Idaho Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice
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Esthetician
Personal license to practice esthetics. Statutory exceptions for charitable work and supervised practice do not create separate volunteer or medical-esthetician licenses. The Board FAQ expressly states that temporary licenses are not issued. Establishment and school licenses are separate business authorizations under Chapter 58.
Licensing authority: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board · Application information
Endorsement — equivalent licensing standards
- Application
- Apply, pay the required fee, and submit official documentation for Board evaluation. Section 54-5816 expressly authorizes endorsement without examination and invokes § 54-5810(1)(a), (b), and (d), not (c).
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Outside Credential
- Hold an occupational license or qualification certificate from the proper authority of a U.S. state, territory, possession, or foreign country.
- Qualifying Basis
- Official documentation that the requirements under which the outside license or qualification certificate was issued are not lower than Chapter 58 standards.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5816(1)-(2)
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)
- Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board — Frequently Asked Questions
Applications, personal license pathways
Endorsement — recent practice
- Application
- Apply, pay the required fee, and submit official documentation for Board evaluation. Section 54-5816 expressly authorizes endorsement without examination and invokes § 54-5810(1)(a), (b), and (d), not (c).
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Outside Credential
- Hold an occupational license or qualification certificate from the proper authority of a U.S. state, territory, possession, or foreign country.
- Qualifying Basis
- Official documentation of at least one year of practice in the last three years immediately before application.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5816(1)-(2)
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)
- Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board — Frequently Asked Questions
Applications, personal license pathways
Initial licensure by examination — apprenticeship
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the Board-authorized application, required fee, and documentation proving the requested qualifications under § 54-5808; the current FAQ directs applicants to the online services account.
- Apprenticeship Recognition
- Section 67-9412 also recognizes paid programs adopted by an Idaho licensing authority, the U.S. Department of Labor, or a recognized standards entity, with applicable examinations, fees, and nontraining criteria. Section 67-9412(6) prohibits increased education or training hour requirements for applicants completing an applicable apprenticeship. This general provision and the specific 1,200-hour provision are both disclosed as written; neither changes the identified examinations.
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- Examination Materials
- The Idaho January 5, 2026 candidate bulletin labels its esthetics study links “Esthetics Written CIB - Eff 1/1/26” and “Esthetics Practical CIB - Eff 1/1/26”. Idaho adopts the NIC examinations by identity in IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01; this survey references their supplied active frozen versions and does not register or reinterpret nationwide versions.
- Examination Registration
- The school registers students; the instructor registers apprentices with Prov. Applicants with training outside Idaho who have not taken the exams receive a Board Verification of Eligibility after a complete application is processed, then contact Prov.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Professional Training
- Section 54-5810(2)(e)(ii) states 1,200 apprenticeship hours in a cosmetology establishment under immediate personal supervision of a licensed cosmetology instructor, with a licensed esthetician on site. IDAPA 24.28.01.150.02.a.iv sets a 38-week period; § 54-5817 allows a Board extension for good cause.
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
- Registration And Supervision
- Hold Board apprentice registration and practice only under the required supervision; no independent practice.
Initial licensure by examination — outside licensee with work experience training credit
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the Board-authorized application, required fee, and documentation proving the requested qualifications under § 54-5808; the current FAQ directs applicants to the online services account.
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- Examination Materials
- The Idaho January 5, 2026 candidate bulletin labels its esthetics study links “Esthetics Written CIB - Eff 1/1/26” and “Esthetics Practical CIB - Eff 1/1/26”. Idaho adopts the NIC examinations by identity in IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01; this survey references their supplied active frozen versions and does not register or reinterpret nationwide versions.
- Examination Registration
- The school registers students; the instructor registers apprentices with Prov. Applicants with training outside Idaho who have not taken the exams receive a Board Verification of Eligibility after a complete application is processed, then contact Prov.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Outside License
- Currently licensed in another state, territory, possession, or country but does not qualify for endorsement. The outside license is an applicant condition, not another jurisdiction’s examination requirement.
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
- Training Credit
- The Board may credit 60 student hours or 120 apprentice hours for every six months of practical esthetics experience under IDAPA 24.28.01.100.02.d.v; complete the remaining applicable training requirements.
Initial licensure by examination — military training recognition
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the Board-authorized application, required fee, and documentation proving the requested qualifications under § 54-5808; the current FAQ directs applicants to the online services account.
