Esthetician License Requirements in Arkansas
- Training hours
- 600 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $125
- Exam
- National Esthetics Written Examination, National Esthetics Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, Completed the 10th grade or its equivalent. Per the Rules for Cosmetology and Body Art in Arkansas, 'the Department is not authorized to conduct criminal background checks but may inquire about criminal convictions upon application or renewal of a license'; providing false information about a conviction can result in suspension, revocation, or denial of a license. [2]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. 600 hours of continuous training in a Cosmetology Section-approved school of cosmetology, per Rule 201/1478 of the Rules for Cosmetology and Body Art in Arkansas. The school must submit a Certificate of Training Form confirming completion of hours. [1]
- 3
National Esthetics Written Examination
Pass the National Esthetics Written Examination (fee: $60). Computer-based, multiple choice, 90 minutes; includes Arkansas state law questions; passing score is 70 Candidates schedule directly with PSI (1-800-211-2754) after being approved by the Cosmetology Section; testable at any PSI test center nationwide. [1]
- 4
National Esthetics Practical Examination
Pass the National Esthetics Practical Examination (fee: $65). Fee is payable to the school, not to exceed $65. Passing score is 75. Schools schedule the exam automatically once the Cosmetology Section approves the candidate. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section. Typical processing time: About 2 weeks to process and mail the license after passing both exams. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section issues your Aesthetician License for Arkansas.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | $50 |
| National Esthetics Written Examination [1] | $60 |
| National Esthetics Practical Examination [2] | $65 |
| School enrollment fee (paid to school) [2] | $20 |
| Written exam (PSI) [2] | $60 |
| Practical exam (paid to school, not to exceed) [2] | $65 |
No separate Board 'application' or 'initial license issuance' fee was found in the fee schedule (Rule 201/1.5) — the license is issued automatically once a candidate passes both exams, having already paid the $20 school enrollment fee plus the $60 written and up to $65 practical exam fees. Renewal is $50 biennially (Rule 201/1.5(c)). Reinstatement after a lapse of up to 30 days past the birthday deadline is 50% of the renewal fee.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
License renews biennially on the licensee's birthday. No continuing-education requirement applies to the Aesthetician (practitioner) license — the Rules' 8-hour CE requirement applies only to Instructor licenses.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Arkansas grants a license by reciprocity to an aesthetician licensed in another state who is at least 18 years old (higher than the 16-year minimum for original Arkansas licensure), holds a current valid out-of-state license, and has passed an examination comparable to Arkansas's — subject to a $50 one-time reciprocity fee and passage of the Arkansas state law examination ($60, per the Aesthetician CIB). Applicants who haven't previously passed a written and practical exam elsewhere pay a $50 transfer fee plus the standard written/practical exam fees. Arkansas is not listed as an active member of any interstate cosmetology/esthetics compact, and the Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not yet operational anywhere, so compacts is empty.
12 state-approved training providers in Arkansas — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $60
- $65
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does Arkansas require for an Aesthetician license?
600 hours of continuous training in a Cosmetology Section-approved school of cosmetology.
Who administers Arkansas's esthetician licensing exams?
PSI administers the written exam ($60, includes Arkansas state law questions). The practical exam (up to $65) is administered by the candidate's licensed school using the Department of Health's official Arkansas practical exam.
How often does an Arkansas Aesthetician license need to be renewed, and is continuing education required?
Every two years, on the licensee's birthday. No continuing education is required for the practitioner license.
Does Arkansas run a criminal background check for an Aesthetician license?
No. The Department of Health is not authorized to conduct criminal background checks, though it may ask about convictions on the application or renewal form.
Can I transfer an out-of-state esthetician license to Arkansas?
Yes, through reciprocity, if you're at least 18, hold a current license from another state, and passed a comparable exam there. You'll pay a $50 reciprocity fee and must pass Arkansas's state law exam.
Sources
- [1] arkansas.gov/cos/pdf/Aesthetician_CIB.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Cosmo-and-Body-Art-Rule.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11