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District of Columbia Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Master esthetician

Master-level esthetics practice, including basic esthetics.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology · Application information

Master esthetician licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Practical board statement
The Board Applicant page, accessed with server-side official-page access, exempts Master Estheticians from a new practical sitting. The retained esthetician practical leaf represents the expressly required prior passage of the basic esthetics examination, not an invented master practical examination.
Published cross reference
17 DCMR § 3703.21 literally identifies the basic training as "set forth in 3703.23"; § 3703.23 is headed Wax Technician. The published cross-reference is retained without correcting it.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Training
Document completed basic esthetician training, passage of the basic esthetics examination, and 600 hours of master training in the subjects of 17 DCMR § 3703.21.
Master esthetician licensure following foreign education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Foreign records
Provide Board-acceptable foreign education or comparable training and experience, English competency, translated records where applicable, and pass the applicable examinations.
Practical board statement
The Board Applicant page, accessed with server-side official-page access, exempts Master Estheticians from a new practical sitting. The retained esthetician practical leaf represents the expressly required prior passage of the basic esthetics examination, not an invented master practical examination.
Published cross reference
17 DCMR § 3703.21 literally identifies the basic training as "set forth in 3703.23"; § 3703.23 is headed Wax Technician. The published cross-reference is retained without correcting it.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Training
Document completed basic esthetician training, passage of the basic esthetics examination, and 600 hours of master training in the subjects of 17 DCMR § 3703.21.
Reactivation after five or more inactive years with Board approved reasonable cause relief
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
This route applies only when the Board determines that failure to renew during the inactive period was due to reasonable cause or excusable neglect and grants relief from treatment as a new applicant.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Requirements
Meet the Board's reactivation terms, fees, CE and applicable renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Master licensure with Board approved NCEA training and examination waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
Hold a National Esthetician Certification issued by the National Coalition of Estheticians Association.
Discretion
The Board must exercise its discretion to waive training and examination requirements; this is the approved-waiver route, not an automatic waiver.
Existing licence
Hold a current District esthetician or cosmetologist licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial application with prelicensure supervised practice permission

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam scheduling
Take the first available examination, or the next examination after a good-cause waiver of the first sitting; permission ends upon failing the examination.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Pending application
All licensure qualifications except sitting the examination must already be demonstrated. Obtain the Board's written letter permitting supervised practice.
Practical board statement
The Board Applicant page, accessed with server-side official-page access, exempts Master Estheticians from a new practical sitting. The retained esthetician practical leaf represents the expressly required prior passage of the basic esthetics examination, not an invented master practical examination.
Published cross reference
17 DCMR § 3703.21 literally identifies the basic training as "set forth in 3703.23"; § 3703.23 is headed Wax Technician. The published cross-reference is retained without correcting it.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Supervision
Practice under immediate supervision in a licensed school, salon or shop; do not assume management responsibility or receive customer compensation other than supervised-work salary.
Training
Document completed basic esthetician training, passage of the basic esthetics examination, and 600 hours of master training in the subjects of 17 DCMR § 3703.21.
Reactivation after five or more inactive years as a new applicant

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Current requirements
Meet all current initial-licensure requirements.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Practical board statement
The Board Applicant page, accessed with server-side official-page access, exempts Master Estheticians from a new practical sitting. The retained esthetician practical leaf represents the expressly required prior passage of the basic esthetics examination, not an invented master practical examination.
Published cross reference
17 DCMR § 3703.21 literally identifies the basic training as "set forth in 3703.23"; § 3703.23 is headed Wax Technician. The published cross-reference is retained without correcting it.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Timing
At least five years of inactive status; no Board reasonable-cause or excusable-neglect relief.
Training
Document completed basic esthetician training, passage of the basic esthetics examination, and 600 hours of master training in the subjects of 17 DCMR § 3703.21.
Reactivation after fewer than five inactive years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Requirements
Pay the reactivation fee and satisfy current CE and renewal requirements.
Timing
Inactive status must have lasted fewer than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity / out of state endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
17 DCMR § 3711.4 requires evidence of active practice in the other jurisdiction.
Board review
The Board may interview the applicant or deny for disciplinary grounds within controlling law.
District law discretion
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(c) permits a District-law test if the Board determines that substantial District-law knowledge is required. It identifies no currently offered examination; the unresolved discretionary slot is an applicant condition, not an examination identity.
Existing licence
Current good-standing licence in the same or substantially similar practice from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards that admits District licensees in a like manner; provide direct certification and applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of expired licence within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide the CE credits that would have been required in each missed licensing cycle.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of current competence and knowledge of applicable law, meet current renewal requirements and any Board-imposed education or training.
Timing
Apply within five years of expiration and pay the reinstatement fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after failure to seek reinstatement within five years

