Summary:
We aren’t just another beauty school in Fairfax County. We’re accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE) and approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), which means your education meets the highest standards.
With over 30 years of experience since 1985, we’ve built something special here in Tysons Corner. Our flagship 1000-hour program sets the gold standard in cosmetology and skincare education, giving you the depth of training that employers actually look for.
What makes us different? We focus on practical, hands-on learning from day one. Our approach combines classroom learning with practical experience, so you’re job-ready upon graduation.
The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and your education needs to keep up. We offer programs leading to certifications in Esthetics, Master Esthetics, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Electrolysis, and Instructor programs.
Our cosmetology program covers everything you’d expect—hair cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical processes—but we go deeper. You’ll master the latest hair-cutting techniques, acquire experience in professional makeup artistry and skin care fundamentals, and develop skills in nail care training.
For those drawn to skincare, our esthetics programs are comprehensive. We cover everything from mastering microdermabrasion to chemical peels and advanced facial treatments. You’ll learn to perform various facial treatments, different types of waxing, body wraps, and makeup application using standard industry equipment like facial steamers, magnifying lamps, and high-frequency units.
The curriculum isn’t just about techniques—it’s about understanding the science behind what you’re doing. Our program incorporates skin analysis, ingredient knowledge, client safety, and sanitation protocols mandated in VA, preparing students not only for the basic esthetician license exam but also for day-to-day realities of the profession.
What sets our programs apart is the real-world application. We partner with salons and spas to provide students with real-world work-based experiences and professional mentorship. This isn’t just theory—you’re building actual skills with actual clients under professional supervision.
Here’s what most beauty schools won’t tell you: knowing techniques isn’t enough if you can’t apply them confidently with real clients. That’s why learning at AVI Career Training is exciting and hands-on, combining classroom learning with practical experience.
Students invest considerable time practicing on mannequins and, subsequently, supervised clients, mimicking a genuine salon setting to develop confidence and ability. You start with the basics on practice heads, then progress to working with real people under instructor guidance.
You’ll learn from seasoned professionals who bring years of salon and spa experience into the classroom, receiving personalized mentorship and insider insights. These aren’t just teachers—they’re working professionals who understand what it takes to succeed in today’s market.
The equipment you’ll train on matters too. We provide students with access to the latest tools and technologies in the beauty industry, with facilities equipped with state-of-the-art sterilization and application equipment. We continuously update our curriculum to include the latest trends and techniques, such as microblading, eyelash extensions, and advanced waxing methods.
By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a certificate—you’ll have real experience working with clients, solving problems, and delivering the kind of results that keep people coming back. Our programs provide a solid foundation for a successful beauty career and open doors to a world of opportunities, with graduates having the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel.
Quality beauty education shouldn’t be out of reach because of finances or scheduling conflicts. We’re approved by the Department of Education to offer Federal Financial Aid Title IV Funding, which includes Pell Grants and Direct Loans for those who qualify.
We welcome students from all backgrounds, including international students and veterans. We’re approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, so if you’re using GI Bill benefits, we can work with you.
The reality is that most of our students are balancing other responsibilities—jobs, families, commitments. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options that work with your life, not against it.
Here’s something that matters more than most students realize: who you know in the beauty industry can be just as important as what you know. We have strong industry links that provide excellent opportunities for internships and jobs, with a network of alumni and industry partnerships to help kickstart your career.
We partner with salons and spas like Blush Spa in Dulles Landing, VA to provide students with real-world work-based experiences. These partnerships aren’t just for show—they’re active relationships that often lead to job opportunities for our graduates.
Although placement isn’t guaranteed, we supply career support materials, help with resume creation, and frequently pass along local job postings from salons looking for beautician skills within our connections. We have strong connections with salon and spa owners who frequently visit our school to recruit our graduates, and our job placement assistance program ensures that students have access to employment opportunities even before they complete their programs.
The beauty industry in Fairfax County is thriving. Virginia currently has 253+ beauty industry jobs available, including positions for estheticians, cosmetologists, and sales professionals. Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,500 openings projected each year nationally.
What this means for you: when you graduate from AVI Career Training, you’re not just entering the job market with a certificate. You’re entering with connections, references, and often with job leads already in hand. Graduates often become licensed cosmetologists, hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, beauty salon owners, or instructors, with the beauty industry presenting varied routes for numerous possibilities.
Not all beauty schools are created equal, and the differences matter when it comes to your licensing and career prospects. We’re accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE) and approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Our school is licensed to operate in Virginia by the Department of Professional Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
These accreditations aren’t just paperwork—they’re your assurance that the education you’re receiving meets rigorous standards. We concentrate on supplying the necessary knowledge foundation and practical hours for various VA licensing and prepare students for VA licensing tests through organized programs structured for achievement.
A quality beauty school curriculum is specifically designed to cover the topics and practical skills tested in the VA licensing exam, with instructors who have extensive industry experience and are up-to-date with the latest beauty trends and techniques.
When you complete your program at AVI Career Training, you’re not just prepared for the state board exam—you’re prepared for a successful career. You receive guidance focused on passing the VA basic esthetician license exam and build the confidence and professional skills needed to excel.
The program structure ensures you meet all state requirements while gaining practical skills that employers value. Our esthetics education program is structured to align with state requirements, with program duration typically taking between 6 to 12 months for full-time students.
The beauty industry offers something most careers don’t: the opportunity to help people feel confident and beautiful while building a stable, creative profession. With 7% projected growth in skincare specialists—much faster than average for all occupations—now is an excellent time to enter this field.
At AVI Career Training, you’re not just getting an education—you’re joining a community of professionals who understand what it takes to succeed. With over 30 years of experience and strong industry connections, we’ve helped countless students transform their passion for beauty into rewarding careers.
Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, or specialized beauty services, your journey starts with choosing the right school. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward your future in the beauty industry.