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Maine Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Aesthetician

Individual licence to practice aesthetics under 32 M.R.S. chapter 126. The practice excludes diagnosis, treatment or therapy of dermatological conditions. Initial examination routes require the NIC esthetics theory and practical examinations; statutory endorsement is separately represented.

Licensing authority: Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program · Application information

Late renewal within 90 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Apply no more than 90 days after expiration; pay the renewal and $50 late fee.
Licence status
The late licence is effective on its issuance date; the applicant was unlicensed from expiration until issuance. Chapter 11 section 2(3) limits disciplinary treatment for unlicensed practice during this period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the renewal application and pay the renewal fee before expiration. Aesthetician and instructor licences renew annually on October 31; trainee aesthetics licences expire twelve months from issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by statutory endorsement under sections 14231 A and 8003 H
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Controlling statute
10 M.R.S. section 8003-H and 32 M.R.S. section 14231-A establish the notwithstanding statutory endorsement process. Its exhaustive applicant requirements provide only for a jurisprudence examination where one otherwise exists; this Program expressly discontinued that portion.
Denial and fee
No statutory cause for denial; pay the required fee.
Existing licence
Present a United States jurisdiction's licence with substantially equivalent licensing requirements; the director determines this licence appropriate for endorsement.
Good standing
Good standing in all jurisdictions of present or former licensure: no pending complaint, allegation or investigation; no suspension or practice restrictions; no surrendered or revoked licence.
Older rule demand
{"locator":"02-041 CMR chapter 21 section 1(3), examinations","quote":"Pass the two-part practice-appropriate license examination. The two-part examination consists of the NIC National Written Examination and the NIC National Practical Examination. A written and/or practice examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction may be considered if that examination is deemed by the Director to be comparable to the current NIC examination requirement for Maine applicants for licensure. An applicant applying by endorsement shall be subject to the Maine required two-part examination.","reading":"The December 2016 rule demands examinations for rule-based endorsement. That demand is shown to the applicant; the separately established 2021 statutory process is represented on the higher-ranked statutory terms.","source":"Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program rules"}

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after expiration during active military duty

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Military waiver
Section 14235 requires waiver of examination if renewal is sought within 90 days of separation under conditions other than dishonorable and failure to renew resulted from active duty. Service may not exceed four years unless service for that period was required by law.
Requirement tree reading
The underlying currently offered registered examinations remain leaves; the applicant's mandatory statutory waiver is a condition under this task's dependency rule.
Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Education
Complete 600 hours of aesthetics instruction in at least three months at a licensed school; submit the school transcript or affidavit. A student may apply to test after completing 80 percent, but all training must be completed for full licensure.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Licensure by examination after traineeship

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Training
Complete 1,000 hours of aesthetics instruction over at least six months under a qualified supervisor in a licensed establishment, and submit the completion affidavit. Testing may be authorized at 88 percent; full training must be completed before full licensure.
Licensure with a current foreign licence under section 14231

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Director discretion
The director may grant the licence under section 14231. Chapter 21 implements the application and examination requirements.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Existing licence
Submit a current foreign practice licence; the director must consider the country's standards equivalent to or higher than Maine's, with no cause for denial.
Foreign documents
Submit official education documents and English translations and an approved United States agency's education equivalency evaluation.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Licensure with a current licence from another United States jurisdiction under section 14231

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Director discretion
32 M.R.S. section 14231 permits the director to issue the licence. The implementing chapter 21 section 1(3) requires the NIC written and practical examinations for endorsement applicants; examination comparability is determined by the director.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Existing licence
Submit proof of a current practice licence in another United States jurisdiction, licensing history and no cause for denial.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Military applicant endorsement under 10 M.R.S. section 8011(1)

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Examination discretion
This permissive military endorsement provision does not expressly dispense with the chapter 21 examination requirement. The NIC exams are retained; any comparability or relief is an applicant condition.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Existing licence
Hold a comparable licence in good standing in another state; agency permission under section 8011(1) applies for the remainder of the other licence term or until a Maine licence is obtained.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military status
An active duty service member, recently separated veteran (within three years of honorable discharge or release), or their spouse or domestic partner.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Licensure by examination with training outside Maine and no current licence

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Education
Demonstrate equivalent or higher licensed-school instruction or approved traineeship; meet all other initial licensing requirements.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Experience credit
The director may credit licensed practice during the immediate prior four years toward deficient training hours; substantiate it with a practice-specific W-2 or other acceptable records.
Foreign documents
For foreign education, submit official documents, English translations and an approved United States credentialing-agency equivalency evaluation.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Reinstatement after more than four years of expiration

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Expiration
More than four years since licence expiration.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Requirements
Meet requirements governing new applicants and pass the necessary examinations; submit the exam eligibility application and training transcript or affidavit, and pay required fees.
Statutory discretion
Section 14235 authorizes the director to waive requirements after considering public protection; chapter 21 section 6 ordinarily requires examination after four years.
Reinstatement after more than 90 days and up to four years of expiration

All of the following:

Alternative jurisdiction examination
The director may consider a comparable written or practical examination created and administered by another licensing jurisdiction. Such another jurisdiction's examination is applicant evidence and is not a Maine requirement leaf.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, identity and contact information, licensing history, and the required fee; disclose grounds for denial under 32 M.R.S. section 14236-A.
Examination timing
Pass both NIC examinations within one year of the first sitting; otherwise retake both. Pay the initial licence fee within one year of notification of passing, subject to the director's extenuating-circumstances waiver.
Expiration
More than 90 days but not more than four years since licence expiration.
Four year boundary
Chapter 21 section 6 includes four years in its discretionary waiver period. The Program renewal page and exam-approval form say "4 years and beyond" or "4 or more years" require examination; that lower-ranked instruction is disclosed here.
Laws and rules attestation
The Maine laws-and-rules examination portion was discontinued effective July 1, 2012. The application requires the applicant to obtain, read and abide by the applicable Maine laws and rules.
Maine bulletin labels
The February 26, 2026 Maine bulletin labels its esthetics CIB links "Eff 1/1/26". Its PDF link annotations point to esthetics_national_theory_english_2025.html and esthetics_national_practical_english.html. This is state implementing material identifying NIC Esthetics exams; the nationwide version references are the active frozen shared versions, whose identities and owner dates are not revised by this survey.
Military training credit
For a qualified military applicant, qualifying military education, training or service is accepted toward licensing qualifications under 10 M.R.S. section 8011; examination eligibility is determined by the director.
Training and fees
Meet new applicant requirements under section 14235, with required renewal and late fees, subject to the director's waiver.
Waiver
The director may waive examination requirements after considering protection of the public; the currently offered NIC exams remain leaves.

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

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