Esthetician License Requirements in Virginia
- Training hours
- 600 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $314
- Exam
- NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination, NIC Esthetics Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Pass a criminal background check. 18VAC41-70-20 does not specify a minimum age or education prerequisite for esthetics/master esthetics licensure. Applicants must disclose all felony convictions within 10 years of application (per §54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia) and any prior disciplinary action in Virginia or other jurisdictions; the board may deny licensure based on this disclosure. This is a self-disclosure requirement on the application, not a fingerprint-based background check. [5]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Virginia runs a two-tier system. The entry-level Esthetician license requires 600 curriculum hours (orientation/business 25, laws/regulations 10, general sciences 80, applied sciences 95, skin care 255, makeup 65, body/other treatments 20, hair removal 50). The Master Esthetician license also requires 600 hours but in an advanced curriculum (orientation/advanced business/infection control 45, state laws 10, advanced anatomy/physiology 65, advanced skin care/modalities 90, advanced procedures/chemical exfoliation 270, lymphatic drainage 120), per 18VAC41-70-190. Applicants may alternatively complete a registered apprenticeship, submit substantially equivalent out-of-state training plus 6 months of work experience, or (if training is not substantially equivalent) 3 years of licensed work experience. [1]
- 3
NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination
Pass the NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination (fee: $99). Computer-based multiple-choice exam; includes 10 Virginia state law/regulation questions; may also be taken remotely from home Passing score is 75%. Prov became the Board's exam administrator effective January 1, 2025 (previously PSI). [2]
- 4
NIC Esthetics Practical Examination
Pass the NIC Esthetics Practical Examination (fee: $95). In-person practical skills demonstration at a Prov testing center [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) with the $120 application fee. [3]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) issues your Esthetician for Virginia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $120 |
| License fee [3] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [3] | $120 |
| NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination [2] | $99 |
| NIC Esthetics Practical Examination [2] | $95 |
| Reinstatement (after lapse) [3] | $240 |
The $120 application fee covers initial license issuance; there is no separate license-issuance fee. Renewal is also $120; reinstatement after expiration is $240 (includes the $120 renewal fee plus a $120 reinstatement fee). Exam fees ($99 written + $95 practical, paid to Prov) are separate — see exams[].
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
License expires two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued (18VAC41-70-140). No continuing education requirement was found in 18VAC41-70 for estheticians or master estheticians.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
License by endorsement is available under 18VAC41-70-30 for esthetician/master esthetician licensees from other jurisdictions whose training and exams are substantially equivalent to Virginia's; a single-exam-state pathway and a 3-years-of-experience pathway also exist. Virginia has enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but per the compact commission's own site (cosmetologycompact.gov, accessed 2026-07-11) that compact covers cosmetologists only — not estheticians — and is not yet operational for issuing multistate privileges.
9 state-approved training providers in Virginia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $120
- $99
- $95
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does Virginia require for an esthetician license?
600 curriculum hours for the entry-level Esthetician license, and a separate 600-hour advanced curriculum for the Master Esthetician license, per 18VAC41-70-190.
What exams do I need to pass?
Both the NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination and the NIC Esthetics Practical Examination, administered by Prov, Inc. Fees are $99 for the written exam and $95 for the practical exam.
How often do I need to renew my Virginia esthetician license?
Every two years, for a $120 renewal fee. Virginia does not currently require continuing education hours for renewal.
Can I transfer an out-of-state esthetician license to Virginia?
Yes, through license by endorsement (18VAC41-70-30), if your training and exams are substantially equivalent to Virginia's. Applicants with non-equivalent training may qualify with three years of licensed work experience instead.
Is Virginia part of an interstate esthetician licensing compact?
Virginia has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but that compact covers cosmetologists only — not estheticians — and is not yet operational for issuing multistate licenses.
Sources
- [1] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter70/section190/ — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] provexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/VA_Prov_Cosmetology_CIB_2026_01.28.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter70/section120/ — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter70/section140/ — accessed 2026-07-11
- [5] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter70/section20/ — accessed 2026-07-11
- [6] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency41/chapter70/section30/ — accessed 2026-07-11