OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

South Carolina Esthetician — Requirements & Free Practice

US-SC · License preparation

253 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

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

Individual license to practice skin care, make-up, or similar work to beautify the skin; independent contractors are included.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — two years of external licensure and continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Continuing education
Complete four hours of Board-approved South Carolina laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection-control education, in person or online. Those hours also satisfy the following licensing-period renewal CE.
External license
Hold an active external esthetician license in good standing for at least two years.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Reciprocity implementation
S.C. Code § 40-13-270 permits reciprocity at Board discretion. The current Board FAQ states: "No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license types." Current applicants use the implemented endorsement routes.
Score
The Board FAQ expressly exempts this two-year/CE endorsement pathway from examination requirements.
State law regulation
R.35-5(G) still states: (G) An applicant applying for comity licensure, shall also pass a South Carolina state law exam as designated by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. The Board adopted discontinuation of this examination on July 11, 2005; its March 12, 2013 minutes explicitly say it has no state law exam. Current R.35-13 and the Board esthetician endorsement instructions specify the national-examination or two-year/CE routes. The discontinued examination is not a currently offered leaf.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement — prior NIC examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
External license
Hold an active external esthetician license in good standing.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Prior nic
The route requires proof of passage of currently offered NIC esthetics theory and practical examinations, even when passed before the application; prior passage is retained as examination leaves.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Reciprocity implementation
S.C. Code § 40-13-270 permits reciprocity at Board discretion. The current Board FAQ states: "No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license types." Current applicants use the implemented endorsement routes.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
State law regulation
R.35-5(G) still states: (G) An applicant applying for comity licensure, shall also pass a South Carolina state law exam as designated by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. The Board adopted discontinuation of this examination on July 11, 2005; its March 12, 2013 minutes explicitly say it has no state law exam. Current R.35-13 and the Board esthetician endorsement instructions specify the national-examination or two-year/CE routes. The discontinued examination is not a currently offered leaf.
Inactive status and biennial inactive renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Photograph
Supply the R.35-5.1 photograph for the application or renewal.
Status
Submit the Board-approved inactive form; renew biennially and pay the renewal fee. An inactive license authorizes no practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure — qualifying Board approved apprenticeship

All of the following:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Apprenticeship
Conditional on the Board approving an apprenticeship with similar scope of practice. Section 40-1-77 does not apply where there is no Board-approved apprenticeship, where a bachelor-level credential is required, or where apprenticeship is established separately by state law. This survey does not assert that any specific esthetics apprenticeship has Board approval. Complete the same requisite examinations and other requirements as ordinary applicants.
Education
At least tenth grade or approved equivalent.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Training
At least 450 hours of skin-care classes in a reliable Board-approved school or comparable Board-approved training, under S.C. Code § 40-13-230(B).
Training currency
R.35-10(E)(7) requires taking the state-board examination within 24 months after completing hours. The Board states that a candidate who attempts theory or practical within the 24 months may continue testing thereafter; an applicant with no attempt within that period has invalid hours.
Licensure by examination — external license not qualifying for endorsement

All of the following:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Education
At least tenth grade or approved equivalent.
External license
The Board accepts an active external esthetician license held for less than two years for this application pathway when NIC theory and practical have not both been passed. Inactive external licenses use the examination application; the statutory training qualification still applies.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Training
At least 450 hours of skin-care classes in a reliable Board-approved school or comparable Board-approved training, under S.C. Code § 40-13-230(B).
Training currency
R.35-10(E)(7) requires taking the state-board examination within 24 months after completing hours. The Board states that a candidate who attempts theory or practical within the 24 months may continue testing thereafter; an applicant with no attempt within that period has invalid hours.
Licensure by examination — military education and experience recognition

All of the following:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Education
At least tenth grade or approved equivalent.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Military training
Provide evidence satisfactory to the Board of qualifying military education, training and experience. The Board must apply it favorably to licensing qualifications; § 40-1-640 does not automatically waive examinations or other eligibility requirements.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Training
At least 450 hours of skin-care classes in a reliable Board-approved school or comparable Board-approved training, under S.C. Code § 40-13-230(B).
Training currency
R.35-10(E)(7) requires taking the state-board examination within 24 months after completing hours. The Board states that a candidate who attempts theory or practical within the 24 months may continue testing thereafter; an applicant with no attempt within that period has invalid hours.
Licensure by examination — approved school or comparable training

All of the following:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Education
At least tenth grade or approved equivalent.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Training
At least 450 hours of skin-care classes in a reliable Board-approved school or comparable Board-approved training, under S.C. Code § 40-13-230(B).
Training currency
R.35-10(E)(7) requires taking the state-board examination within 24 months after completing hours. The Board states that a candidate who attempts theory or practical within the 24 months may continue testing thereafter; an applicant with no attempt within that period has invalid hours.
Restoration — voluntary surrender under investigation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
Practice requires reinstatement by majority vote of the Board. Fulfill the individualized conditions the Board imposes; surrender does not preclude discipline. No specific currently offered examination is identified in § 40-1-150.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Practitioner license alongside or in place of current instructor license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Choice
Receive the underlying esthetician license in addition to the instructor license, or stop renewing the instructor license and reactivate the esthetician license; pay the prescribed practitioner renewal fee.
Instructor status
Hold a current esthetics instructor license with required biennial renewal and instructor CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — continuously renewed inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reactivation application, fee and supporting documentation, including USC CE certificates for each inactive renewal cycle and the required photograph.
Status
Applicant placed the license on inactive status and continuously renewed it.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement — license expired more than three years

