Electrolysis Exam Secrets ... warning!

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#21

Yeah, I’m in both the EI and Hairtell groups… I’m always looking for more information, insight, etc. I started reading posts here long before I considered electrolysis as a profession and went to school for it and continue to experiment with different probes and whatnot to find what I believe gives my best treatment.

I simply think the AEA fails massively as a “professional” organization (and I dare mention my thoughts on that with some trepidation given the experience a friend had regarding a state affiliate meeting where a member was bragging that she paid her clients to lodge complaints against a competitor, not knowing said competitor was in the audience listening to it).

Outside of the CPE, I don’t see where the AEA is helping the profession much at all and even then, the CPE itself is pretty useless as a board certification as, due to the AEA backed state licensing laws, it doesn’t even mean you can practice in all states. And, as far as the prestige of it goes, I’ve met some CPEs that don’t know what they’re talking about and have butchered people pretty badly… and I’ve dealt with people coming from licensed states where this happened as well.

It could be that I’ve just encountered all the downside, but given that every AEA email address bounces, it’s not like they can even answer any of my concerns. I’ve gotten more from the people here and in places like EI/HS than I’ve gotten from the AEA.

#22

I hear this kind of feedback frequently.

Yes, there is information and mentorship in other places and a CPE doesn’t assure that you are better than the best, but it does tell the consumer that the electrologist went the extra tenth of a mile to pay their dues and take a test, in order to belong to the club. In the consumers eye, those extra initials behind the name may send a tingle up their leg, but for the astute consumer, they are more broad minded and know to check out a few electrologists, initialed with a CPE or not initialed with a CPE.

Some times there are shortcomings mixed with snobbery in some organizations. Unfortunately, the hardworking, dedicated, welcoming club members are the ones not remembered. It is those that have created a culture of exclusivity with poor communication skills, among other things, that will be remembered.

#23

Dee and “E” …

I think the key concept is this: does the AEA want to be a “RESOURCE,” or a “GUILD.” One association correctly called themselves the “International GUILD of Professional Electrologists.” And, they are a dead organization too. I mean REALLY dead! And, they should be dead.

You can look up the two terms yourself (study the meanings carefully), but these two conflicting themes have resonated in the AEA for decades. The terms are VERY different; in point of fact, contradictory.

“Guild” and “resource” are conflicting terms, just like the two notions that we so easily throw around like “Liberty and Justice” … these are also opposite ideals. The US Constitution is a “balancing act” between these two epic (and opposite) principles.

The key is this: You cannot be a GUILD and a RESOURCE at the same time! Can a country be a democracy and a dictatorship at the same time? Yeah, it’s like that.

So, what is the AEA? THAT’S the real question that has yet to be resolved.

With the advent of the internet the future, in my opinion, points ONLY to “resource.” Indeed, guilds used to be the only system … but that was in the medieval period. Today, guilds … and trade unions … are essentially “dead meat,” and essentially corporate (benefiting primarily the leaders).

My suggestion to my EXCELLENT friends in the AEA has been not to formulate what they think the public and the profession wants … but to spend a LOT of time finding out what people actually want! Bottom up … not top down. You should fulfill the need … not impose a “solution” (without knowing the need)! It’s just that simple!

The frustration that “Emancipated” is so intelligently expressing is, as Dee says, ubiquitous. People don’t know exactly why they dislike the AEA … but the discrepancy between these two ideals is probably at the heart of the matter. I don’t believe anyone on the ruling AEA committees understands this whatsoever … not in the true implementation of the concept of RESOURCE!

And, that’s what keeps me from joining and really working for the AEA …

Resource YES! … Guild NO!

#24

I just spoke to Patsy about the "CPE issue and people being authorized to speak (write?) for the AEA. Here is her answer:

" … If the person lecturing is an electrologist they should/must be a CPE.

If the [lecturing] person is an RN, MD, etc., or holds a degree in the topic, they may lecture without being a CPE.