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- Examination Materials
- The Idaho January 5, 2026 candidate bulletin labels its esthetics study links “Esthetics Written CIB - Eff 1/1/26” and “Esthetics Practical CIB - Eff 1/1/26”. Idaho adopts the NIC examinations by identity in IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01; this survey references their supplied active frozen versions and does not register or reinterpret nationwide versions.
- Examination Registration
- The school registers students; the instructor registers apprentices with Prov. Applicants with training outside Idaho who have not taken the exams receive a Board Verification of Eligibility after a complete application is processed, then contact Prov.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Military Training
- Relevant military education, training, or service as a member of the armed forces or veteran is accepted toward licensing qualifications under § 67-9404; prove the applicable civilian qualifications that remain.
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Processing
- Section 67-9405 provides expedited processing for qualifying military members, former members discharged honorably, veterans, and their spouses.
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
Initial licensure by examination — approved school graduate
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Submit the Board-authorized application, required fee, and documentation proving the requested qualifications under § 54-5808; the current FAQ directs applicants to the online services account.
- Disciplinary Fitness
- Prove to the Board that the applicant has not engaged in conduct constituting grounds for discipline under § 54-5823.
- Early Examination
- A student may take the examinations after completing 80% of required education hours under § 54-5810(6); the full training requirement remains an issuance condition.
- Examination Materials
- The Idaho January 5, 2026 candidate bulletin labels its esthetics study links “Esthetics Written CIB - Eff 1/1/26” and “Esthetics Practical CIB - Eff 1/1/26”. Idaho adopts the NIC examinations by identity in IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01; this survey references their supplied active frozen versions and does not register or reinterpret nationwide versions.
- Examination Registration
- The school registers students; the instructor registers apprentices with Prov. Applicants with training outside Idaho who have not taken the exams receive a Board Verification of Eligibility after a complete application is processed, then contact Prov.
- General Education
- At least two years of high school or Board-determined equivalent education, including equivalent nonpublic-school education, under § 54-5810(1)(b).
- Minimum Age
- At least 16.5 years of age at application under Idaho Code § 54-5810(1)(a).
- Professional Education
- Complete and graduate from at least 600 hours at a Board-approved school under § 54-5810(2)(e)(i).
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
Military, veteran, or spouse endorsement
- Application
- Use the condensed military endorsement process; § 67-9406(4) prohibits examination and application fees for this process. The intended processing period is fifteen business days after qualifications are validated.
- Disclosure
- Disclose current, pending, and subsequent licensing discipline; the Board may withhold, revoke, or condition the license based on discipline.
- Military Status
- Member of the military, former member discharged under honorable conditions, veteran, or spouse of such a person, as defined in Chapter 94.
- Outside License
- Validate current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. state, district, territory, branch of the armed forces, or national guard.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(1)-(2)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(4)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(3), disclosure
- Idaho DOPL — Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses
Military benefits, introductory paragraph
Military service maintenance and renewal exemption
- Existing Restrictions
- The existing credential scope and applicable practice restrictions continue.
- Maintenance
- License remains in good standing without renewal during service/captivity and for six months following discharge; licensing or renewal fees may be exempted. No examination is imposed by this statutory maintenance provision.
- Military Service
- Credential holder serving in the U.S. armed forces, allied forces or auxiliary services, or held as a prisoner of war as described in § 67-2606.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2606
- Idaho DOPL — Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses
Military benefits, introductory paragraph
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
Reinstatement after nonrenewal — within five years
- Cancellation
- Canceled solely for failure to renew, no more than five years after expiration.
- Reinstatement
- Submit documentation of compliance with timely-renewal requirements and any additional Division reinstatement requirements; the Division may charge the $35 reinstatement fee or another fee prescribed by law or rule. Section 67-2614(9) does not prescribe a licensing examination for this reinstatement process.
- Scope
- Any prior limited-scope restriction, approved apprenticeship instruction, or disciplinary order remains an applicant-specific condition.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(9)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(6)(a)-(b)
New licensure after cancellation exceeding five years
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Cancellation
- Credential canceled for more than five years.
- Competence
- The Division decides how competence to resume practice must be shown, which may include education, supervised practice, and examination, and may consider practice elsewhere. The Idaho candidate bulletin directs reinstatement candidates eligible for licensure by examination to obtain a Board VOE; its esthetician category identifies NIC written and practical exams. Any waiver, partial testing, or other competency evidence remains a condition.
- New Application
- Submit the information and fees required of a new applicant plus outstanding amounts or proof of a payment arrangement under § 67-2614(10).
