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North Carolina 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

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

Renewal of an expired license before the five year examination threshold
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age exemption
Active estheticians at least age 60 with at least ten consecutive years of practice are exempt from continuing education under G.S. 88B-21(e).
Continuing education
Eight hours of Board-approved continuing education per year in the licensing cycle; at least half in the licensed profession.
Expiration
License expired less than five years ago; pay applicable accumulated renewal and late fees and meet renewal continuing-education requirements. G.S. 88B-21(f) imposes a reinstatement examination when renewal has not occurred within five years.
Initial cycle
Exempt from eight-hour continuing education until the licensing period commencing after initial licensure.
Military extension
Good-standing service members and their spouses may receive renewal payment and continuing-education extensions under 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a).
Records
Retain course title, description, date, location and hours through the next renewal cycle; affirm completion and supply records on audit.
Renewal cycle
Renew annually on or before October 1, with application and license fees; late renewal incurs applicable late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of a current license on the inactive list
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
No continuing education during inactive status.
Fees
Continue renewal fees while inactive.
Linked teacher
Making the underlying practitioner license inactive automatically inactivates the teacher license, if held.
Practice
No cosmetic-art practice for consideration; purchase of supplies remains allowed.
Standing
License must be current and in good standing; apply for inactive status; an expired license cannot be made inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination following North Carolina school graduation

All of the following:

Application
Submit application and required fees after graduation and passage of both examinations.
Education
Complete at least 600 hours of esthetics curriculum in an approved cosmetic art school, including required performances.
Passing scores
Pass both currently offered NIC Esthetics Theory and Practical examinations at 75 or higher.
Retakes
After three failed practical attempts, complete the Board-required additional 40 hours under 21 NCAC 14T .0616 before a fourth practical attempt. Statutory G.S. 88B-18(d) authorizes additional Board requirements after three failures.
School credit
Under G.S. 88B-19, school credit expires at five years from enrollment unless required hours have been completed and an examination application filed.
Initial licensure by examination following approved out of state school graduation

All of the following:

Application
Submit application and required fees after graduation and passage of both examinations.
Education
Complete at least 600 hours of esthetics curriculum in an approved cosmetic art school, including required performances.
Passing scores
Pass both currently offered NIC Esthetics Theory and Practical examinations at 75 or higher.
Retakes
After three failed practical attempts, complete the Board-required additional 40 hours under 21 NCAC 14T .0616 before a fourth practical attempt. Statutory G.S. 88B-18(d) authorizes additional Board requirements after three failures.
School credit
Under G.S. 88B-19, school credit expires at five years from enrollment unless required hours have been completed and an examination application filed.
Transcript
The Board requires enrollment within the preceding five years and a transcript sent directly by the school or licensing agency showing enrollment and graduation dates, daily earned hours and total hours; obtain Board eligibility approval.
Military spouse licensure by endorsement under G.S. 93B 15.1(b)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide current license and military status documentation. Statutory decision or deficiency notice within 15 days; no initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Competency
Competency through continuing education or active practice for at least two of the five preceding years; relevant paid or volunteer, full-time or part-time practice counts.
Discipline
No acts warranting refusal, suspension or revocation; good standing, no discipline by the issuing authority, and no pending complaints.
Military status
Applicant is a military spouse.
Origin license
Hold a current license, certification or registration from another jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed North Carolina requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through equivalent military training and experience under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Supply supporting military documentation; statutory decision or deficiency notice within 15 days. No initial application fee under subsection (k).
Board implementation
21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) states: Individuals holding current and valid licensure as determined by G.S. 93B-15.1 may apply for licensure with the Board by providing a copy of the current and valid license along with a the license application, fees, and documentation of military experience or training.
Discipline
No acts warranting refusal, suspension or revocation and no pending complaints.
Military training
Military occupational specialty, training, completed testing or equivalent training and experience, and specialty practice must be substantially equivalent to or exceed occupation requirements under G.S. 93B-15.1(a). This completed military testing is applicant evidence, not an identified currently offered esthetics examination.
Recent practice
Active occupational practice for at least two of the five preceding years; relevant full-time, part-time, paid and volunteer experience counts under subsection (c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods, which may include origin education, clinical supervision or experience.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history as determined under G.S. 93B-8.1.
Discipline
No active or pending disciplinary action; prior action must be verified resolved and corrected where applicable.
Fees
Pay applicable application, issuance, credential verification and background-check fees.
Good standing
Good standing in all current and former United States licensing jurisdictions; no surrender or revocation for unprofessional conduct.
License
Hold a current license in a neighboring jurisdiction enumerated by G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), at the same or substantially equivalent practice level, and have held licensure there for at least one year.
Origin examination
Have passed the examination required in the originating jurisdiction, if any; this unnamed originating-jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
Residence
Establish North Carolina residence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive status to active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete at least eight hours of continuing education per year of inactivity, up to 24 hours, and provide proof.
Fee
Pay the ten-dollar reactivation fee.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing and request removal from the inactive list.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under reciprocal or comity terms
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide Board-required official license certification, application and fees.
Origin license
Hold an esthetician license in another state.
Reciprocal terms
Instead of G.S. 88B-13(a), admission is on the same reciprocity or comity terms that the originating jurisdiction grants North Carolina licensees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by substantially equivalent out of state credentials
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
Be an active practitioner in good standing, licensed elsewhere as an esthetician.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint when the license is issued.
Equivalence
Origin licensing requirements must be substantially equivalent; provide official license certification and Board application and fees.
Recent practice
Practice at least one of the three years immediately preceding application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after failure to renew within five years

All of the following:

Approval
Obtain Board examination eligibility approval and select NC State Board during registration; submit reinstatement application and applicable fees.
Examination
Pass the Board-prescribed examination; the current NC Esthetics CIB directs reinstating candidates to the Board-approved NIC Esthetics written and practical registration path.
Expiration
License has not been renewed within five years after expiration.
Score
Esthetics passing score is 75 on each portion.
Active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age exemption
Active estheticians at least age 60 with at least ten consecutive years of practice are exempt from continuing education under G.S. 88B-21(e).
Continuing education
Eight hours of Board-approved continuing education per year in the licensing cycle; at least half in the licensed profession.
Initial cycle
Exempt from eight-hour continuing education until the licensing period commencing after initial licensure.
Military extension
Good-standing service members and their spouses may receive renewal payment and continuing-education extensions under 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a).
Records
Retain course title, description, date, location and hours through the next renewal cycle; affirm completion and supply records on audit.
Renewal cycle
Renew annually on or before October 1, with application and license fees; late renewal incurs applicable late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal while holding inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Inactive licensees are exempt from continuing education.
Practice
No cosmetic-art practice for consideration while inactive.
Renewal
Pay renewal fees annually; inactive status does not remove the fee obligation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetician Temporary Employment Permit

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

Temporary employment permit following North Carolina esthetics graduation

All of the following:

Application
Submit permit application and payment. The Board limits these permits to North Carolina graduates.
Education
Complete the required esthetics curriculum; the Board must receive school graduation paperwork.
Examination application
Apply for examination within three months after graduation and qualify to take it. Passing is not a prerequisite to permit issuance; the route involves the currently offered registered NIC Esthetics theory and practical examinations.
Practice
Practice only under appropriate licensed supervision and do not operate a cosmetic art shop.
Term
Permit expires six months from school graduation and cannot be renewed.

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