The topic of whether to allow an electrologist who holds a degree in the topic or is very well versed through education on the topic and not a CPE should AEA give CEUs? That’s a debate. In the past it comes back to ‘are they a CPE’!"

(huh?)

#25

Oh … Patsy cleared this up a bit more

Okay, here’s the deal …

If you have 10 years experience as an electrologists, and practiced those 10 years, with no CPE, you may lecture on a topic pertaining to electrolysis. If you have a degree, and no CPE, you may lecture on the topic of in which you have a degree.

#26

Michael, I just checked that indeed your books are not included as suggested study materials to pass the exam. This text was copied from the AEA website:

"The Study Guide was used extensively to formulate questions in the test development process. Ancillary texts such as Cosmetic and Medical Electrolysis & Temporary Hair Removal by Richards and Meharg,Electrolysis, Thermolysis And The Blend by Hinkel and Lund, and Milady’s Hair Removal Techniques by Bickmore are also suggested study materials."

And this makes me suspicious about their true intentions. Could it be that your books divulge too much useful information for the consumer? or that your books talk about what should be the percentage of acceptable regrowth for a good professional? or that your books refute the stupidity of “only anagen”? or that your books are full of evidence and pictures showing the strategy of the three clearances? and finally, could it be that all this information (as useful as real) contradicts the assertions of some respectable ladies?

If this is the real motivation, I fear that they will fail miserably. They can remove you from their web and their conferences, but may not prevent you upload videos and posts on the Internet. It’s hard to gate-keep in a world with no fences!

Because of things like this are what make me feel ashamed to be called electrologist.

#27

Some people might consider attaining the credentials as jumping through unnecessary and expensive hoops, I do wish to tell you that the public does look at the certification in a positive manner. The AEA has provided a consistent and well-thought-out exam for professionals. The AEA has focused on electrolysis/electroepilation rather than spread itself out with other hair removal methods.

#28

I think what Jossie is alluding to is the “officialdom” of AEA offerings; a sort of “thought control” that has been pervasive for decades (although probably better today?) Rather than speak in generalities, here are a few episodes that I did not simply hear about … I was physically THERE and experienced these first-hand. The following is not hearsay … I was there!

Wally Roberts: Wally was a true “mega-star” in the profession; the second-generation school owner and the manufacturer of a wonderful thermolysis machine called “Proteus.” (I really liked Wally.) During the “early days of laser” Wally, being of scientific mind, explored the new technology. At the same time, the AEA started a virtual “war against laser.” (If you used laser, you were kicked out of the AEA. Is this still the case?)

Wally wanted to present his findings to the group, but was FORBIDDEN to attend the convention in New Orleans. He showed up anyway and was ejected from the meeting. Wally and I were talking in the hall, and “security” showed up and threw him off the premises with a warning that the local police would be called if he continued to stay around.

Larry “Lorenzo” Kunze: Larry was a certified “rock star” in our profession and started investigating laser and started a laser curriculum in his school. Larry showed up at the convention and the AEA president walked up to him, returned his convention-paid money and ejected him from the meeting. I sat with Larry for a good hour and was, like Larry, completely stunned. “Hurt feelings” doesn’t even come close to describing his reaction.

Of course, my own experience dealt with the 20-year-long “official gag order” that I would also be thrown out were I to DARE speak about telangiectasia or local anesthetic … even in casual conversations with members.

Patsy Kirby (and Pearl): Since Patsy is one of my best friends, I attended the AEA convention when it was in San Francisco … mostly to visit with Pats and Keiko and Fumio (Japan). At the time, Patsy was the “director” and the titular head of AEA. When I got there, there was no Patsy. Patsy had gone home (fled), because she was FIRED (by the executive committee) right there on the spot … at the meeting.

Then again, there was a big nasty “flap” with the new president … lots of recrimination and threats of lawsuits.