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Current requirements
Obtain a new licence by meeting all current initial-licensure requirements.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Practical board statement
The Board Applicant page, accessed with server-side official-page access, exempts Master Estheticians from a new practical sitting. The retained esthetician practical leaf represents the expressly required prior passage of the basic esthetics examination, not an invented master practical examination.
Published cross reference
17 DCMR § 3703.21 literally identifies the basic training as "set forth in 3703.23"; § 3703.23 is headed Wax Technician. The published cross-reference is retained without correcting it.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Timing
The licence expired and no reinstatement application was made within five years.
Training
Document completed basic esthetician training, passage of the basic esthetics examination, and 600 hours of master training in the subjects of 17 DCMR § 3703.21.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Unless first renewal, provide six approved CE hours per cycle: two health, safety and welfare and four electives, subject to the Board's permitted substitution rules.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Late renewal
Within 60 days after expiry, submit missing requirements and the late fee; otherwise apply for reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Fitness
Demonstrate integrity, competence and knowledge of applicable law; complete ordered educational or training requirements and all missed CE.
Order
Reinstatement is only under the controlling suspension or revocation order or final review judgment. Any case-specific reexamination under the order is an unidentified applicant condition.
Waiting period
After revocation or denied reinstatement, wait one year unless the order provides otherwise.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetician

Basic esthetics practice under the current specialty cosmetology rules.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology · Application information

Specialty licensure for an already licensed cosmetologist

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Existing licence
A cosmetologist may take the specialty examinations after passing the cosmetologist examinations. The cosmetologist examinations are another profession's assessments and remain applicant conditions.
Specialty title
A cosmetologist may not hold out as an esthetics specialist without passing the specialty examination.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Licensure by examination with equivalent training and experience

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Existing licence
17 DCMR § 3703.20 requires a licence from another United States jurisdiction plus the 600 combined hours.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Training
Provide Board-satisfactory equivalent training and experience totalling 600 hours.
Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Training
Complete 600 hours at a licensed or Board-acceptable school in the subjects listed in 17 DCMR § 3703.19.
Licensure by examination following foreign education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Board review
The Board may interview the applicant and must find the foreign qualifications acceptable.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Training
Provide an official transcript, notarized degree, diploma or certificate for a foreign program, or comparable specialty experience and training.
Translation
Non-English records require a signed, dated translation on stationery from a Board-acceptable translation service.
Reactivation after five or more inactive years with Board approved reasonable cause relief
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
This route applies only when the Board determines that failure to renew during the inactive period was due to reasonable cause or excusable neglect and grants relief from treatment as a new applicant.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Requirements
Meet the Board's reactivation terms, fees, CE and applicable renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial application with prelicensure supervised practice permission

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam scheduling
Take the first available examination, or the next examination after a good-cause waiver of the first sitting; permission ends upon failing the examination.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Pending application
All licensure qualifications except sitting the examination must already be demonstrated. Obtain the Board's written letter permitting supervised practice.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Supervision
Practice under immediate supervision in a licensed school, salon or shop; do not assume management responsibility or receive customer compensation other than supervised-work salary.
Reactivation after five or more inactive years as a new applicant

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Current requirements
Meet all current initial-licensure requirements.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Timing
At least five years of inactive status; no Board reasonable-cause or excusable-neglect relief.
Reactivation after fewer than five inactive years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Requirements
Pay the reactivation fee and satisfy current CE and renewal requirements.
Timing
Inactive status must have lasted fewer than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity / out of state endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
17 DCMR § 3711.4 requires evidence of active practice in the other jurisdiction.
Board review
The Board may interview the applicant or deny for disciplinary grounds within controlling law.
District law discretion
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(c) permits a District-law test if the Board determines that substantial District-law knowledge is required. It identifies no currently offered examination; the unresolved discretionary slot is an applicant condition, not an examination identity.
Existing licence
Current good-standing licence in the same or substantially similar practice from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards that admits District licensees in a like manner; provide direct certification and applicable fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of expired licence within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide the CE credits that would have been required in each missed licensing cycle.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of current competence and knowledge of applicable law, meet current renewal requirements and any Board-imposed education or training.
Timing
Apply within five years of expiration and pay the reinstatement fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure after failure to seek reinstatement within five years

All of the following:

