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Vermont 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

Individual license to practice esthetics under 26 V.S.A. chapter 6; the statutory scope amended in 2024 governs over the narrower 2020 rule wording.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (Director of Professional Regulation) · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — substantially equivalent jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply online and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Have the licensing authority send official verification directly to OPR from the initial and most recent licensing jurisdictions.
Equivalence
Establish that the sending jurisdiction requirements are substantially equal to Vermont requirements.
License
Hold a license or certification in good standing in another jurisdiction.
Statutory no exam
26 V.S.A. § 285 directs issuance without requiring an examination. The Prov bulletin describes exams for candidates instructed by OPR to sit; it does not override this statutory endorsement exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement — less rigorous jurisdiction with practice experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply online and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Have the licensing authority send official verification directly to OPR from the initial and most recent licensing jurisdictions.
Experience
Provide proof of 1,500 documented hours of practice in not less than one year, including the completed and signed Affidavit of Experience.
License
Hold a license or certification in good standing in another jurisdiction.
Statutory no exam
26 V.S.A. § 285 directs issuance without requiring an examination. The Prov bulletin describes exams for candidates instructed by OPR to sit; it does not override this statutory endorsement exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License
Be actively licensed or certified in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least the three years preceding application.
Practice
The controlling 3 V.S.A. § 136a requires not more than three years of practice in good standing, regardless of equivalent jurisdiction requirements; its subsection (c) permits a Director-issued waiver of the practice requirement.
Verification
Submit an online application, pay the fee, and have the licensing authority send proof of continuous licensure in good standing directly to OPR. The application instructions state: Verification must show proof of continuous licensure in good standing for 3 years preceding the date of the application

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited endorsement — military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply online and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Have the licensing authority send official verification directly to OPR from the initial and most recent licensing jurisdictions.
Endorsement qualification
Meet the applicable equivalent-jurisdiction or 1,500-hour endorsement criteria; any applicable practice waiver is determined by the Director.
License
Hold a license or certification in good standing in another jurisdiction.
Military transfer
The applicant left licensed employment in another jurisdiction to accompany a spouse transferred by the U.S. Armed Forces to Vermont; request expedited processing under Rule 2-3 and 3 V.S.A. § 123(g).
Statutory no exam
26 V.S.A. § 285 directs issuance without requiring an examination. The Prov bulletin describes exams for candidates instructed by OPR to sit; it does not override this statutory endorsement exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — approved apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit an online application, answer all questions and attestations, pay the nonrefundable application fee, and provide the required training records. OPR approval to sit is required before scheduling with Prov.
Education
Hold a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Exam results
Pass both recognized theory and practical exams. The Prov bulletin requires both examinations to be passed within one year; otherwise OPR reapproval and retaking both examinations are required.
Supervisor
Estheticians may be supervised by a Vermont-licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The supervisor must have at least three years of relevant experience and no disqualifying disciplinary history; OPR may require a supervision course.
Training
Complete 750 properly documented apprentice hours under an Office-approved plan, after obtaining an apprenticeship license; the plan must be completed within two years. Training occurs under an approved Vermont supervisor in a Vermont-licensed shop.
Waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented discretionary waiver only in extraordinary circumstances, with conditions or limitations; it is not a routine waiver.
Licensure by examination — foreign education equivalence

All of the following:

Application
Submit an online application, answer all questions and attestations, pay the nonrefundable application fee, and provide the required training records. OPR approval to sit is required before scheduling with Prov.
Education
Provide a high-school diploma or equivalent and an education or qualifications equivalence determination acceptable under the applicable rules.
Exam results
Pass both recognized theory and practical exams. The Prov bulletin requires both examinations to be passed within one year; otherwise OPR reapproval and retaking both examinations are required.
Foreign evaluation
Obtain the applicable detailed course-by-course translation and evaluation or qualifications equivalence determination from a NACES or AICE member credential evaluation service. The service must send original reports directly to OPR; the applicant pays its costs and supplies all other required materials.
Remaining requirements
Complete any Vermont qualifications the equivalence report identifies as unfulfilled. The Director may verify the accuracy and sufficiency of the evaluation.
Waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented discretionary waiver only in extraordinary circumstances, with conditions or limitations; it is not a routine waiver.
Licensure by examination — recognized military training

All of the following:

Application
Submit an online application, answer all questions and attestations, pay the nonrefundable application fee, and provide the required training records. OPR approval to sit is required before scheduling with Prov.
Education
Hold a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Exam results
Pass both recognized theory and practical exams. The Prov bulletin requires both examinations to be passed within one year; otherwise OPR reapproval and retaking both examinations are required.
Training
The Director may recognize relevant U.S. Armed Forces education, training, or service toward licensing requirements. Recognition of equivalence does not by itself excuse the recognized theory and practical examinations.
Waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented discretionary waiver only in extraordinary circumstances, with conditions or limitations; it is not a routine waiver.
Licensure by examination — school education

All of the following:

