Esthetician License Requirements in Louisiana
- Training hours
- 750 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $85
- Exam
- Esthetician Theory (Written) Examination, Esthetician Practical (Skills) Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 1 year
- Issuing board
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC)
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, Equivalent training as would be contemplated in the satisfactory completion of the tenth grade from an approved high school (R.S. 37:582(A)(2)).. Minimum age of 16 and 10th-grade equivalent education are required to receive the certificate of registration (R.S. 37:582(A)). No general background check is required for applicants. Verified via archive snapshot [2023-09-24]. [4]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 750 hours of training at a state-approved program. Candidates must complete at least 750 hours of curriculum in an approved esthetics course at a board-approved school of cosmetology (R.S. 37:582(A); LAC 46:XXXI.301). [1]
- 3
Esthetician Theory (Written) Examination
Pass the Esthetician Theory (Written) Examination (fee: $25). Written multiple-choice theory exam A $25 fee applies to a re-take of this exam. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-05-10]. [2]
- 4
Esthetician Practical (Skills) Examination
Pass the Esthetician Practical (Skills) Examination (fee: $25). Hands-on skills exam A $25 fee applies to a re-take of this exam. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-05-10]. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC). [2]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) issues your Esthetician Certificate of Registration for Louisiana.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | $35 |
| Renewal fee [2] | $35 |
| Esthetician Theory (Written) Examination [2] | $25 |
| Esthetician Practical (Skills) Examination [2] | $25 |
| Student registration fee [2] | $10 |
| Duplicate license [2] | $25 |
LSBC charges the same $35 fee for the initial certificate of registration and for each annual renewal (R.S. 37:599(A)(2)(a); LSBC 'Notice of Fee Increase,' effective August 1, 2025) — there is no separate 'application' fee beyond that $35 certificate fee, so application is set to null here. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-05-10].
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 1 year.
Renewal is annual, due on or before the licensee's own date of birth each year; if not renewed, the certificate expires 30 days after that birth date (R.S. 37:590(A)(2)). No continuing-education hours are required to renew a standard Esthetician certificate. Verified via archive snapshot [2023-09-25].
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Louisiana grants licensure by reciprocity to anyone holding an active esthetician license from another U.S. state or territory, upon a completed reciprocity application, standard registration fee ($35), and evidence of passing equivalent exams (LAC 46:XXXI.509). If the applicant's original state did not require a practical exam, Louisiana's own practical exam must be passed. Louisiana is not a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
17 state-approved training providers in Louisiana — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $35
- $25
- $25
Frequently asked questions
What is the required training hour count for estheticians in Louisiana?
To become a licensed esthetician in Louisiana, you must complete at least 750 hours of training from a board-approved cosmetology school.
What examinations must be passed for esthetician licensure in Louisiana?
Candidates must pass both the written (theory) and practical examinations developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and administered directly by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) with a passing score of at least 75%.
What is the renewal cycle and fee for a Louisiana esthetician license?
Esthetician licenses must be renewed annually on or before the licensee's birthday. The annual renewal fee is $35.00, and no continuing education hours are required.
Can I obtain a Louisiana esthetician license by reciprocity if I am licensed in another state?
Yes, Louisiana offers licensure by reciprocity to active out-of-state license holders, provided you submit a reciprocity application, pay the $35.00 license fee, and have your original state board send official verification directly to the Louisiana board. If your original state did not require a practical exam, you may need to pass the LSBC practical exam.
Sources
- [1] doa.la.gov/media/tixdfwvx/46v31.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11