Esthetician license requirements

An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. Pennsylvania Department of State. State Athletics. Election Security. Campaign Finance. Keystone Login. File Business Forms. Board Contacts. Page Content. Cosmetology has three focus areas: hair, nails, and skin. If you're pursuing a career as an esthetician, this page will provide you with the details of what you can expect along your journey, including program and training options, exams, certifications, and obtaining the all-important esthetician's license.

Before you can legally work as an esthetician, you'll need to earn a license that qualifies you to perform esthetician services in your state.

The one exception is Connecticut, the only state in the U. Everywhere else, a license is your ticket to a career in this field, although licensure requirements — such as the specific exams you'll have to pass or the number of training hours you'll need to complete — vary state by state.

Alabama , for example, requires you to complete 1, training hours to earn a license, while aspiring estheticians in Alaska must complete only The first step to becoming an esthetician is enrolling in and completing a cosmetology program.

Your curriculum will vary by school and location, but the program must prepare you for all licensure examinations in your state and satisfy your state's training hour requirements. Visit the Beauty Schools Directory esthetician hub for more information about cosmetology schools with esthetician programs in your area, including cost, accreditation, possible financial aid, exam prep, available certificates, and training hours. A combination of academic coursework and hands-on training, the hours you spend learning will prepare you not only to meet your state's licensure requirements, but to perform competently and confidently as an esthetician in the field.

The number of hours you'll be required to train can vary wildly from state to state. Oregon , for example, requires just training hours, while states like Georgia won't grant a license to anyone with fewer than 1, training hours. Overall, most states require training hours for their aspiring estheticians. The length of time that it takes you to complete the necessary hours can also vary dramatically depending on whether you train full-time or part-time. In most cases, passing the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology NIC exam will be your final hurdle on your journey toward working as a licensed esthetician.

There are two portions, the hands-on, or practical examination , and the written, or theory exam. Most states require you to complete both. The tests are closely monitored. There are strict and specific rules regarding things like prohibited items, necessary documentation, required supplies, what you can do with those supplies, and even where you physically have to be during certain parts of the tests.

It's important to follow all guidelines, deadlines, rules, and regulations that govern the testing; these regulations are non-negotiable. Learn them and follow them all. The written NIC exam runs 90 minutes, is administered on a computer, and involves two sections. It addresses subject matter like microbiology, infection control, and cells and tissues.

The NIC practical exam is the hands-on portion where you'll be tested on at least nine critical services and activities. This includes things like set up and prep for workstations and clients, facial cleansing, exfoliating, makeup, hair removal, and particle microdermabrasion, some of which may be demonstrated on a mannequin or live model.

At least a dozen states waive the training-hours requirement for students who participate in apprenticeship programs. In this kind of arrangement, you'll learn while you work in a real-world setting with actual clients under the supervision and guidance of a qualified, licensed esthetician. If the late fee is due, your license is not renewed. Licenses expired for more than three 3 years become invalid.

In order to reinstate an invalid license, the licensee must take reinstatement exams. There are no waivers to this provision. Skip to Main Content. Go to TN. Print This Page.