Esthetician License Requirements in Pennsylvania
- Training hours
- 300 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $119
- Exam
- Esthetician Theory/Procedural Skills Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, 10th grade education or its equivalent (GED), or training through the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; this education requirement is waived for applicants who are 35 years of age or older or who are veterans., pass a criminal background check. An official Criminal History Record Information (CHRC) check is required from the State Police or equivalent agency of every state the candidate has resided in during the past 5 years; reports must be dated within 90 days of the application. Applicants also answer background questions on the PALS application; a 'yes' answer to certain questions triggers additional Board review before test approval. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 300 hours of training at a state-approved program. Applicants must complete a minimum of 300 hours of instruction in esthetics/skin care at a licensed school of cosmetology (application classification PA-20-13). Candidates may sit for the exam under 'Early Testing' after completing 250 hours, but the license will not be issued until the full 300 hours and all program requirements are complete. Unlike the cosmetologist license, there is no apprenticeship-hours alternative pathway for estheticians. Pennsylvania does not maintain a separate 'master esthetician' tier; this is the sole entry-level esthetics license. [1]
- 3
Esthetician Theory/Procedural Skills Examination
Pass the Esthetician Theory/Procedural Skills Examination (fee: $93). Computer-based, multiple-choice exam of 100 total items (85 scored + 15 unscored pretest items), 1 hour 45 minutes. Consists of a general esthetics theory portion and a state-specific (PA law/regulations) portion. No separate hands-on practical exam is required. Passing score is a scaled score equivalent to answering 75% of scored items correctly. Content outline: Rules, Regulations & Safety 30-40%; Esthetic Science & Skin Analysis 15-20%; Facials 20-25%; Hair Removal 16-20%; Makeup 10-15%; Electricity & Electrotherapy 5-10%. Offered in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Candidates get unlimited retakes within the 1-year exam-authorization window; each retake requires the $93 fee again. [1]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology with the $26 application fee. Typical processing time: After a complete application is submitted through PALS, applicants generally receive an eligibility notice and Pearson VUE Approval-to-Test (ATT) notice within about 5-10 business days (candidates are advised to call Pearson VUE's OHT Processing Office if nothing arrives in that window). After passing the exam, the license is typically issued and viewable/mailed within about 10-15 business days.. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology issues your Esthetician License for Pennsylvania.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | $26 |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | $97 |
| Esthetician Theory/Procedural Skills Examination [1] | $93 |
| Examination fee (paid to Pearson VUE) [2] | $93 |
| Licensure by endorsement / Act 41 application fee [2] | $89 |
Total initial licensure cost (excluding school tuition) is $119: a $26 state application fee paid through PALS plus a $93 examination fee paid to Pearson VUE. There is no separate 'initial license issuance' fee beyond the application fee. Fee amounts set by 49 Pa. Code Section 7.2, effective July 1, 2024 (application fee increased from $25 to $26; biennial renewal from $82 to $97).
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Esthetician licenses renew biennially and expire January 31 of odd-numbered years. Pennsylvania imposes no continuing education requirement for esthetician license renewal.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
The Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not yet operational in any state, so Pennsylvania is not listed as an active compact member regardless of any enactment status. Pennsylvania offers licensure by endorsement/reciprocity (including under Act 41 of 2019) for estheticians who hold a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements and can show at least two years of licensed work experience; the endorsement application fee is $89. As of the source date, Pennsylvania has NO reciprocity understanding for esthetician licensure with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, or Utah; applicants licensed in those states must take the PA examination. The reciprocal-state list is subject to change; applicants should confirm current status with the Board before applying.
26 state-approved training providers in Pennsylvania — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $26
- $93
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does Pennsylvania require to become a licensed esthetician?
A minimum of 300 hours of instruction in esthetics/skin care at a licensed school of cosmetology. Candidates may test early after 250 hours, but the license itself is not issued until all 300 hours are completed.
Who administers the Pennsylvania esthetician licensing exam?
The State Board of Cosmetology has contracted with Pearson VUE to manage the application process and to create, administer, and score the Esthetician Theory/Procedural Skills Examination, a 100-item computer-based multiple-choice exam.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Pennsylvania?
Total initial cost (excluding school tuition) is $119: a $26 state application fee paid through PALS plus a $93 examination fee paid to Pearson VUE. Biennial renewal is $97.
Does Pennsylvania require continuing education to renew an esthetician license?
No. There is no continuing education requirement for esthetician license renewal; licenses simply renew biennially, expiring January 31 of odd-numbered years.
Can I use an out-of-state esthetician license to get licensed in Pennsylvania?
Yes, through licensure by endorsement/reciprocity (including under Act 41 of 2019), provided you hold a current license in good standing from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements and have at least two years of licensed work experience. However, Pennsylvania currently has no reciprocity understanding with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, or Utah for estheticians, so applicants from those states must take the PA exam.
Sources
- [1] pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/clients/pa-cosmetology-and-barber/203900.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/cosmetology/esthetician-licensure-snapshot — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/cosmetology/renewal-information — accessed 2026-07-11