Instructor candidates must have five years salon experience or if just graduated, must be employed part time in a salon and work a period equivalent to six months while pursuing the 800 hour instructor training program.

The Cosmetology Instructor Course is available to those who have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a current North Carolina Cosmetologist License. Candidates are required to take an examination based on practical application. However, should the applicant have graduated within the past three years from Pinnacle Institute and has work experience as a cosmetologist, the entrance examination may be waived.