What’s the Difference Between Certification and Licensing in Canada?
- Fareeza S
- May 29
- 3 min read
The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Lash Techs, Waxers, Brow Artists & Facialists
If you’re planning to start a beauty career in Canada, you’ve probably asked:
“Do I need a license or a certification?” “What’s the difference between them?” “Can I offer services legally from home with just a certification?”
These are some of the most common and confusing questions new lash techs, waxers, brow artists, and estheticians ask. That’s why we created this easy-to-understand guide — to give you accurate, up-to-date, and Canadian-specific answers.
Let’s break it down 👇
🧾 What Is a Certification in the Canadian Beauty Industry?
A certification is a document that proves you've completed training in a specific beauty skill — like lash extensions, waxing, facials, or brow lamination.
You usually receive it from:
✅ A private beauty academy (like Glam Up Canada)
✅ An online course or in-person workshop
✅ A beauty school not governed by the province
At Glam Up Canada, our certification courses are designed for students across Canada who want flexible, fast, and fully online training in modern beauty techniques — with updates, printable certificates, and professional resources.
💡 Our certification courses are recognized across all provinces and ideal for freelancers, mobile techs, and home-based studios.
🛂 What Is a License in the Canadian Beauty Industry?
A license is a government-issued permission that allows you to offer beauty services legally in regulated provinces.
Licenses are usually required for:
Hairdressing / Barbering
Medical aesthetics
Advanced skin treatments (e.g., microneedling, injectables)
But here's the big truth most people don’t realize 👇
In most parts of Canada, you do NOT need a government-issued license to offer lashes, waxing, brows, or basic facials.
Let’s break it down by province.
🗺️ Do You Need a Beauty License in Your Province?
Province | License Required for Lashes/Waxing? | Notes |
Ontario | ❌ No | Certification is enough |
British Columbia | ❌ No | Certification is fine, zoning applies |
Alberta | ❌ No | Follow Alberta Health Services sanitation rules |
Manitoba | ❌ No | Home businesses allowed with permits |
Quebec | ✅ Sometimes | May require aesthetics diploma for some services |
Saskatchewan | ❌ No | Certification only |
Nova Scotia | ❌ No | Health inspection required |
Newfoundland | ❌ No | Local biz permit only |
PEI | ❌ No | Confirm with city/town |
New Brunswick | ❌ No | Health regulations apply |
Yukon/NWT/Nunavut | ❌ No | Few restrictions, but check local bylaws |
✅ Certification is accepted in nearly every province to start a beauty business — and that’s exactly what we offer at Glam Up Canada.
🎓 Certification vs Licensing in Canada: A Quick Comparison
Feature | Certification | License |
Issued By | Private school / academy | Government or provincial board |
Cost | $100 – $800 | Can be $1,500 – $10,000+ (school + exam fees) |
Duration | A few hours to weeks | 1–2 years full-time (college) |
Required for Home Business? | ✅ Usually enough | ❌ Not required unless offering medical treatments |
Example Services | Lashes, waxing, brows | Hairdressing, injectables |
Offered by Glam Up Canada? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (not needed for most beauty services) |
🤔 So, Do I Need a License to Start a Beauty Business?
If you're offering services like:
Lash extensions
Waxing
Brow lamination or tinting
Facials using non-medical products
Then NO — a license is not legally required in most Canadian provinces.
Instead, what you DO need is:
✅ Certification from a trusted Canadian beauty academy (Glam Up Canada)
✅ Proper sanitation protocols
✅ City permits (if working from home
✅ Business registration (in some cases)
That’s why our certification courses are perfect for:
Students looking to work from home
Freelancers offering mobile beauty
Side hustlers launching a weekend biz
New immigrants or moms returning to work
Career switchers who want flexibility & fast income
💻 Can You Get Certified Online in Canada?
YES. In fact, thousands of Canadian beauty entrepreneurs are now training 100% online — with printable certificates, course videos, and digital resources.
All of our beauty classes include:
Instant access
MP4 video lessons
Downloadable PDF workbooks
Quizzes and knowledge checks
A beautiful certificate you can print or frame
Our top certification courses in 2025:
Lash Extensions
Brow Lamination
Facials & Skincare
📣 Final Thoughts: Start Smart With Certification
You don’t need to spend $10,000 on college. You don’t need a government license in most provinces. You don’t need to wait.
You can start your dream beauty business with a legit certification from a trusted Canadian academy — and that’s exactly what we offer at Glam Up Canada.
🎓 Explore Our Online Beauty Certifications
Ready to become certified and launch your business?
Learn on your own time
Download your certificate instantly
Trusted by 10,000+ Canadian students
Fully online, fully legit
Whether you're starting a lash studio, brow bar, or waxing business, we've got your back.
✨ Glam Up Canada is your #1 Online Beauty Academy + Digital Beauty HQ. ✨
