Certificate in Cosmetology
The Certificate in Cosmetology is a KNEC and TVET-CDACC examined programme that trains individuals in hairdressing, beauty therapy, skincare, and salon management. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC).
Trainees develop competencies in hair styling, chemical hair treatments, skincare, facial treatments, manicure and pedicure, makeup application, and salon hygiene. The curriculum emphasises practical skills through salon-based training where trainees work with real clients under instructor supervision.
Kenya's beauty and cosmetics industry is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for professional beauty services in salons, spas, and the entertainment industry. The programme aligns with the growing professionalisation of the beauty sector in Kenya.
The course is delivered through practical salon sessions and classroom theory. Trainees spend approximately 80 per cent of their time in practical training working with mannequins and real clients, and 20 per cent in theory classes covering anatomy, chemistry of beauty products, and business skills.
Graduates can work as hairdressers, beauty therapists, salon managers, or establish their own beauty businesses. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Diploma in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.
This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of D (plain) who have an interest in beauty and wellness. It provides practical skills for immediate employment or self-employment in the beauty industry.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 51,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 30 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Hairdressing
- Beauty Therapy
- Skincare and Facials
- Manicure and Pedicure
- Makeup Application
- Salon Hygiene
- Chemical Hair Treatments
- Salon Management
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Hairdressing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces hair structure, hair types, basic hair care, and fundamental hairdressing techniques including shampooing and conditioning.
Chemical Hair Treatments
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers chemical hair relaxing, perming, colouring, and bleaching including product selection, application techniques, and safety precautions.
Hair Styling Techniques
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Develops skills in various hair styling techniques including blow-drying, setting, braiding, plaiting, and weaving.
Skincare and Facial Treatments
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers skin analysis, facial treatment procedures, skin conditions, and application of skincare products for different skin types.
Manicure and Pedicure
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Trainees learn nail care techniques including manicure, pedicure, nail enhancement, and hand and foot massage.
Makeup Application
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers makeup application techniques for different occasions, colour selection, and corrective makeup procedures.
Salon Hygiene and Safety
Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore
Covers sanitation, sterilisation, decontamination, and infection control practices essential for safe salon operations.
Salon Management and Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective
Introduces salon business management including client relations, pricing, stock control, and basic bookkeeping.
Specialisations
Hairdressing
Specialises in hair cutting, styling, chemical treatments, and hair care services.
Beauty Therapy
Focuses on skincare, facial treatments, body treatments, and massage.
Makeup Artistry
Specialises in makeup application for events, photography, and film.
Nail Technology
Covers advanced nail care, nail art, and nail enhancement techniques.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a theory session on hair and skin anatomy or product chemistry, followed by afternoon salon practice where trainees style hair, perform facials, apply makeup, and practise manicure and pedicure on real clients.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Practical skills enable immediate self-employment with minimal startup capital.
- Growing beauty industry in Kenya with increasing demand for professional services.
- Flexible working hours and opportunities for mobile beauty services.
Against it
- Income can be irregular for self-employed beauticians building a client base.
- Exposure to chemical products requires strict adherence to safety practices.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Public TVET 67K/yr. Private: Holy Ghost 42K, ICS 51K/yr (kenyaplex.com, ics.ac.ke).
HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.
Funding options
HELB TVET Loan
KUCCPS Government Capitation
County Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB TVET Loan
LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions
County Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Residents of the respective county enrolled in TVET programmes
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D
- Alternative entry
- KCSE D- (minus) with a relevant artisan certificate.
How you are assessed
2 componentsKNEC Theory Examination
Written examination30% of the mark
Written examination covering cosmetology theory, anatomy, and product chemistry.
KNEC Practical Examination
Practical examination70% of the mark
Practical examination assessing hairdressing and beauty therapy competencies.
Accreditation
Examined by KNEC and TVET-CDACC. Institutions accredited by TVETA.
Accredited by
Kenya National Examinations Council
AcademicRequired
KNEC examines and certifies the Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.
Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council
AcademicRequired
TVET-CDACC assesses and certifies competencies under the CBET framework for cosmetology.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesHairdresser
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Provides hairdressing services including styling, cutting, and chemical treatments in salons.
Beauty Therapist
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 50,000
Offers beauty therapy services including facials, manicure, pedicure, and makeup in spas and salons.
Salon Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 30,000
Assists senior stylists and therapists in salon operations and client service.
Self-Employed Beautician
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Operates an independent beauty business offering hairdressing and beauty therapy services.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as hairdressers, beauty therapists, and salon managers, or establish their own beauty businesses.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Cosmetology is not a real career.
The beauty industry is a multi-billion shilling sector in Kenya with growing demand for professional services.
You need to be talented to study cosmetology.
The programme teaches systematic skills that can be learned through practice, regardless of natural talent.
Cosmetology certificates are not recognised.
KNEC and CDACC certificates are nationally recognised and valued by employers in the beauty industry.
Beauty work is only for women.
The industry employs both men and women, with many successful male beauticians and salon owners.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Cosmetology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.