of Licensing.

By sending these copies direct from London to the USA by fax each certificate listed all the qualifications, around 15 passes.Plus,along with my resume this was enough.

Suggest you call the City & Guilds and ask them to do this.The actual certification is quite impressive to a limited education in cosmetology they have here.You will need your number of your cert. and the date you passed.
In the UK there are 5 levels up to a BSc.It takes way longer to train.
I also suggest you arrange an interview with the board of cosmetology and explain your situation.
I wish you luck, I love it here, all I miss is the shopping.
Do you have a green Card? temp visa? I have the greatest lawyer who will pull this together for you in 3 months or less.
Laws are getting strict about this now.Employers have to disclose this when submitting W2 forms for begining employment.Even taking those extra hours will be a problem if you don't get this in order.
If it is any consolation, Vidal Sassoon had to take extra hours when he came here as he did not have a formal education from college only his apprenticeship even though it was 3 years and 2 years as a jouneyman.

Hey Nick, did you ring the state board yet? Let us know what's happening and if you need more advice.