FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL

Why choose Cutting Edge Academy beauty school?

Cutting Edge Academy was established in 2012 as a privately owned beauty school licensed by the N.J. State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.  Our students’ individual goals are achieved in relatively small classes, with talented creative instructors utilizing real hands-on learning experiences. We believe in investing our whole heart and soul in our students’ education.  Our culture is to learn and work hard and have fun doing it! We promote a constant state of change and improvement, a positive team environment and a sincere customer service culture.

Are you a licensed and accredited school?

YES. Cutting Edge Academy is licensed by the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).

Why is it important for the school to be licensed by the State of New Jersey?

It is important to be a licensed school because it means the State of New Jersey has determined our school meets the criteria to teach state approved programs that will prepare students for the State Board licensing exam in New Jersey.  Once you pass the N.J. State Board written and practical exams, you will receive a license that allows you to practice in your area of concentration in the State of New Jersey.

What is the difference between Cutting Edge Academy and a county vocational school?

Cutting Edge Academy is a private school and specializes in Cosmetology related courses.  All of our instructors are licensed by the N.J. State Board of Cosmetology.  As a private school, we are nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).

Where are you located?

We are located on Sunset Strip in the Roxbury Mall shopping center in Succasunna, NJ.  Across from Kohl’s Department Store and two doors from the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas.

How can I get to you?

Getting to us should easy as we are conveniently located near the main highways of Routes 10, 46, 80, 46, 206 and 287.

 

What are your hours?

The school operates year-round, except for the major holidays listed in our catalog.  We are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  We are closed on weekends.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT LICENSED PROGRAMS

What are the programs that you offer?

Cutting Edge Academy offers five programs recognized by the N.J. State Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling and our accrediting agency NACCAS:

  • Cosmetology – 1200 hours of instruction
  • Barbering – 900 hours of instruction
  • Skin Care Specialty – 600 hours of instruction
  • Manicuring – 300 hours of instruction
  • Teacher Training – 600 hours of instruction

These programs will prepare you for the N.J. State board written and practical exams in your field of study and will give you a solid foundation for your future career in the beauty field.

How long will it take to finish?

We offer programs with a variety of schedules so you can balance your personal and professional life with your education.  You can choose between full-time day and part-time evening classes.  Depending on the course and class schedule that you select, it can range from 5 months to 18 months.

How large are your classes?

Our class sizes allow each student to receive individual attention from our teachers who will challenge you creatively and technically.

 

When is the next start class?

New students may be admitted to class on the first working Monday of every month.

I have struggled in high school.  Will I be able to do this?

The beauty industry emphasizes creativity more than anything else.  If you are worried about taking tests, reading, comprehension etc., we can help you to come up with a special plan to make your education success.

What happens if I miss a class?

Missed hours can be made up.  Cutting Edge Academy provides students this opportunity on a reasonable basis to remain within your scheduled time of graduation.

What is your Student Salon?

Our Student Salon is another way our students obtain practical experience at Cutting Edge Academy.  Students perform salon services on public in the Student Salon when they are half way through their program. This half way point acknowledges that you have moved from Junior status to Senior status within your course of study.  Just prior to this point you will apply for your Senior Student Work Permit.  Once issued by the N.J. State Board, you will be allowed to perform services in our Student Salon and to work in a salon, spa or barbershop anytime other than your class schedule.

Will you help me to find a job?

We provide placement assistance, but we cannot guarantee job placement.  During your program you will meet many incredible guest artists, salon owners and industry professionals.  These opportunities will help you to get a better understanding of how this industry works and where you would like to be.  You will also learn how to craft a resume and interview skills in the classroom.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSIONS

Do I need an appointment or can I come directly?

Appointments are not necessary, but we encourage you to call ahead so our office staff is ready to meet with you as soon as you arrive.

 

What age must I be to attend Cutting Edge Academy?

You must be at least 17 years old to register.

 

Do I need a High School Diploma to enroll?

YES.  Cutting Edge Academy admits as regular students high school graduates or holders of high school equivalency certificates (G.E.D.).  Foreign high school diplomas are accepted but must be first translated into English and certified by a N.J. State Board approved agency to be at least equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.

Can I attend if I am not a U.S. Citizen and receive a license?

YES.  Federal law limits the issuance of professional or occupational licenses to U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your alien registration card or other documentation issued by the office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove your legal immigration status.

Questions about your immigration status and whether or not it is a qualifying status under federal law should be directed to the USCIS at: 1-800-375-5283.

Is there an application fee?

Cutting Edge Academy does not have an application fee.

 

Is there a registration fee?

YES.  There is a registration fee of $175.00

 

How much money do I need to start?

You will need as little as $175.00 for the registration fee and $500.00 as the initial deposit for your Kit, Supplies and Textbooks.

