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| FAQ's: CHOOSING AN ELECTROLOGIST |
SUB-TOPIC |
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Q. 1 :
Is special training required to become an electrologist? |
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Q. 2
: Are
electrologists professionally licensed in my state? |
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Q. 3 :
Is there any way of knowing which electrologists in my area are skilled
or knowledgeable? |
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Q. 4 :
How can I tell if any prospective electrologists are certified? |
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Q. 5
: Some electrologists have other designations -- are these valid? |
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Q. 1: Is special training required to become an
electrologist?
Yes and
no. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia currently regulate
electrology services. The remaining states do not make any requirements
in order to practice.
Q. 2: Are electrologists professionally licensed in my
state?
View our summary list of licensed states for
information about your state's electrology requirements. Generally,
electrologists meeting the requirements for licensure will assure you of
finding a trained provider. But keep in mind that professional licensure
does not always mean professional training. Here is an exception
to the rule: a grandfathering phase which eliminates or lowers training
requirements. In this case, licensure may not provide any
assurance to you that an electrologist who has been grandfathered into
licensed practice meets any training requirements.
Q. 3: Is there any way of knowing which electrologists in
my area are skilled or knowledgeable?
In the
cases where your state is unlicensed/unregulated or where you have a
concern about grandfathering (see previous question), providers who hold
a national electrologist certification may be the best approach to gauge
her (his) skill or knowledge.
Q. 4: How can I tell if any prospective electrologists are
certified?
There are
certifications offered by two nationally recognized electrology
associations. The two national associations are the American
Electrology Association (AEA) and the Society of Clinical & Medical
Electrologists (SCME). The certifications are generally considered
equivalent and are also used, in part, as a licensing criterion by some
state's electrology boards. The AEA maintains an accreditation
designated as Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE), and the
SCME maintains an accreditation designated as Certified Clinical
Electrologist (CCE). In yellow pages advertisements, newsletter
announcements, and business cards, look for either "CPE" or
"CCE" following the electrologist's name.
Q. 5: Some electrologists have other designations -- are
these valid?
Some
states may use other designations such as registered electrologist as
part of their licensing. Also, we have seen instances of providers
using such titles as "medical electrologist" or "master
electrologist." These titles usually convey some additional
training or specialization. We believe many of these usages are simply
"self-appointed" titles and do not represent any recognized
training. If you have questions about an unfamiliar title, your state's
licensing board (if applicable) may be able to provide you with more
information.
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