Application
Submit the required application, fees and verification of qualifications; examination eligibility is approved by the Department before scheduling.
Current requirements
Obtain a new licence by meeting all current initial-licensure requirements.
Education level
Current 17 DCMR § 3703.1 requires completion of tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated.
English competency
17 DCMR § 3707.12 requires applicants whose first language is not English to provide satisfactory evidence of English competency.
Exam timing
17 DCMR § 3707.11 requires student applicants to take the examination within two years of graduation or completion of an approved program.
Statutory minimum age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits specialty cosmetology applicants at age 17. The lower-ranked current rule, 17 DCMR § 3703.1, states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board may request proof of age 18.
Timing
The licence expired and no reinstatement application was made within five years.
Ordinary renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Unless first renewal, provide six approved CE hours per cycle: two health, safety and welfare and four electives, subject to the Board's permitted substitution rules.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Late renewal
Within 60 days after expiry, submit missing requirements and the late fee; otherwise apply for reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing licence
An existing licence in this credential is required.
Fitness
Demonstrate integrity, competence and knowledge of applicable law; complete ordered educational or training requirements and all missed CE.
Order
Reinstatement is only under the controlling suspension or revocation order or final review judgment. Any case-specific reexamination under the order is an unidentified applicant condition.
Waiting period
After revocation or denied reinstatement, wait one year unless the order provides otherwise.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Practical examination (esthetician specialty operator)

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
DC Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection
Format
Practical examination
Passing score
70 percent for specialty cosmetology operator licences
Examination sources

National Esthetics Advanced Practice Theory Examination

Provider
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); administered by Test Administration companies and States upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Theory examination of four-option multiple-choice items, only one option correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • Scientific Concepts (30%) (30%)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Identify how disease and infection are caused (e.g., viral, bacterial, parasitical, fungal)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Identify how disease and infection are transmitted (e.g., direct/indirect contact, communicable, cross-contamination)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Determine levels of infection control (i.e., cleansing/sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Determine methods of infection control (e.g., chemical, heat)
    • Apply Knowledge of Infection Control Procedures — Recognize purpose and/or effect of infection control principles — Demonstrate blood exposure and contact incidence and response
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Procedure environment
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Products, ingredients, and equipment
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Protocols
    • Apply and demonstrate knowledge of safety practices in: — Recognizing issues outside of scope of practice (e.g., diagnosing, prescribing, medical authorization)
    • Apply knowledge of products and ingredients — Recognize purpose and effects
    • Apply knowledge of products and ingredients — Interpret labeling
    • Recognize intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their effects on the skin (e.g., hormonal, environmental)
    • Recognize and understand concepts in advanced therapies (e.g., cryogenic, ayurveda, phytotherapy, algotherapy)
    • Apply knowledge of practicing in a medical setting — Recognize purpose and effect of medical procedures (e.g., injectables, light modalities, surgery)
    • Apply knowledge of practicing in a medical setting — Define relevant medical terminology
  • Esthetic Advance Practice Service (70%) (70%)
    • Apply knowledge for protocol development — Identify procedure environment — Clinical
    • Apply knowledge for protocol development — Identify procedure environment — Spa
    • Apply knowledge for protocol development — Identify procedure environment — Home
    • Apply knowledge for protocol development — Determine contraindications for protocol
    • Apply knowledge for protocol development — Document protocol
    • Apply knowledge of exfoliation procedures — Recognize purpose and effect of methods — Chemical (e.g., alpha and beta hydroxy, TCA, enzymes)
    • Apply knowledge of exfoliation procedures — Recognize purpose and effect of methods — Physical (e.g., microdermabrasion and hydrodermabrasion, ultrasonic)
    • Apply knowledge of exfoliation procedures — Determine product or machine selection
    • Apply knowledge of exfoliation procedures — Demonstrate competent use of products and machines
    • Apply knowledge of extraction procedures — Determine method of extraction
    • Apply knowledge of extraction procedures — Competent use of implements used for extractions (e.g., comedone extractor, lancet)
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Recognize purpose and effect of methods and contraindications
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Determine method of lymphatic drainage (e.g., manual, machine-aided)
    • Apply knowledge of lymphatic drainage — Demonstrate competent lymphatic drainage
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Recognize purpose and effect of methods
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Determine considerationsi for body region
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of use of devices and machines and contraindications (e.g., laser, IPL, radio frequency) — Competent product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Recognize purpose and effect of methods (e.g., waxing, sugaring, electrolysis)
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Determine considerations for body region (e.g., ears, Brazilian, underarm)
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of hair removal procedures — Competent product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Recognize purpose and effect of methods
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Determine product selection
    • Apply knowledge of body treatments (e.g., body wraps, body scrubs, cellulite types and treatments, hydrotherapy) — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Recognize purpose and effect of methods (e.g., red and blue)
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Determine color selection
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of LED procedure — Demonstrate competent use of machine
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Recognize purpose and effect of modalities
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Determine settings
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Demonstrate product application and removal
    • Apply knowledge of microcurrent procedure — Demonstrate competent use of machine and applicators
    • Apply knowledge of aromatherapy treatment — Recognize purpose and effect of products (e.g., essential oils, botanicals)
    • Apply knowledge of aromatherapy treatment — Recognize competent use of product and application
    • Apply knowledge and recognize purpose and effect of other procedures (e.g., dermaplaning, microneedling, ultrasound)
    • Apply knowledge and recognize purpose and effect of medical regenerative therapies (e.g., PRP, PRF)
Examination sources

