A good special-effects makeup course teaches how to do foam-latex prosthesis fabrication and application. It will also teach film makeup artistry through lectures, demonstrations and student practice.
A good candidate for special-effects makeup training is someone who is not only artistic but has a good eye for detail. A background in theater or art is also helpful.
Taking a course or having a degree in anatomy, chemistry, photography, art or theater can be helpful experience to have as a special-effects makeup artist.
The Resource section has schools listed that have courses in special effect makeup. One school has interactive courses that are available online in real time.
Some courses are as short as three months. Length of the course depends upon whether you choose to go full- or part-time and what additional courses you choose to take.