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Montana 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.

Esthetician

License to practice esthetics, limited to noninvasive services. MCA 37-31-102 preserves scoped exemptions, including uncompensated emergency or domestic services and theatrical or visual-arts services. MCA 37-1-144(5) and 10-3-118 provide specified interstate practice through registration rather than a new Montana license. These exceptions do not eliminate the ordinary esthetician license.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Early testing
The Registered Apprenticeship Program may authorize testing after 90 percent completion if MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) is met (ARM 24.121.611(3)).
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Complete the 2000-hour Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program esthetics apprenticeship, including at least 65 theory hours, and obtain its certificate of completion under ARM 24.121.621.
Issuance after qualifying disability training without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
DPHHS certifies successful completion of the required school training; examination and specified fees are exempt under MCA 37-31-308.
Eligibility
A person with a physical disability trained by the Department of Public Health and Human Services; apply within the one year immediately following graduation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • mca31-308

    37-31-308 entire operative provision

Licensure without examination from a state with equal or greater training hours
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board general exam language
ARM 24.121.611 generally states applicants must pass NIC theory and practical examinations or equivalents. The specific statutory without-examination route governs this applicant.
License held
Current out-of-state practice license, without pending or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Substantial equivalency
ARM 24.121.615 makes substantially equivalent applications routine as to education, examination and experience; other grounds can remain nonroutine.
Training comparison
The other state course-of-study hour requirement must equal or exceed Montana 650 hours; MCA 37-31-304(1)(c) requires issuance without examination when these conditions are met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure from a jurisdiction lacking substantial equivalency

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
License held
Hold the qualifying out-of-state esthetics license; the Board evaluates deficiencies and actual qualifications under MCA 37-1-304.
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Statutory exception
An applicant satisfying the distinct equal-or-greater other-state training-hour criterion and current unencumbered license in MCA 37-31-304(1)(c) belongs to the without-examination route.
Training or work
If the applicant has not completed the qualifying course or apprenticeship, attest to at least 1300 hours of work as a licensed esthetician under ARM 24.121.616(1)(a)(v).
Reactivation within two years after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The adopted November 2025 notice states estheticians are not required to take CE.
Military exemption
Activated military personnel may receive applicable renewal fee and CE exemptions under MCA 37-1-146; military status is an applicant condition.
Requirements
Apply within two years, satisfy accrued applicable certification and education requirements, submit the renewal form and pay late penalty and current renewal fees; an expired licensee may not practice until reactivated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with foreign education

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
Foreign documents
Documents supporting foreign education must be certified by a credential-evaluating service and its evaluation sent directly to the Department; the applicant pays the evaluation costs. ARM 24.121.606(1)-(4), as amended in 2024.
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Meet the same qualifying 650-hour esthetics course and curriculum requirements.
Reactivation within 45 days after renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The adopted November 2025 notice states estheticians are not required to take CE.
Military exemption
Activated military personnel may receive applicable renewal fee and CE exemptions under MCA 37-1-146; military status is an applicant condition.
Requirements
Apply within 45 days, submit the completed renewal form, comply with applicable certification and education requirements, and pay late penalty and current renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetics licensure for a licensed cosmetologist

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Checklist course demand
The Board Esthetician Application Checklist, updated August 10, 2024, states: "Completed a 650-hour esthetics course from a licensed school". This lower-ranked general checklist does not state the statutory licensed-cosmetologist alternative.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
License held
Hold a cosmetologist license. MCA 37-31-304(7)(b) permits application and passage of the esthetics examination instead of the separate 650-hour course under (7)(a).
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Military reciprocity with substantially equivalent requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Equivalency
The Board determines that the other jurisdiction requirements are substantially equivalent under MCA 37-1-147(2)(a).
License held
Licensed in good standing in another state or United States territory, without pending charges or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Military relationship
Meet the military member, spouse, change-of-station or honorably discharged relocation criteria in MCA 37-1-147(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New original license after ordinary termination

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Termination
A license not renewed within two years automatically terminates and cannot be reactivated; obtain a new original license under the applicable current issuance pathway. This route applies to applicants using examination; a separately established endorsement or disability exemption remains available when its conditions are met.
Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The adopted November 2025 notice states estheticians are not required to take CE.
Military exemption
Activated military personnel may receive applicable renewal fee and CE exemptions under MCA 37-1-146; military status is an applicant condition.
Requirements
Submit a renewal form, fulfill applicable certification or continuing education requirements, and remit renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after federal active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board review
The Board compares military duties, position and service length to licensing requirements and may restore the license, attach conditions, suspend or revoke it. MCA 37-1-138(4) identifies no examination; conditions and discretion do not create an examination.
Eligibility
Activated reservist whose existing professional license was protected during federal active duty; submit discharge documents after release.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after school training

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Training
Complete a course of at least 650 hours and receive a diploma from an authorized esthetics school; meet the minimum content in ARM 24.121.604. Montana students may be made eligible to test after 90 percent of educational requirements.

Provisional license

Provisional authorization to practice esthetics while a permitted licensing condition is pending; the Board FAQ calls pending-exam authorization a temporary license. Current MCA 37-1-144 controls its eligibility and validity rather than the repealed MCA 37-1-305 cited in the older FAQ.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Provisional practice while required licensure examinations are pending

All of the following:

Application
File the Department application and pay its required fee.
Approved equivalents
ARM 24.121.611 allows equivalent examinations aligned with the license sought; unnamed equivalents are an applicant condition and do not identify another registered examination.
Documentation
The Board checklist requires official verification of all professional licenses held and explanations and source documentation for affirmative personal-history answers.
Exam scores
At least 75 percent on each NIC theory and practical examination (ARM 24.121.611(1)(a)).
Military training credit
Relevant military education, training or service must be accepted toward qualifying education or training upon satisfactory evidence (MCA 37-1-145).
Minimum age
At least 18 years (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Moral character
Good moral character (MCA 37-31-304(1)(a)).
Older faq reference
The October 2024 Board FAQ cites former MCA 37-1-305(2); current provisional authority is MCA 37-1-144.
Pending condition
The Department initially determines eligibility except for passage of the required examinations; Board FAQ says the application must be routine and satisfy remaining licensure requirements. Passage is required for the full license, rather than before provisional issuance.
School qualification
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent; the applicant may request a Board exception under MCA 37-31-304(1)(a) and ARM 24.121.610.
Validity
MCA 37-1-144(2)-(4) permits Board limitations and ends provisional authority on issuance of the full license or on specified noncompletion, disqualifying actions, or material inspection failure.
Provisional practice while supervised or educational experience is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Department initially determines eligibility except for completion of supervised work or educational experience as a license holder under MCA 37-1-144(1)(b).
Requirements
Complete the pending experience under Board-prescribed time, place and supervision limitations. This experience is an applicant condition, not a separately identified examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional practice while license or criminal history verification is pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
The Department initially determines eligibility for licensure except for verification of good standing from other jurisdictions and applicable databases, or absence of relevant criminal charges or other action.
Validity
Subject to Board limitations and MCA 37-1-144(3)-(4) cessation conditions; no separately identified examination is required by this verification route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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