I don’t have a specific name for this behavior … but others could probably find the right word. You cannot experience this kind of “thought control” and continue to have a trusting relationship with such a group. When anyone decides what “TRUTH” is … that’s the end of democracy and the start of authoritarianism.

I’m still an AEA supporter and like the people (individually); they are doing a lot of fine things. I’m not a member, only because there is no transparency or “laissez faire” foundation.

An organization is either “open” or it is not; there is no “middle ground.”

#29

I’ve never thought kicking people out of a convention, meeting or the organization was right. All of that was before I was an officer. What I’m saying is having an organization focused on educating electrologists about electrolysis IS important.

#30

I think an organization educating electrologists (and clients) is important as well. But the AEA seems to be run by amateurs. Like I said, in an effort to learn more about them first hand and to express some of my concerns prior to joining, I tried every email address on the website and every single one of them bounced.

Personally, I’d like to see the AEA be a body that I can believe in, but as Michael points out, I’m not sure the AEA even knows what it wants to be and, because there is no real direction, they’re failing to accomplish some of the basics they should be up on while acting more like a church persecuting people for heresy if they aren’t loyal to the clique.

I’d be glad to join an organization that IS educating electrologists and promoting the business… I just don’t see that from the AEA right now (at best, I see the AEA trying to promote protectionism).

#31

How could anyone possible be “against education?” Well, I am!

As far as “education,” I consider myself an anarchist. Those formulating/promoting “education” always (I mean ALWAYS) steer their curriculum into their own belief system and what “they know!” I have a lot to say on this subject; but at the moment … let me criticize myself!

After all my years in this profession and doing a ton of things, I have only one regret: writing my book called “The Blend Method!” I wish I had never written it. Think about this a moment:

Let’s say you want to learn a new language. You take lessons and you learn the GRAMMAR. You learn what verbs and nouns are, word-order … the whole mess. However, once you know the language, do you still “do the grammar?” Of course not … because you know the language. You just talk!

(Actually, language experts that construct “grammar” did not invent the language AT ALL. Instead, grammar is constructed to explain how people already speak the language! The language came first … the grammar came AFTERWARD!

About a year ago Jane Leahy (Prestige) wrote a piece that stunned me. She said, “Can you imagine that we used to computed units of lye, and count seconds with each hair … and so forth!” she was, of course, reciting “MY blend grammar.” Her article made me physically ill. It was the most damaging thing I had ever read. WHY?

The problem with “the written word” is that the WORD becomes the TRUTH! And, it’s NOT! The “grammar” in my book is not LAW … it was Hinkel’s attempt to describe what “blenders” were already doing! The technique came first … THEN the grammar; but only as a guide!

When I do blend, I do NOT compute units of lye. I do NOT count seconds. And, frankly, I don’t use “the blend” anywhere near what I outline in my book. Why? Because my book was just GRAMMAR! Once an electrologist gets a “feel” for the work, she just “speaks the language.” She invents her own “way.”

And, that’s the innate flaw of so-called “education.”

Educators wrap themselves up into the written word! They impose these writings on others … but the specific writings are ALWAYS “what they think is the truth.” As education advances, information becomes ever more selective, official, limited and controlled.

Indeed, many officials in the AEA “talk a good talk” about “education.” However, I have seen them viciously (albeit covertly) “condemn” and scoff at others that dare challenge own beliefs or understanding. (And, for example, Josefa has been the brunt of this condemnation for a very long time.)

Those promoting “education” usually become “protectors of the truth.” Real learning is messy, uncontrolled … and, with no “official” restraints.

(I don’t expect more than a few of you to appreciate the above. And yes, as far as “education” … I’m an anarchist.)

#32

Specific to “Emancipated’s” statement: Departments of education are ALWAYS protectionist!

#33

Here’s another “quote” to think about (mine):

The greatest tyrants of all time call themselves “educators.”

#34

I’m with you, Michael on those quotes.

