Esthetician License Requirements in South Carolina
- Training hours
- 450 hrs
- Upfront cost
- —
- Exam
- NIC Examination (Theory and Practical) — Esthetics
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation)
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, 10th-grade education or equivalency (as recognized by the Board, or by tests used in public schools), pass a criminal background check. A statewide criminal background check is required only if the applicant discloses a felony conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contendere plea on the application's Personal History section (per the Board's Application Requirements document at https://llr.sc.gov/cosmo/forms/Application%20Requirements%20-%20Cosmo.pdf, verified via archive snapshot 2026-04-17). Age/education facts verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-14 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl). [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 450 hours of training at a state-approved program. 450 hours of classes in skin care at a Board-approved school, or comparable Board-approved training. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-14 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl). [1]
- 3
NIC Examination (Theory and Practical) — Esthetics
Pass the NIC Examination (Theory and Practical) — Esthetics. written theory and practical, two-part 75% passing score required on both parts. Examination fees are paid directly to Prov, which sets its own fee schedule; the Board does not publish the amount. A $45 Repeat Examination Request Application fee applies for retakes. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-14 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl). [1]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation). [2]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) issues your Esthetician for South Carolina.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | $52 |
| NIC Examination (Theory and Practical) — Esthetics [1] | None specified |
| Licensure by Endorsement fee [2] | $60 |
| Reinstatement fee [2] | $152 |
The Board's fee schedule lists no separate application or initial-license fee for estheticians licensed by examination (initial licensure fees are only itemized for Booth Renter and School); examination fees are paid directly to Prov, not the Board. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-02-16 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl).
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 4 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses renew every odd year, with the deadline at 11:59 p.m. on March 10. The 4 CE hours are required biennially, but are waived for a licensee's very first renewal. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-03-09 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl).
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
The Board's FAQ explicitly states it does not offer 'reciprocity' for any license type, but does offer 'Licensure by Endorsement': an applicant qualifies if actively licensed in another state and has passed the NIC theory and practical exam, OR has been actively licensed for at least two years and completed 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education. The endorsement fee for estheticians is $60. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact is not confirmed as operational or as covering estheticians in South Carolina as of this research date, so no compacts are listed. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-03-09 (llr.sc.gov is unreachable via direct fetch/curl).
12 state-approved training providers in South Carolina — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Frequently asked questions
Which exams are required to obtain licensure in South Carolina?
Successful passage of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examination (theory and practical) is required. Licensure-by-Endorsement applicants who have been actively licensed for at least two years in another state and completed 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education are exempt from the examination requirement.
How long will it take Board staff to process my application?
Board staff processes applications in the order received and cannot offer a specific timeframe. Applicants receive an email with further instructions once processing is complete.
Does the Board of Cosmetology offer reciprocity?
No, the Board does not currently offer reciprocity for any license type, though it does offer 'Licensure by Endorsement' for qualified out-of-state applicants.
What is 'Endorsement'?
For Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Nail Technician licenses, an applicant qualifies for Licensure by Endorsement if actively licensed in another state and has passed the NIC theory and practical exam, or has been actively licensed for at least two years and completed 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education.
My license has lapsed. How do I reinstate?
If your Esthetician license has lapsed for less than three years, submit the Reactivation/Reinstatement Application along with the supporting documents required by the Board.
Sources
- [1] llr.sc.gov/cosmo/examins.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] llr.sc.gov/cosmo/fees.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] llr.sc.gov/cosmo/ce.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] llr.sc.gov/cosmo/faq.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11