StateLicensed

Esthetician License Requirements in Washington

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
750 hrs
Upfront cost
$323
Exam
NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination, NIC Esthetics Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old. RCW 18.16.100 requires only that an applicant be at least seventeen years of age, complete an approved school or apprenticeship curriculum, and pass the licensing exam — no high school diploma/GED requirement or fingerprint-based background check is specified in statute. Washington does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal history; an optional Professional License Criminal Conviction Screening Request lets applicants get a preliminary eligibility determination, and convictions can be grounds for discipline as 'unprofessional conduct' under RCW 18.16. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 750 hours of training at a state-approved program. Washington has a two-tier structure. The Esthetician license requires 750 hours at a DOL-approved school (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours). The Master Esthetician license requires an additional 450 hours beyond the base esthetician curriculum, or a combined 1,200-hour school program, and additionally permits use of certain FDA over-the-counter and (under physician authority) prescriptive medical devices. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination

    Pass the NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination (fee: $169). Computer-based multiple-choice exam; may be taken remotely or at a Prov testing center Prov became Washington's cosmetology-program exam vendor effective May 1, 2026. [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Esthetics Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Esthetics Practical Examination (fee: $119). In-person practical skills demonstration at a Prov testing center [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program with the $35 application fee. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program issues your Esthetician for Washington.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $35
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $66
NIC Esthetics Written (Theory) Examination [2] $169
NIC Esthetics Practical Examination [2] $119
Reciprocity/out-of-jurisdiction application [3] $60
Late renewal [3] $131

The $35 application fee covers initial license issuance (no separate license-issuance fee); out-of-jurisdiction/reciprocity applicants pay $60 instead. Renewal is $66 on time or $131 if late. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov (see exams[]).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

License must be renewed every 2 years. No continuing education hour requirement for esthetician/master esthetician renewal was found on DOL's official renewal or licensing pages.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity/endorsement is available for applicants holding an active license in good standing in another jurisdiction, with proof of licensure and proof of passing that jurisdiction's approved exams. Washington enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (RCW 18.16.400-.410, HB 1023), effective June 1, 2028, but that compact applies to cosmetologists only — not barbers, manicurists, or estheticians.

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

Cost calculator

  • $35
  • $169
  • $119
Total$323

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Washington require for an esthetician license?

750 hours at a DOL-approved school (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours) for the Esthetician license; the Master Esthetician tier requires an additional 450 hours (or a combined 1,200-hour program).

Who administers the licensing exam and how much does it cost?

Prov, Inc., effective May 1, 2026. The written exam is $169 and the practical exam is $119, paid directly to Prov.

Do I need a high school diploma to get licensed?

Washington's licensing statute (RCW 18.16.100) does not specify a high school diploma or GED requirement — only a minimum age of 17, completion of an approved training program, and a passing exam score.

How often do I need to renew my license?

Every 2 years. Renewal is $66 on time or $131 if paid late.

Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state?

Yes, via reciprocity, by submitting proof of an active license in good standing and proof of passing your original state's approved exams, along with a $60 reciprocity application fee.

Sources

  1. [1] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/get-your-license-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] provexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WA_Prov_Cosmetology_CIB_2026_04_21.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/fees-cosmetologists — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/cosmetology/renew-or-reinstate-your-license-cosmetologists — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11