StateLicensed

Esthetician License Requirements in Kentucky

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
750 hrs
Upfront cost
$220
Exam
National Esthetician Theory Examination, National Esthetician Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma, a High School Equivalency Diploma (GED), or results from the Test for Adult Basic Education indicating a twelfth-grade equivalency score.. KRS 317A.050(1) requires applicants to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be of good moral character. Applicants must disclose felonies that have not been previously reviewed by the board, but no general fingerprinting or criminal background check is mandated. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 750 hours of training at a state-approved program. KRS 317A.050(4)(a) requires completion of 750 hours of instruction in a licensed school approved by the Board. There is no apprenticeship pathway for this license. [1]

  3. 3

    National Esthetician Theory Examination

    Pass the National Esthetician Theory Examination (fee: $85). Computerized multiple-choice theory exam containing 75 scored questions and 10 unscored experimental questions, with a 90-minute time limit and a passing score of 70%. Administered by PSI Services LLC. Candidates must pass the theory examination before they are eligible to schedule the practical examination. The $85.00 fee covers the combined examination application (theory and practical) per attempt under 201 KAR 12:260 Section 3(3). [2]

  4. 4

    National Esthetician Practical Examination

    Pass the National Esthetician Practical Examination (fee: $85). Hands-on skills demonstration covering safety, sanitation, facial treatments, eyebrow hair removal, and makeup application, with an approximate 85-minute time limit and a passing score of 70%. Administered by PSI Services LLC at scheduled practical testing sites. The fee is recorded as $85.00 because the board charges a single $85.00 fee for the examination application. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Kentucky Board of Cosmetology issues your Esthetician License for Kentucky.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] $50
Renewal fee [3] $100
National Esthetician Theory Examination [2] $85
National Esthetician Practical Examination [2] $85
Out of State Endorsement application fee [3] $100
Individual license restoration fee [3] $50
Certification request fee [3] $25
Lost, stolen, name change, or duplicate license fee [3] $25
Enrollment certificate (student or apprentice instructor) [3] $25

Kentucky does not charge a separate first-time application fee distinct from the $85.00 examination application fee, so application is recorded as null. The initial license fee is $50.00. Licenses are renewed biennially starting July 2026 for a $100.00 fee (equivalent to $50.00 per year paid upfront). Fees are verified via 201 KAR 12:260.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Kentucky Board of Cosmetology licenses are renewed biennially during the month of July in even-numbered years (e.g. July 2026, July 2028). The biennial renewal fee is $100. There are no continuing education (CE) requirements for the renewal of an individual license (relevant regulations 201 KAR 12:200 and 12:210 have been repealed).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Kentucky allows out-of-state estheticians to transfer their license via endorsement. The transferring state's licensing agency must send certification of hours and license directly to the Kentucky Board, and the applicant must pay a $100 endorsement application fee. Kentucky has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but it is not yet operational as of July 2026.

9 state-approved training providers in Kentucky — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $85
  • $85
Total$220

Frequently asked questions

I renewed my license last year but have not received it. What should I do?

Accounts are manually reviewed for accuracy and security, and deficiencies are sent via email. Many licenses are returned by the post office if undeliverable. KBC suggests that licensees renew early and monitor their emails for correspondence.

How am I receiving my license this year?

Personal licenses are mailed upon approval, and salon licenses are emailed for owners to print and post.

Where do I get a passport photo from?

Create a passport photo using your cell phone. You may download a passport photo app or take a passport-style picture using your camera, ensuring it has a solid white or light blue background with no filters or AI generation.

Where do I find the option to renew my license?

Once you have created an account and logged into the KBC portal, click on the ellipsis (three dots) to the right of your name and valid license to select the renewal option.

Sources

  1. [1] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Requirements.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] kbc.ky.gov/exams/Pages/Fees.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] kbc.ky.gov/Fees/Pages/default.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Renewal-Information.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
  6. [6] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/Out-of-State-Info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11