CIDESCO Nail Certification Debuts in the U.S.
For many nail professionals across the United States, the CIDESCO diploma may not yet be a familiar concept. However, this information can lead to significant changes in their professional journey: CIDESCO education for nails has officially arrived in the U.S. This groundbreaking development offers opportunities to enhance knowledge and elevate careers within the nail technology field.
About CIDESCO
The Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) stands as the most esteemed international association for beauty therapy education standards. Founded in 1946 in Switzerland, with its headquarters located in Zurich, CIDESCO has established itself as a leader in higher education for beauty therapy professionals.
The CIDESCO diploma is a highly regarded qualification that signifies the successful completion of various courses within the beauty therapy realm. This prestigious diploma is recognized and respected across the globe, awarded in over 150 countries to beauty professionals who demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in skin care, massage therapy, manicuring, pedicuring, and more. Importantly, CIDESCO programs do not encompass hair training, as hair services are often considered separate from the beauty and spa therapies provided worldwide.
Beauty professionals holding a CIDESCO diploma are sought after by exclusive salons, spas, resorts, and cruise lines, recognized for their solid expertise. Additionally, CIDESCO offers second-level certificates in specialty courses like beauty and spa management, makeup, aromatherapy, and epilation. Many high-end establishments across the globe prioritize hiring CIDESCO diploma holders due to their proven training for specific protocols.
The Path to Obtaining a CIDESCO Diploma in the U.S.
U.S.-based beauty professionals interested in acquiring the CIDESCO diploma must take and pass the CIDESCO exam. It’s important to note that the exam can be quite challenging for those trained in the U.S. due to the requirement of attending one of the 12 approved CIDESCO schools located here.
So, why hasn’t CIDESCO gained widespread popularity in the United States? Many graduates will explain that few beauty professionals qualify for the exam, which demands proficiency in numerous specialties that are often hard to attain. However, U.S. licensees who have acquired such skills can sit for the CIDESCO exam alongside their international counterparts, though they are recommended to complete a 5-day review course beforehand to prepare adequately. Nevertheless, it has been noted that many do not succeed on their first attempt unless they have attended one of the designated CIDESCO schools in the U.S.
A New Certificate for Nails
Historically, the United States has been at the forefront of nail technology advancements. As the primary supplier of nail products, systems, and protocols globally, it was only logical for CIDESCO to launch its specialty certificate in Nail Technology within the U.S. first.
CIDESCO is currently developing a specialized certificate in Nail Technology, which will first be offered to U.S. licensed nail professionals as a post-graduate advanced program in 2024. The curriculum is being crafted by esteemed experts within the field, including Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND, who has taken on the role of chair for the committee overseeing the program’s development.
The team includes industry veterans like Doug Schoon from Schoon Scientific, Janet McCormick from Nailcare Academy, and Elaine Watson from Light Elegance, all driven by a shared passion for elevating the education and expectations for nail professionals. Their efforts seek to ensure that upcoming curriculum offers more than just state requirements, aiming to meet the highest standards of education that nail professionals need to thrive.
Curriculum Overview
The CIDESCO Certificate Program will feature cutting-edge content that extends beyond current textbooks, aligning with the CIDESCO qualifications and meeting the dynamic needs of modern nail professionals. Topics covered will include: Careers in Professional Nails, The Business of Nails, All About Fingernails, All About Toes, Skin Care, Enhancements, Science and Chemistry of Nails, and more.
As Elaine Watson notes, “CIDESCO-certified nail professionals will possess an elevated level of knowledge, positioning them for future success in their careers.”
The Future for CIDESCO Nail Professionals
The aim of the certification program is to market it to salons and spas, promoting the preferential hiring of CIDESCO-trained nail professionals. Historically, this strategy proved successful with the CIDESCO Esthetics Certification, leading to similar expected outcomes for nail professionals.
Nail professionals who hold the CIDESCO certification will not be required to go through the full CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma, but rather they will specialize in curricula specifically for nail technology. This new certification will lead to preferential hiring status, similar to the benefits seen by CIDESCO esthetics graduates.
Once the initial program reaches completion, CIDESCO plans to roll out advanced-level courses aimed at further enhancing the capabilities and recognition of certificate holders. These specialized second-level courses will focus on various cosmetic specialties, requiring graduates to demonstrate their knowledge first through the introductory certificate course before advancing.
Conclusion
As this new advancement in nail technology education unfolds, beauty professionals across the U.S. will find exciting opportunities to enhance their skills, gain recognition, and secure preferred hiring statuses in the competitive beauty landscape. Those interested in pursuing higher education in the nail industry will soon find an array of resources available for further information and enrollment details.
About the Author
Janet McCormick is a seasoned beauty industry expert with over 35 years of experience as both a licensed manicurist and esthetician. Proudly holding a CIDESCO Diploma, she is a respected trainer, co-founder of Nailcare Academy, and serves on the advisory board of Nailpro.