How long must a cosmetology school keep student records?

The requirement for how long a cosmetology school must maintain student records is five years. Keeping these records for this duration is essential for various reasons, including compliance with state regulations, tracking student progress, and providing documentation for students should they need it in the future. After this period, schools may securely dispose of records, reducing the storage burden while ensuring that student information is not kept indefinitely. This practice aligns with several state and federal guidelines regarding educational recordkeeping. Understanding the importance of record retention can help future cosmetologists navigate their careers and ensure that schools are meeting legal requirements.