Application
Submit an online application, answer all questions and attestations, pay the nonrefundable application fee, and provide the required training records. OPR approval to sit is required before scheduling with Prov.
Education
Hold a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Exam results
Pass both recognized theory and practical exams. The Prov bulletin requires both examinations to be passed within one year; otherwise OPR reapproval and retaking both examinations are required.
School capstone alternative
Rule 8-8 permits a student of a licensed school recognized as a testing authority to elect its school-sponsored capstone instead of the corresponding national examinations. The applicable school and approved capstone must be confirmed with OPR. The current OPR FAQ confirms this school-based written and practical option; the March 2026 examiner form is a blank reporting form, not an identification of an offered esthetics examination. This unspecified school examination slot is a condition; no registered cosmetology capstone is substituted for an esthetics capstone.
Training
Complete at least 500 hours at a school accredited at matriculation by a recognized accrediting authority or recognized by the Director as substantially equivalent; submit actual training-hour verification.
Waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented discretionary waiver only in extraordinary circumstances, with conditions or limitations; it is not a routine waiver.
Reinstatement or reapplication — extended lapse and required reexamination

All of the following:

Absence
A license expired for five or more years is assessed case by case under Rule 11-4; 3 V.S.A. § 135(b) addresses five or more years of absence from practice. These are distinct official triggers.
Director discretion
The Director may find retained competencies and permit an unencumbered license, or require retraining, reexamination, or reapplication like a new applicant. Whether this applicant must sit the exams is a condition.
Implementation
The current Prov bulletin directs candidates told by OPR to take the examinations to select Reinstatement; pass the recognized esthetics theory and practical exams when so directed.
Reapplication
If reapplication is directed, meet the corresponding initial-route education, training, application, and fee requirements.
Esthetician — renewal or reinstatement after fewer than five years of absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Absence
Fewer than five years of absence from practice; 3 V.S.A. § 135(a) governs readiness to practice.
Application
Meet profession renewal requirements, apply through OPR, and pay applicable renewal and reinstatement fees. Reinstatement penalties within one biennial period are governed by 3 V.S.A. § 127(d); relief requires exceptional circumstances or extreme hardship, and active-duty military periods are exempt from those penalties.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetician — biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online renewal application and nonrefundable renewal fee before the printed expiration date; renewal opens six weeks before expiration.
License status
Maintain continuous licensure; practicing while expired is unlawful.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional license — Esthetician

Discretionary 90-day provisional form pending a determination of the full esthetician license application; extension is permitted under 3 V.S.A. § 130(e).

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (Director of Professional Regulation) · Application information

Provisional endorsement — awaiting acceptable license verification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
Enter a voluntary agreement with OPR to forgo traditional procedural rights during provisional status and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Application
Have a completed application for full licensure and attest to facts consistent with full-licensure requirements, including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary, initially for 90 days, pending determination of full licensure.
Endorsement
Attest to a current good-standing license and the applicable 26 V.S.A. § 285 equivalent-jurisdiction or practice-experience requirements; the statutory endorsement route is without examination.
Pending item
Eligibility for full endorsement is contingent upon acceptable verification of licensure from another jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional examination route licensure — pending background check

All of the following:

Agreement
Enter a voluntary agreement with OPR to forgo traditional procedural rights during provisional status and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Application
Have a completed application for full licensure and attest to facts consistent with full-licensure requirements, including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary, initially for 90 days, pending determination of full licensure.
Full qualifications
Attest to full examination-route qualifications, including a high-school diploma or equivalent, qualifying school education or approved apprenticeship, and passage of the recognized written and practical esthetics examinations.
Pending item
Eligibility is contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2). This is a provisional statutory criterion, not a statement that esthetician applicants generally require such a check.
Extend provisional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continued attestation
The original voluntary agreement, fact attestations, pending full-license application, and withdrawal conditions continue to apply.
Existing license
Hold a provisional esthetician license under 3 V.S.A. § 130.
Unresolved reason
The original reason for provisional issuance under subdivisions 130(a)(1)-(3) remains unresolved; the Director may extend the initial 90-day period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional endorsement — active duty service member or spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
Enter a voluntary agreement with OPR to forgo traditional procedural rights during provisional status and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Application
Have a completed application for full licensure and attest to facts consistent with full-licensure requirements, including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary, initially for 90 days, pending determination of full licensure.
Full qualifications
Attest to a good-standing license in another jurisdiction and the applicable statutory endorsement qualifications under 26 V.S.A. § 285 or 3 V.S.A. § 136a.
Military
Be an active-duty member assigned to Vermont or the spouse of such a member under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional examination route licensure — active duty service member or spouse

All of the following:

Agreement
Enter a voluntary agreement with OPR to forgo traditional procedural rights during provisional status and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Application
Have a completed application for full licensure and attest to facts consistent with full-licensure requirements, including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary, initially for 90 days, pending determination of full licensure.
Full qualifications
Attest to the requirements of full examination-route licensure; any recognition of military training or extraordinary waiver is determined by the Director.
Military
Be an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to Vermont or the spouse of such a member under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).

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