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Nebraska Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Esthetician

License to practice esthetics in Nebraska.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art · Application information

Licensure by examination
National Esthetics Theory Examination
Age
Be at least 17 on or before the beginning date of the examination.
Application
Submit the complete Department application and applicable fee, or establish eligibility for a young-worker, low-income or military-family fee waiver.
Character
Be of good character.
Disclosures
Provide requested credential history, conviction documentation and any applicable disciplinary or denial records.
Education
Complete a high-school-equivalent education and graduate from an esthetics program of at least 600 hours.
English
The Nebraska examination must be administered in English; successful completion demonstrates English reading ability.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 also permits an equivalent examination approved by the Board; the rule names no additional examination.
Lawful Presence
Provide the citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-129 and the application.
Non English Documents
Submit the original-language document and a complete English translation with the translator’s notarized or equivalent signature; an applicant may not translate their own documents.
Passing Score
Submit documentation of a scaled score of at least 75 on the license examination.
School Graduation Assessment
172 NAC 37-006.01(E) makes the school’s final written and practical examinations a graduation condition; these are school assessments, not separately identified statewide licensing examinations.
Vendor Notice
The current Nebraska PSI landing page identifies the Esthetician Theory Examination and states a proposed updated-outline live date of September 1, 2026. This state survey references the frozen national version supplied by the nationwide stage; the vendor’s proposed date is not treated as an independently registered national version.
Reinstatement after expiration
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Continuing Education
Complete eight acceptable hours during the previous 24 months, or establish a permitted waiver.
Credential Status
Previously licensed in Nebraska; the credential expired. Do not resume practice until reinstatement.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Licensure following training in a foreign country
National Esthetics Theory Examination
Age
Be at least 17 on or before the examination.
Application
Submit the complete Department application and applicable fee, or establish eligibility for a young-worker, low-income or military-family fee waiver.
Character
Be of good character.
Disclosures
Provide requested credential history, conviction documentation and any applicable disciplinary or denial records.
Education
Provide a high-school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Equivalent Examination
172 NAC 36-002.03 permits a Board-approved equivalent examination but identifies no other examination.
Examination
Take the Nebraska-administered NIC esthetics written examination and document a scaled score of at least 75.
Foreign Eligibility
Provide either current foreign licensure or equivalent official recognition of the right to practice, or proof of at least five years of practice in the eight years immediately before applying.
Lawful Presence
Provide the citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-129 and the application.
Non English Documents
Submit the original-language document and a complete English translation with the translator’s notarized or equivalent signature; an applicant may not translate their own documents.
Vendor Notice
The current Nebraska PSI landing page identifies the Esthetician Theory Examination and states a proposed updated-outline live date of September 1, 2026. This state survey references the frozen national version supplied by the nationwide stage; the vendor’s proposed date is not treated as an independently registered national version.
Waiver
Foreign-trained applicants may not receive examination waiver except under the military-spouse temporary credential provision.
Reinstatement from inactive status
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Continuing Education
Meet the currently applicable renewal/CE requirements, including eight hours within the prior 24 months unless waived.
Credential Status
Previously licensed in Nebraska and on inactive status; regain active status through reinstatement before practice.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Licensure by reciprocity
National Esthetics Theory Examination
Age
Be at least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the complete Department application and applicable fee, or establish eligibility for a young-worker, low-income or military-family fee waiver.
Character
Be of good character.
Disclosures
Provide requested credential history, conviction documentation and any applicable disciplinary or denial records.
Education
Complete high-school-equivalent education and at least 600 hours of esthetics training, allowing 100 hour-equivalents per month of full-time licensed esthetic practice within the five years preceding application.
Equivalent Examination
The Board may approve an equivalent license examination under 172 NAC 36-002.03; no other current exam is named.
Examination Exception
The NIC leaf is conditional: Nebraska requires it when the other jurisdiction did not require an examination. An examination already passed for the other jurisdiction is documented as an applicant condition unless the state evidence identifies a currently offered registered national examination.
Lawful Presence
Provide the citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-129 and the application.
License Held
Hold a current cosmetologist, esthetician, or equivalent credential in another jurisdiction; satisfy the statute’s no-discipline and no-revocation requirement.
Non English Documents
Submit the original-language document and a complete English translation with the translator’s notarized or equivalent signature; an applicant may not translate their own documents.
Passing Score
If taking the Nebraska examination, submit a scaled score of at least 75.
Prior Jurisdiction Examination
Provide certification and results of the examination on which the other jurisdiction issued the license; the Department’s instructions specify a written examination.
Vendor Notice
The current Nebraska PSI landing page identifies the Esthetician Theory Examination and states a proposed updated-outline live date of September 1, 2026. This state survey references the frozen national version supplied by the nationwide stage; the vendor’s proposed date is not treated as an independently registered national version.
Biennial renewal
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Continuing Education
Complete eight acceptable hours in the previous 24 months, at least four relating to the applicable scope of practice.
Credential Status
Hold an active Nebraska credential and apply before September 30 of an even-numbered year.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Reinstatement following revocation
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Additional Assessments
The Board may impose the unnamed examination, diagnostic evaluation, education and inspection conditions stated in § 38-149(2).
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Credential Status
Apply only after two years have elapsed from revocation and document corrective action.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Reinstatement following definite period voluntary surrender
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Credential Status
Apply only after the definite period of voluntary surrender has elapsed. Provide corrective-action information. A permanently surrendered credential is ineligible for reinstatement under 172 NAC 10-007.02.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Reinstatement following indefinite voluntary surrender
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Credential Status
An indefinitely surrendered credential may be reinstated upon application at any time. Provide the requested information about actions taken to address the reasons for surrender.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.
Reinstatement of suspended or limited credential
Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Additional Assessments
Section 38-149(2) permits the Board to require diagnostic evaluation, an unnamed written/oral/practical examination, additional education or practice-site inspection. These unnamed assessments are applicant conditions, not invented exam leaves.
Application
Submit the complete renewal or reinstatement application, required documentation and applicable fees.
Ce Waivers
Applicable first-credentialed, active military-service or circumstances-beyond-control waivers are applicant conditions; the exam remains an available CE choice.
Credential Status
A suspended or limited credential holder may apply at any time; document corrective action and satisfy Board/Department conditions.
Examination Choice
The Nebraska Jurisprudence Examination is an optional way to earn two continuing-education hours, not an independently mandatory examination. The applicant may satisfy all required CE with other acceptable activities.
Passing Score
A 75% score on the 50-question open-book exam earns two hours.

Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Nebraska DHHS through the Board-linked ProProfs examination
Format
Open-book online multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50
Passing score
75%
Exam fee
Free
Examination outline
  • 172 NAC Chapter 36 — Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology
  • 172 NAC Chapter 34 — Sanitation and Safety Relating to Cosmetology, Esthetic, and Nail Technology Services
  • 172 NAC Chapter 37 — Cosmetology, Esthetic, and Nail Technology Schools, Satellite Classrooms, and Apprentice Salons
  • 172 NAC Chapter 5 — Mandatory Reporting by Health Care Professionals, Facilities, Peer Review Organizations, Professional Associations, and Insurers
  • 172 NAC Chapter 9 — Business Credentials Issued under the Uniform Credentialing Act
  • 172 NAC Chapter 10 — Credentials Issued under the Uniform Credentialing Act
  • Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act
  • Uniform Credentialing Act — general credentialing provisions
  • Administrative Procedure Act
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