Education Requirements

• You gain certification by attending cosmetology school. Intensive cosmetic programs generally run from four to eighteen weeks. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Unlike cosmetologists, makeup artists do not need a license to practice, but acquiring a certificate by completing a makeup program opens the door for a variety of applications.
  
  

Knowledge Base

• A standard makeup certification program covers topics like color coordination, cosmetology trends, equipment, and application techniques. Additional classes may include beauty makeup for specific mediums such as film or advertising, character makeup for theater and special techniques like body painting.
  
  

Experience

• When gaining experience, take photographs of your work to build your portfolio.makeup image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Most certification programs include an experience requirement for the completion of the program. Some cosmetology schools help students get internships with television stations, department stores or fashion designers. Aside from traditional internships, students also have the option of volunteering with amateur community theaters and other small organizations.