I do want to recognize Barbara as a steadfast, unpaid worker for the the electrolysis profession as a whole. She has put her heart and soul into the AEA in the past and frankly, her efforts to educate us is unsurpassed by ANYONE and I mean ANYONE! I never thought you were given enough recognition as one of the quality leaders in the AEA and I want to publicly thank you once again for all that you have done inside the AEA and for all you do to make our closed blog, outside of the AEA blog, a quality place for new and “old” electrologists to hang out.

I do think these discussions are important as everyone offers useful feedback to make the AEA a better organization. It would be so helpful if open minds would take the feedback with the intended good involved. If Michael didn’t care about the viability of the AEA, he would just go surfing with his buddies.

Personally speaking, I’m still doing fine not being an AEA member. I get quality continuing education and the subject matter is more interesting and relevant to what I do. We have a great networking thing going on at our blogs - HairShoot, AEE and Electrology International and there is no sniping (for the most part :/).

October of 2013 did me in with the AEA attitude. My advice would be if you want to clean up the list in the future, think a little harder on how to go about this without P… off the whole continent of Europe.

Now, it’s time to sing, dance and laugh!

#35

Go, Michael, do it. Not as a favor to the present, past and future leaders (whom these serious errors seems not to matter at all), but for electrologists who are interested in overcoming this exam, and especially for potential customers who will choose a electrologist based on the possession of these valuable 3 letters, CPE."

#36

Ah … my two ladies!

About my “caring about the profession?” It’s probably because I don’t know anything else. At this point, I’m basically “screwed!” Years ago, when I told my parents what I planned to do for an occupation … my mother burst into tears! Not figuratively, she really did! I suppose she was hoping I’d pick a “higher ranking profession?” (Mom was right!)

Dee brings up a point. See, on an individual level there is probably not one person in the AEA bureaucracy that is not a super-wonderful, dedicated, lovely, fun, hard-working … well, you get the idea. So, what is it then?

It’s the structure of (nearly all) corporate organizations that creates “group think” and the toxic nature of the group. Individuals in the group? … MAGNIFICENT! Put them together as a ruling class? … dictatorial WITCHES!

Look, we would probably find every member of the US congress absolutely intelligent and charming … and everybody in the executive and judicial branches too. However, its very structure renders the government lethal.

Furthermore, we are geo-politically designed for continued Democratic presidents and Republican congresses (especially the House). There is nothing in our foreseeable future but government instability and inaction: “gridlock.” It’s all about the structure. (BTW, Dee, seeing Sara Palin always makes me laugh … but, probably not for the reasons you think!)

One structural change that could improve the AEA would be this: After the election of a new president, the entire “ruling committee” resigns. All new fresh blood comes in, with an agenda free of people that have established themselves as “know-it-alls” (in their own minds).

If you are a leader of an organization long enough, you feel like you own it! Remember: EVERYBODY can be replaced! You know “TERM LIMITS?”

For the old-timer ruling-elite AEA leaders that think, “How can the group survive without ME?” Well, trust me, it CAN. And, YOU are the problem! Yeah, you!

Thank you for all your work and tireless dedication; we love you … here’s your “Oscar” … let me “kiss your ass” one more time … now, “get lost!”

But then, my opinions are as worthless as a pile of “merda.” And, I know it! Nothing has changed, or will change, in the AEA … “not never, not no-how!” It’s institutionalized. (Don’t believe me? Read Thomas Jefferson!)

#37

Let me add another “shocking” anecdote to my missive.

Years ago, I spent at least 3-months copying 100% of ALL AEA documents. I put all this on a couple external drives: perfectly organized in “full-German order.” My scanner and keyboard was working 5 - 6 hours per day.

I printed out all the materials … everything … and assembled all of it in a BIG binder (about 6-inches thick.) Now all AEA stuff was on computer! With each document, I included a full explanation as to how to use each documents … everything. I even listed the type of paper to use, with samples, and the addresses of all suppliers.

(And, yes, I did this for free … of course.)

