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Hawaii Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Esthetician

Beauty Operator license in the esthetician category; ordinary initial issuance and maintenance routes.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs · Application information

Add esthetician classification to an existing Hawaii Beauty Operator license through apprenticeship

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Existing License
Hold a current Hawaii Beauty Operator license in a different classification.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
1,200 registered esthetics apprenticeship hours; submit the applicable training records.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Add esthetician classification to an existing Hawaii Beauty Operator license through combined school and apprenticeship training

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Existing License
Hold a current Hawaii Beauty Operator license in a different classification.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
600 equivalent school hours; two apprentice hours count as one school hour subject to Board recognition; submit the applicable training records.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Add esthetician classification to an existing Hawaii Beauty Operator license through beauty school training

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Existing License
Hold a current Hawaii Beauty Operator license in a different classification.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
600 beauty-school hours in esthetics; submit the applicable training records.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Initial esthetician licensure through apprenticeship

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Apprenticeship Registration
Obtain the apprentice permit before beginning training; complete training within 42 months at a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
Complete 1,200 hours of registered esthetics apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician; provide Progress Reports and Notice of Completion or Withdrawal.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Initial esthetician licensure through combined school and apprenticeship training

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
The Board may accept a combination equivalent to 600 beauty-school hours, with two apprenticeship hours equal to one school hour. Training must not be more than three years old; overlapping training may not all be recognized.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Apply for a new esthetician license after revocation

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Prior Revocation
Apply at least five years after the effective date of revocation and comply with current requirements for new applicants.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Waiver Discretion
The Board may waive education or examination requirements if equivalent knowledge, competence, and qualifications are documented through work, training, or education.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Place an active license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an active license and make a written request during the licensure period or at renewal.
Inactive Status
Pay the inactive fee; an inactive licensee is considered unlicensed and may not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • hrs-436b-13-3

    HRS 436B-13.3(c)(1)-(4), inactivation and prohibition on practice

Reactivate an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an inactive esthetician operator license.
Fees
File the reactivation application and pay the fees applicable to the prior renewal status.
Other Requirements
No further listed requirements for the esthetician operator; a current and active Beauty Operator license is required for the instructor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
The Board FAQ states no continuing education is required for this license.
Existing License
Hold the applicable Hawaii license.
Renewal Deadline
Renew and pay applicable fees by December 31 of every odd-numbered year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restore a forfeited license within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay all delinquent fees and the penalty fee.
Forfeited License
Apply within three years after forfeiture.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • hrs-439a-14

    HRS 439A-14(c), restoration and new application after three years

Initial esthetician licensure based on a license held outside Hawaii

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
License Held Elsewhere
Provide the esthetician license or state board verification; its training must be substantially equivalent. If the issuing jurisdiction requires fewer hours, provide at least one year of licensed beauty operator experience, with employer verification or self-employment documentation, or complete deficient training.
Reciprocity
Holding an outside license is a qualification pathway; it does not itself grant a Hawaii license or remove the examination or accepted-score requirement.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Restore an esthetician license more than three years after forfeiture

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Board Discretion
HRS 439A-14(c) permits the Board to require taking and passing the examination; that discretion is an applicant condition.
Board Instruction
HAR 16-78-5.5(b)(4) requests a written explanation and supporting documentation, subject to Board approval; this does not displace the statute requiring a new application.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Prior License
A Hawaii esthetician license was forfeited more than three years ago. Apply as a new applicant and meet current qualifications.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Initial esthetician licensure through beauty school training

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application Time Limit
Complete the licensing process and pass the required examination within one year of application or examination eligibility as stated in the current application instructions.
Documentation
Provide a signed application, applicable fees, training documentation, required English translations, and disclosures with supporting disciplinary or criminal records when applicable.
Education
High school graduation or education equivalent to completion of high school. The Board evaluates equivalency; HAR 16-78-20(b) and application question 3 recognize one year of licensed experience outside Hawaii as evidence.
Examination Alternatives
The current Hawaii examination is the PSI National Esthetician Theory Test. The Board accepts proof of a previously passed NIC Esthetics Theory Examination for examination waiver; the passing score remains an examination leaf because the NIC examination is still offered and registered.
Score Evidence
For examination waiver, attach a NIC Score Report or Pass Report from the licensing jurisdiction. Applicants who do not have an accepted passing score require Board examination approval and must sit the current PSI examination.
Social Security Number
Provide a Social Security Number as required by the Board application.
Training
Complete 600 hours of esthetics beauty-school training and provide a transcript showing subjects and hours. Training from another jurisdiction is evaluated for substantial equivalence under HRS 439A-6(i).
Unregistered Nationwide Examination
PSI National Esthetician Theory Test, called Esthetics Theory Examination in the Board application and portal, is currently offered for Hawaii under the January 15, 2026 Test Taker Guide. No supplied shared exam version registers this PSI examination. It remains a condition pending nationwide registration; a NIC version is not a substitute for PSI.
Work Authorization
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.

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