All of the following:

Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Expiration
License expired more than three years; retake and pass both theory and practical, then be treated as a newly licensed individual. Board application, reinstatement fee and supporting documents apply.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Reinstatement — license expired three years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board reinstatement application, supporting identification, lawful-presence documentation, name-change documents if applicable, photograph and USC CE certificates for each missed cycle.
Expiration
The controlling statute and R.35-23(C) allow restoration through three years, upon fees, qualifications and renewal CE.
Lower rank boundary
The July 2017 reinstatement form says: "If your license has been expired for three years or longer, the full examination (practical and theory) must be repeated." At exactly three years, the statute and regulation permitting fee/CE restoration govern.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal — active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age service exemption
CE exemption applies after 15 consecutive licensed years at age 60, or after 30 continuous licensed years at age 50 without Board discipline; submit the Board exemption form for approval.
Continuing education
Four Board-approved contact hours in Board law, client safety and/or infection control, in person or online, subject to first-period, endorsement-credit, statutory age/service and active-military exemptions.
Licensure
Maintain an existing South Carolina esthetician license and apply for biennial renewal with the renewal fee and required photograph.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emergency Temporary Work Permit — Esthetics

Supervised practice permit for up to 90 days during a public emergency that prevents access to licensing examinations.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Emergency supervised practice pending licensing examinations

All of the following:

Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit a complete Board application, required fee, identification, signed Social Security card, notarized lawful-presence and signature/photo affidavits, immigration documentation and legal name-change records where applicable. Obtain direct verification from each jurisdiction of licensure. Applications are valid for one year.
Education
At least tenth grade or approved equivalent.
Emergency
Permit may be issued only during a public emergency causing unavailability of either or both licensing examination parts; maximum duration 90 days.
Exam condition
Be eligible to apply or have applied for licensing examination, with no previous failure of an uncompleted part. Failure of a remaining part or failure to timely apply or attend without good cause voids the permit. NIC requirements are retained even when completed after issuance.
History
Disclose personal-history matters with written explanations; felony convictions or pleas require the specified statewide background report no older than 30 days. Board eligibility approval precedes examination scheduling.
Photo
Every application, renewal and reinstatement includes the required 2x2 photograph under R.35-5.1.
Provider
The current Board examination page designates Prov. The still-linked May 2025 application refers to PSI; applicants should follow the current Board examination instructions.
Score
Obtain at least 75 on each NIC esthetics theory and practical examination; retake only a failed part.
Supervision
A good-standing South Carolina licensee of the appropriate modality signs the application and remains on the licensed salon premises and available for direct supervision; permittee may not manage a salon.
Training
At least 450 hours of skin-care classes in a reliable Board-approved school or comparable Board-approved training, under S.C. Code § 40-13-230(B).
Training currency
R.35-10(E)(7) requires taking the state-board examination within 24 months after completing hours. The Board states that a candidate who attempts theory or practical within the 24 months may continue testing thereafter; an applicant with no attempt within that period has invalid hours.

Temporary Professional License — Esthetician Military Spouse

One-year nonrenewable temporary professional license for an otherwise qualified military spouse holding an external license in good standing.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Military spouse temporary license — two year/CE endorsement qualification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
The temporary license expires one year after issuance and cannot be renewed.
Endorsement qualification
Meet the ordinary endorsement requirement of at least two years of active external licensure plus four approved CE hours; that pathway carries the Board examination exemption.
External license
Hold a valid external license in good standing, with official verification. A foreign license is an applicant qualification, not a leaf for a foreign examination.
Marriage and orders
Be the spouse of an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station by official military orders; provide marriage evidence and orders.
Other requirements
All South Carolina requirements for ordinary licensure remain applicable under § 40-1-630(A). Fingerprint checks apply only when an equivalent check is required for ordinary licensure.
Process
Submit the military-spouse expedited request and the Board application and documentation the agency identifies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse temporary license — examination qualified applicant

All of the following:

Duration
The temporary license expires one year after issuance and cannot be renewed.
Exam qualification
Meet ordinary esthetician examination requirements, or the endorsement route based on prior passage of NIC esthetics theory and practical. Prior scores remain leaves.
External license
Hold a valid external license in good standing, with official verification. A foreign license is an applicant qualification, not a leaf for a foreign examination.
Marriage and orders
Be the spouse of an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to a South Carolina duty station by official military orders; provide marriage evidence and orders.
Other requirements
All South Carolina requirements for ordinary licensure remain applicable under § 40-1-630(A). Fingerprint checks apply only when an equivalent check is required for ordinary licensure.
Process
Submit the military-spouse expedited request and the Board application and documentation the agency identifies.

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