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
Timely renewal
- Compliance
- Pay amounts due or comply with a payment arrangement and any applicable Board order; continued limited-scope or apprenticeship restrictions remain in force. No licensing examination appears among the statutory renewal conditions.
- Cycle
- Section 54-5821 provides biennial renewal; the Board is transitioning existing licenses to biennial cycles. Follow the actual credential expiration date and renewal notice.
- Existing Credential
- Hold the credential and submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration, with confirmation of applicable renewal requirements under § 67-2614(6).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(6)(a)-(b)
Universal licensure — current outside license
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Competence
- Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods; apply with supporting materials and the background checks required of other applicants.
- Examination Discretion
- Section 67-9409(4) permits the authority to require all or a portion of the examination it administers to establish competence. The approved esthetics examinations are the NIC written and practical exams under IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01. Whether all, part, or none must be taken is the Board’s applicant-specific decision; both registered exams are retained. The statute prohibits establishing a jurisprudence examination for this purpose.
- Licensing Fees
- Pay the ordinary licensing fees and comply with license-maintenance requirements under § 67-9409(5).
- Outside License
- Hold current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. state, district, or territory under § 67-9409(1).
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
Expansion of universal limited license to full esthetician scope
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Additional Qualifications
- Satisfy the additional education, training, and other Board-determined requirements for full Idaho scope; any use of the approved written/practical exams under subsection (4) remains applicant-specific.
- Competence
- Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods; apply with supporting materials and the background checks required of other applicants.
- Current Status
- Hold limited esthetician licensure under § 67-9409(6).
- Examination Discretion
- Section 67-9409(4) permits the authority to require all or a portion of the examination it administers to establish competence. The approved esthetics examinations are the NIC written and practical exams under IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01. Whether all, part, or none must be taken is the Board’s applicant-specific decision; both registered exams are retained. The statute prohibits establishing a jurisprudence examination for this purpose.
- Licensing Fees
- Pay the ordinary licensing fees and comply with license-maintenance requirements under § 67-9409(5).
- Outside License
- Hold current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. state, district, or territory under § 67-9409(1).
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
Universal work recognition
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Apply with supporting materials, ordinary background checks, and the same licensing fees under § 67-9414(3)-(5).
- Examination
- Section 67-9414(2) applies the same examination passing score as for standard licensing applicants when an examination is required; Idaho’s approved esthetics examinations are NIC written and practical.
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
- Work Experience
- At least four years of work in the same profession with a similar scope in another U.S. state, district, territory, or the military where a license was not required.
Limited Esthetician License
Restricted-scope form of the esthetician license authorized by Idaho Code §§ 67-9406(5) and 67-9409(6), pending the additional qualifications needed for full licensure; issuance and restrictions are determined by the Board.
Licensing authority: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board · Application information
Limited scope military endorsement
- Application
- Use the condensed military endorsement process; § 67-9406(4) prohibits examination and application fees for this process. The intended processing period is fifteen business days after qualifications are validated.
- Disclosure
- Disclose current, pending, and subsequent licensing discipline; the Board may withhold, revoke, or condition the license based on discipline.
- Limited Scope
- When Idaho’s scope is broader than the applicant’s outside licensed scope, the Board may issue a limited license restricting practice to that outside scope for the period needed to complete additional education, training, or qualifications under § 67-9406(5).
- Military Status
- Member of the military, former member discharged under honorable conditions, veteran, or spouse of such a person, as defined in Chapter 94.
- Outside License
- Validate current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. state, district, territory, branch of the armed forces, or national guard.
- Scope Expansion
- The later full-license assessment in § 67-9406(5) is a separate secondary route; it is not an examination required for initial restricted-scope endorsement.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(1)-(2)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(4)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 94 — Occupational Licensing Reform Act
Idaho Code § 67-9406(5), restricted license
- Idaho DOPL — Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses
Military benefits, introductory paragraph
Military service maintenance and renewal exemption
- Existing Restrictions
- The existing credential scope and applicable practice restrictions continue.
- Maintenance
- License remains in good standing without renewal during service/captivity and for six months following discharge; licensing or renewal fees may be exempted. No examination is imposed by this statutory maintenance provision.
- Military Service
- Credential holder serving in the U.S. armed forces, allied forces or auxiliary services, or held as a prisoner of war as described in § 67-2606.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2606
- Idaho DOPL — Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses
Military benefits, introductory paragraph
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
Reinstatement after nonrenewal — within five years
- Cancellation
- Canceled solely for failure to renew, no more than five years after expiration.