National Esthetics Theory Examination

Provider
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); administered by Test Administration companies and States upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Theory examination of four-option multiple-choice items, only one option correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS (55%) (55%)
    • Basic knowledge of microbiology (i.e., bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi)
    • Apply knowledge of infection control procedures related to: — Levels of infection control (i.e., sanitation, disinfection, sterilization)
    • Apply knowledge of infection control procedures related to: — Methods of infection control (i.e., heat, chemical agents)
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Standard (Universal) Precautions
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Blood exposure procedures
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (e.g., manufacturer’s labeling)
    • Apply knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines related to: — Handling of chemicals
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Cells and their functions
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Tissues (i.e., epithelial, connective, nerve, muscular)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Organs and their function (e.g., skin, lungs, heart)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of human physiology and anatomy related to: — Systems and their functions (e.g., muscular, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, skeletal)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the layers of the skin
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Structure and function of the glands
    • Demonstrate an understanding of histology and physiology of the skin related to: — Functions of the skin (e.g., protection, temperature regulation, absorption)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sebaceous gland (e.g., acne, milia, seborrhea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Disorders of the sudoriferous gland (e.g., hyperhidrosis, bromhydrosis, anhidrosis)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Contagious diseases (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis, herpes simplex, tinea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin inflammations (e.g., dermatitis, eczema, rosacea)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin pigmentation (i.e., hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin growths (e.g., skin tags, moles, keratoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Skin cancers (i.e., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
    • Recognize and understand skin disorders and diseases related to: — Primary and secondary skin lesions
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Structure of the hair and its follicle
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Growth cycles
    • Understanding function and composition of the hair related to: — Abnormal hair growth (e.g., hirsutism, hypertrichosis)
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Ingredients
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Labeling
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Function (e.g., hydration, protection, cleanse)
    • Understanding basic chemistry as related to: — Acidity/Alkalinity (i.e., pH)
  • SKIN CARE AND SERVICES (45%) (45%)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Apply knowledge of client protection (i.e., draping of head and body)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Skin analysis (e.g., Fitzpatrick skin types/conditions/characteristics)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Contraindications for skin services
    • Demonstrate an understanding of performing a client consultation and documentation (e.g., health history, intake form, consultation chart, physician release) — Treatment protocol
    • Demonstrate an understanding of basic facial procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of cleansing procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of steaming procedures
    • Demonstrate an understanding of exfoliation procedures (i.e., chemical, mechanical/manual)
    • Demonstrate a basic understanding of massage movements
    • Demonstrate an understanding of methods of extraction
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and applications of masks related to clay/mud (e.g., cream, gel, clay/mud)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Treat/moisturize (e.g., treatment cream, serum)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Sun protection
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the conclusion of facial services: — Home care (i.e., after care)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the use of electrical equipment used in skin services
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Principles (e.g., color theory)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Product selection (e.g., lipstick, foundation)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Application (e.g., contouring, highlighting, blending)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Safety (e.g., bracing)
    • Demonstrate an understanding of makeup as related to: — Infection control (e.g., disposables, disinfection of tools)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Facial services (e.g., aromatherapy, pre- and post-surgical/medical treatments, ultrasonic)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Body treatments (body wraps, body scrubs, sunless tanning)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Eyelash and eyebrow services (e.g., lash and brow tinting, artificial lashes, lash lifting/perming)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Demonstrate an understanding of hair removal methods and procedures (i.e., waxing, tweezing)
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services related to: — Wellness programs
    • Demonstrates basic knowledge of advanced topics and treatments (e.g., dermaplaning, nano infusion, microdermabrasion)
Examination sources