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About
Welcome to Board Ready!
Board Ready was created with one goal in mind: to help cosmetology and barber graduates walk into their Missouri State Board practical exam feeling confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.
We understand how nerve-racking the state board exam can be. After spending countless hours in school learning your craft, the last thing you need is to feel unsure about what to expect on exam day. That's where Board Ready comes in.
How It Works
Our live, virtual practical state board prep course gives students the opportunity to review the exam step-by-step in a structured, supportive environment.
We walk through the practical exam just as you will experience it for the state, including kit preparation and assembly, proper procedures, timing, sanitation, and the hands-on skills you need to demonstrate.
You'll also complete a step-by-step mock board exam and receive instructor feedback to help identify areas that may need additional practice before the real exam.
Who It's For
Board Ready isn't just for recent graduates.
Board Ready isn't just for recent graduates. Our prep is also available to licensed professionals coming to Missouri from another state who need to meet Missouri licensing requirements, as well as individuals who need to retake their practical exam and want additional preparation before trying again.
Recent Graduates
Cosmetology and barber graduates preparing for their Missouri State Board practical exam.
Out-of-State Professionals
Licensed professionals coming to Missouri from another state who need to meet Missouri licensing requirements.
Retaking the Exam
Individuals who need to retake their practical exam and want additional preparation before trying again.
At Board Ready, we believe preparation builds confidence.
Our goal is to take some of the uncertainty and stress out of the process so you can focus on what you already know and do best. You've put in the work. Now let's get you Board Ready!
Prepare. Practice. Pass. Board Ready — Because confidence starts with preparation.
Meet Your Instructor
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Courtney Collins
Hi, I'm Courtney!
I've lived in the Kansas City area my entire life.
And no, I'm not going to tell you exactly how long that is.. LOL! Let's just say I've been around long enough to know a thing or two about hair, people, and state board exams.
I received my cosmetology training from The Jones Store School of Beauty in 1999. Even back then, I knew I wanted to teach. My instructor, Pip, who was absolutely awesome, gave me some great advice: "Go get some experience behind the chair first."
So…that's exactly what I did. For the next 14 years, I "experienced" just about every salon within a 30-mile radius. Boy, does time fly!
In 2013, I finally went for my instructor's license and began teaching at a local cosmetology school. After that school closed its doors, I taught at a few other schools and eventually decided that a barber license might look pretty good on a résumé—if nothing else!
So, naturally, I got one. Then I thought, Well, if I'm going to be a barber, I might as well teach that too! So I went on to earn my barber instructor's license as well. And that's when something became very clear to me: teaching was where I was supposed to be.
While working at a local barber college, I taught in the classroom, but I noticed something that kept happening. Students would come to me over and over asking for help preparing for their state board exam. So, I created a state board prep class for the school.
The problem? Schools are busy. Instructors are busy. Students graduate at different times. And when you have limited instructors trying to teach everything else, finding the time to focus specifically on state board preparation can be a challenge.
But I didn't want my students walking into their exam feeling unprepared. So, one student at a time, I started meeting them at the library to help them put their kits together and walk through the exam with them. They were grateful for the help, and I loved seeing their confidence grow. But I kept thinking: There has to be a better way to do this.
And that's when Board Ready was born.
From the Chair to the Classroom
Why I Created Board Ready
I created Board Ready because I've been where you are. I know how intimidating that exam can feel. You've spent countless hours learning your skills, and then suddenly you're expected to perform them while someone is watching, the clock is ticking, and your nerves are doing their absolute best to sabotage you.
I don't want fear or lack of preparation to stand between you and the career you've worked so hard for.
Board Ready is designed to help you understand what to expect, prepare your kit, practice the procedures, work through a mock board, and—most importantly—build confidence before you walk into that exam.
Because let's be honest…having to take the exam again means more time, more money, and more stress. Nobody needs that headache!
My goal is simple: I don't want you to give up on your dream.
A Quick Disclaimer—Because We Have to Say It
Board Ready is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering or its registration process. However, I follow the practical exam procedures and requirements as closely as possible so you can practice in a format that prepares you for what to expect.
Board Ready does not guarantee a passing score. What we can do is help you understand the process, practice your skills, prepare your kit, and walk into your exam feeling more confident and prepared.
You've already done the hard work of getting here. Now let me help you get Board Ready!