Are there any additional costs I will incur?

Students will not incur any hidden fees to complete their programs.  Tuition fees include the cost of tools, equipment, books and educational material issued to the student.

Not included in the price of total tuition are regulation shoes, uniform pants and additional charges required by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.  These charges include:

  • Student registration fee
  • Student permit fee
  • Examination fee
  • License fee

The policy on absent hours and possible additional overtime charges is outlined in the enrollment agreement and our catalog.

 

What are the program enrollment requirements?

Admission is open to all persons.  Cutting Edge Academy admits as regular students high school graduates or holders of high school equivalency certificates (G.E.D.) and who are beyond the compulsory age of school attendance in this state.  Please note that in the State of N.J., age 17 is the minimum age for licensure.

Requirements:  High School Diploma or GED, or transcript showing high school completion, Marriage Certificate if last name does not match the one on the prospect’s high school diploma or its equivalent, birth certificate or driver’s license and Social Security card.

In addition, Student Teachers are required to hold a current Cosmetology-Hairstyling license.

How can I register for a course?

To register for a course at Cutting Edge Academy please contact us directly at 862-251-7290 and we will guide you through the process.

Can I transfer credits into Cutting Edge Academy from a previous school?

YES.  It is the policy of Cutting Edge Academy to grant credit for any hours spent in a Beauty Culture course at another approved school when an original certified transcript of those previous hours is presented prior to commencement of training.

However, the N.J. State Board specifically states that a school accepting a transfer student can test him/her to determine the actual number of credit hours to be given, if any.  Credit for previous hours is completely up to the discretion of the school, based on its’ evaluation.

The students contract will be credited accordingly, based on the schools hourly rate at that time.  The student may also be responsible for the purchase of equipment to allow for a complete educational experience. The cost is $175 for evaluation.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT LICENSURE

Does the school provide the license?

NO. The school does not grant licenses nor provide the licensing exam, both are administered by the N.J. State Board. For more information on licensing requirements please visit: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos/Pages/licensing-requirements.aspx.

The school assists students with all exam applications as needed and all of our exams, both written and practical, are designed and developed to help you prepare for and pass your N.J. State Board written and practical exams.

What happens if I fail the NJ State Board Exam?

Not the end of the world!  You can retake the test as many times as you need to pass.  Over 90% of Cutting Edge Academy students pass the first time.  For those who need additional help, Cutting Edge Academy graduates are offered a “Mock State Board Review” until you pass your test.  This is at no additional cost to you.

When can I start working?

The State of New Jersey is unique, you can start working in a salon while you are still in school!  As long as you have completed half the course and received your Student Senior Permit, you are permitted to work by the state.  However, this Student Senior Permit expires on the day of your graduation.

Once you graduate and pass the written portion of the N.J. State Board exam you will be issued a Temporary License Permit from the State Board which is valid for 120 days.  Within those 4 months, you will be called in to take your State Board practical exam.  Upon passing, you will obtain your N.J. licensure in your course of study.

When can I open my own Salon or Spa or Barbershop?

Anyone can own a salon!  Yet to manage a salon in the State of New Jersey, you must have a valid New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist, Barbering, Skin Care Specialist or Manicuring License for at least 3 years.

You can open a salon, spa or shop at any time, however you will need to hire someone to manage it for you until you hold your license for at least three years.

Can I use my N.J. License in New York or another state?

NO. You can only use your license in the state you received it from. If you want to work in another state you would need to obtain a license from that state.  You need to meet that particular state’s requirements for licensure which varies from state to state.  Check with the Cosmetology Board in that state since some states may require that you to return to school for additional hours of study.

 

When I get my license, can I teach Cosmetology?

Those who have a valid New Jersey Cosmetology License can register for a Cutting Edge Academy’s 600 hour Teacher Training course. Upon graduation of the course, you must pass the written and practical N.J. State Board exams to become licensed as a Teacher.   For more information on licensing requirements please visit: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos/Pages/licensing-requirements.aspx.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

Do you offer financial aid?

YES.   There are several options for financial assistance that we offer to help you in reaching your education goals.  Qualified students can be eligible for financial aid from the Federal Government that is approved for our Cosmetology and Skin Care Specialist courses.

All students are offered an interest-free monthly payment plan.  Monthly payments vary based on the length and total cost of the program.  For more information, please contact us directly at 862-251-7290.

When do I need to start paying back my Grants?

NEVER!  Grants are gifts from the government to support your education and you are not required to pay them back.  What a gift!

When do I need to start paying back my Student Loans?

If you have received Direct Loans from the federal government, you need to start repaying your student loans 6 months AFTER your last day of attendance.  Depending on the amount borrowed your monthly payments can be as low as $50 per month.