- Reinstatement
- Submit documentation of compliance with timely-renewal requirements and any additional Division reinstatement requirements; the Division may charge the $35 reinstatement fee or another fee prescribed by law or rule. Section 67-2614(9) does not prescribe a licensing examination for this reinstatement process.
- Scope
- Any prior limited-scope restriction, approved apprenticeship instruction, or disciplinary order remains an applicant-specific condition.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(9)
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(6)(a)-(b)
Timely renewal
- Compliance
- Pay amounts due or comply with a payment arrangement and any applicable Board order; continued limited-scope or apprenticeship restrictions remain in force. No licensing examination appears among the statutory renewal conditions.
- Cycle
- Section 54-5821 provides biennial renewal; the Board is transitioning existing licenses to biennial cycles. Follow the actual credential expiration date and renewal notice.
- Existing Credential
- Hold the credential and submit the completed renewal application and fee before expiration, with confirmation of applicable renewal requirements under § 67-2614(6).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 — Barber and Cosmetology Services Act
Idaho Code § 54-5821, general renewal and reinstatement
- Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 26 — Department of Self-governing Agencies
Idaho Code § 67-2614(6)(a)-(b)
Limited scope universal licensure
All of the following:
- National Esthetics Theory Examination
- National Esthetics Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Competence
- Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods; apply with supporting materials and the background checks required of other applicants.
- Examination Discretion
- Section 67-9409(4) permits the authority to require all or a portion of the examination it administers to establish competence. The approved esthetics examinations are the NIC written and practical exams under IDAPA 24.28.01.100.01. Whether all, part, or none must be taken is the Board’s applicant-specific decision; both registered exams are retained. The statute prohibits establishing a jurisprudence examination for this purpose.
- Licensing Fees
- Pay the ordinary licensing fees and comply with license-maintenance requirements under § 67-9409(5).
- Outside License
- Hold current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. state, district, or territory under § 67-9409(1).
- Reexamination Discretion
- Section 67-2610 permits the Division administrator to order reexamination when substantial justice was not done in an examination or in revocation/refusal to renew; any use of the identified exams or an unnamed assessment is applicant-specific.
- Scope Restriction
- The Board may issue a limited license rather than deny for a scope difference, restricting practice to the outside authorized scope pending Board-determined education, training, and other qualifications under § 67-9409(6).
- Time Limit
- The Board sets the limited period necessary to qualify for full licensure.
National Esthetics Practical Examination
This assessment does not have a question bank.
- Provider
- National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); administered by Test Administration companies and States upon approval and authorization of NIC
- Format
- Performance (practical) examination on a mannequin in six timed or untimed core sections evaluated by examiners; States may add NIC additional sections (Eyelash Enhancement, Hair Removal of the Upper Lip with Hard Wax, Hard Wax of the Eyebrow, Particle Microdermabrasion); candidates bring their own supply kit
Examination sources
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Core Domain Sections paragraph (job analysis basis)
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Core Domain Sections list (makeup section)
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Important Instructions — General
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Core Domain Sections paragraph
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
CIB introduction — Additional Services
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Candidate Cleanup and Final Summary — proctor instruction
- NIC Esthetics Eyelash Enhancement Additional Section CIB
Additional Section CIB — section heading
- NIC Esthetics Hair Removal of the Upper Lip with Hard Wax Additional Section CIB
Additional Section CIB — section heading
- NIC Esthetics Hard Wax of the Eyebrow Additional Section CIB
Additional Section CIB — section heading
- NIC Esthetics Particle Microdermabrasion Additional Section CIB
Additional Section CIB — section heading
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
CIB header — effective and revision dates
- NIC National Esthetics Practical Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Important Instructions — Supplies
- NIC — NIC Exam Types
NIC Exam Types page — administration paragraph
- NIC — Examination Information
Examination Information page — Candidate Information Bulletins paragraph
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (linked from nictesting.org)
CIB selection application — Exam Name list entry "Esthetics"
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
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Domain Details paragraph (scope and percentages)
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Scientific Concepts domain heading
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Skin Care and Services domain heading
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — last Skin Care and Services item
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Content Outline — Domain Details paragraph
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Sample Questions — introduction
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
CIB header — effective and revision dates
- NIC National Esthetics Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
CIB introduction — time allowed
- NIC — NIC Exam Types
NIC Exam Types page — administration paragraph
- NIC — Examination Information
Examination Information page — Candidate Information Bulletins paragraph
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (linked from nictesting.org)
CIB selection application — Exam Name list entry "Esthetics"