I did this so that ANY NEW in-coming president (or anybody) could immediately figure things out … easily, and get right to work. I mean, she could get an inquiry from a State about any issue and answer it immediately. It was all there: re-written (in proper English) … all of it. But what happened?

There was a “toxic take-over” of sorts in the leadership. The outgoing “Ruler” (who had all my materials) despised the in-coming president. AND … my entire work went missing. I mean the binder was gone, my hard-drives were (probably) destroyed and my months of work went straight to hell! I asked “former leader” what happened and she only said, “I’M not about to help HER!!!”

So, let me put this in very blunt terms (like my Italian dad would say), “This kind of crap should not happen!” When leadership thinks they are “all that” and they become a dictator, they need to “get lost” ASAP!

#38

Michael, you wrote: "After all my years in this profession and doing a ton of things, I have only one regret: writing my book called “The Blend Method!”

That is hysterical! And like your anecdotes I am coming to appreciate statements like that as a “classic Michael Bono response!” I love it.

This did remind me of something I read in John Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership some time ago. If you replace the word “leader” with “decent electrologist,” I think you get a fairly good representation of what you’re describing. As a student I am squarely between phase one and two below, which makes me a sponge - which is not a bad place to be!

Here is a summary of Maxwell’s points on Leadership (i.e., “becoming a decent electrologist”):

Successful leaders are life-long learners who apply self-discipline and perseverance. They get a little better each day.

The leadership growth process proceeds in five phases:

In the first phase, you don’t know what you don’t know.
You are not even aware that you could become a leader [decent electrologist.]

In the second phase, you know that you need to know.
You realize that you need to learn to lead. [and so you buy Michael’s book on The Blend, among others.]

In the third phase, you know what you don’t know. As you discover the gaps in your knowledge about leadership, you understand what you need to learn.

In the fourth phase, you know and grow, and it starts to show.
When you begin the daily discipline of personal growth, exciting things start to happen. [I hope to get here some day <sigh>]

In the fifth phase, you simply go because of what you know.
The ability to lead becomes automatic, and you develop great instincts that help you to lead effectively. [I think this is what you were talking about Michael, you simply “go with what you know.” The grammar be damned.]

Anyway, as a student I want to know it all - blend, thermolysis, and even galvanic. This forum and the one’s on Facebook have been a remarkable source of knowledge. Thanks to all you pro’s.

And it’s also strangely comforting to know that I am learning a trade that is populated by the same gaggle of miscreants and thugs as the one I come from - the medical field! :slight_smile:

#39

I reserve the harshest criticism for myself. And, actually when I look at some of my “writing” I could just throw up! I think I’m going to write a follow-up chapter in that book that basically says: “Don’t believe anything you just read!” (Would that work?)

I hope nobody in any “official position” is taking this personally? That’s never my goal … but actually, I don’t particularly care either.

Nicely, I’m now an old GEEZER and I don’t care what people think about me. I used to, but I learned that people will think whatever they want about you and, mostly, it has nothing to do with your trying to be polite, kind or politically correct.

I mean … damn … look what they did to Jesus!

So, my only suggestion to the new “Turks” (like you) is to not be afraid of asking question, ruffling feathers, being controversial and kicking some butt now and then. You are young and you are supposed to be a troublemaker! So, make trouble!

Just get to it … I promise you, you will feel GREAT and remember: “Don’t take NOTHING FROM NOBODY!”

And your take on the above is perfect … 100%!

#40

I do not think Helen Bono’s tears were because of the status of the profession, she knew well the potential of her son, and although the profession has never enjoyed a deserved social recognition, she knew you would everything possible so that the whole profession could scale positions in the ranking. The reason for her sadness probably was because you were going to enter a world composed predominantly of women. Something like entering a cave full of snakes, where most are harmless and peaceful, while others can not wait to inoculate its deadly poison.

Yes, I agree with your mother. You picked the wrong profession, you should have been a ‘snake charmer’!!.