This article provides all available aesthetician certification and certificate program information needed for those who wish to pursue a career in aesthetics.
Aesthetics is the area of cosmetics that deals with the skin, and aestheticians are certified professionals in skin care procedures like facials, chemical peels, waxing, massages, and makeup application.
Junior colleges, trade schools, career training facilities, university continuing education departments, and private groups all offer aesthetician certification and certificate programs.
Keep reading this article to learn about program and training options, exams, certifications, and an aesthetician’s license.
Aesthetician Certification And Certificate Program
Upon successful completion of an aesthetician program, numerous cosmetology schools and other organizations grant certification.
Techniques for applying makeup and skin care products are taught in online aesthetician certification and certificate programs.
These courses will teach you how to operate a salon and will get you ready to pass the state’s licensing exam for aestheticians.
The majority of an aesthetician’s job responsibilities, such as skin care, facials, hair removal, cosmetics, and color theory, are covered in these programs.
The majority of programs are created for students who have no prior work experience, and all you need to get started is a high school diploma or GED.
Difference Between Licensing And Certification
In practically every state, aestheticians need a license to practice, but certification is typically an optional process.
A license is given to aestheticians who have finished the requisite training and aced all essential exams.
After completing a training or education program, schools and agencies may grant certifications, but you won’t be able to work unless you have been granted a license by a state regulatory authority.
However, having a certification may help you stand out to potential companies.
A certificate may be the sole option to demonstrate your training and competency in jurisdictions without licensure laws, such as Connecticut.
How To Get An Aesthetician Certification
Most esthetician programs cost between $3,000 and $10,000, according to the AACS.
The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations, for example, offers a secondary certification that some aestheticians opt to pursue to set themselves apart from other licensed professionals.
Those who have finished advanced training corresponding to that needed for a Master Aesthetician license are given the National Aesthetician Certification by the NCEA.
Within 60 days, students purchase a manual, study it on their schedule, and take an online test.
A three-stage payment plan for the entire program’s $664 cost is offered, but those who can pay the full amount upfront are eligible for reductions.
Additionally, numerous states provide certification programs through state boards or health organizations.
Getting An Aesthetician Certification And Certificate Program
You must complete a particular number of clinical hours in addition to your academic certificate to acquire your license
For students who have finished at least 1200 hours of clinical work, certain states also grant master’s-level licensure.
You can also consider applying to join a professional association like the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).
A PBA membership can give aestheticians access to industry events, savings on continuing education, and chances to apply for scholarships.
Aesthetician School
To become an aesthetician, one must enroll in and finish a cosmetology program.
Although the specifics of your curriculum will vary depending on the institution and area, it must both prepare you for all licensing exams in your state and meet the training hour requirements.
A certificate program designed for aspiring aestheticians will offer a foundational background in the various practices and skills you’ll need in a salon.
Most aesthetician certification and certificate programs will include classes in skin care, temporary hair removal, body treatments, exfoliation, color theory, makeup, electricity and facial treatments, and eyebrow arching.
Some other programs may also require you to complete a practicum or internship as part of your coursework.
For additional details about cosmetology schools offering aesthetician programs in your area, including cost, accreditation, potential financial aid, test preparation, available credentials, and training hours, visit the Beauty Schools Directory esthetician hub.
Training Hour Requirements
The hours you spend learning in a cosmetology program to become a licensed aesthetician, learning both in the classroom and in hands-on instruction, will equip you to achieve your state’s licensure standards and to function successfully and confidently as an aesthetician.
Most states require 600 training hours for aspiring aestheticians, though some states, like Oregon, require just 250 hours, while others, like Georgia, won’t grant a license to anyone with less than 1,000 hours.
The amount of time it takes you to complete the required hours can also vary depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
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Required Exams
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology exam is typically the last obstacle to overcome to get an aesthetician certification.
The computer-based, 90-minute written NIC exam consists of two components, the written or theory exam and the practical or hands-on portion.
The use of prohibited goods, required documents, required supplies, what you can do with those supplies, and even your physical location during certain exam portions are all governed by tight and detailed guidelines.
Your score on this test is based in part on your performance in the Scientific Concepts section, covering topics like cells and tissues, infection prevention, and microbiology.
Exfoliation techniques and the use of electrical equipment for skin services are only two of the topics covered in the Skin Care and Services section, which makes up 45% of your grade.
You will be assessed on at least nine essential services and activities during the NIC practical exam, which is the practical component.
The preparation of workstations and clients, as well as things like facial cleansing, exfoliating, applying makeup, shaving, and particle microdermabrasion are included in this.
State-specific fees apply, but the NIC charges $39 for practice tests and $30 for instructional DVDs.
Apprenticeships
At least a dozen states waive the training-hours requirement for students who participate in apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeships are mutually beneficial relationships that pair apprentices with masters or teachers.
In this, you’ll learn while you work in a real-world setting with actual clients under the supervision and guidance of a qualified, licensed aesthetician.
Many states require students to spend a set number of hours in apprenticeships, sometimes the same number of training hours and in other cases, more.
Some states might mandate a length of time, not several hours, to satisfy apprenticeship requirements.
An apprenticeship does not exempt you from passing all required examinations.
Difference Between An Aesthetics License And A Cosmetology License
Even though you’ll probably attend a cosmetology school for your program, you’ll only receive a license as an aesthetician after completing your education.
Normal cosmetology programs teach students about aesthetics as well as how to trim, style, and chemically treat hair, perform manicures and pedicures, and analyze hair and skin.
The average cosmetology curriculum lasts 1,400–1,600 hours and can be finished in two years, according to the AACS.
The aesthetician certification and certificate program, on the other hand, lasts an average of 650 hours for six months.
Aesthetician Certification And Certificate Program State Requirements
Except for Connecticut, which does not enforce restrictions on who can operate as an aesthetician, each state sets its licensing criteria.
Apart from testing for licenses, the requirements may also include rules for apprenticeship alternatives, exams, and training hours.
The requirements for how frequently aestheticians must renew their licenses and what they must do to earn such renewals are specified by each state board.
Standards for renewing a license differ from state to state, just like those for aspiring aestheticians seeking to license.
State boards also establish requirements for agreements involving out-of-state reciprocity, which entails states recognizing aesthetician licenses obtained in other regions of the country.
State boards also establish age minimums for licensure prerequisites and in most states, these range from 16 to 23.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is still required in certain states, while others might only require completion of the eighth grade.
Every state board in the nation has information available from the Associated Skin Care Professionals, including postal addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, websites, and email addresses.
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Continuing Education And Maintaining An Aesthetician License
Each state has unique rules and legislation governing the renewal of aesthetics licenses, because some states need annual renewal, while some only require it every other year.
The renewal date may occasionally coincide with the licensee’s birthday or it may fall on a fixed day, such as August 31.
Many states mandate additional training hours in the form of continuing education as part of their renewal requirements.
The cost of license renewal varies greatly based on where you live and work in the majority of states.
Online Aesthetician Certification And Certificate Programs
Some preparatory aesthetician certification and certificate programs may be completed online, but the aesthetician-specific courses must be taken in person.
Skincare, exfoliation, color theory, facial treatments, and body treatments are frequent course topics.
Since many of the courses teach you the actual processes and methods you’ll need in a professional environment, very few aesthetician programs can be completed online.
However, there are academic requirements for many programs, some of which might be provided online.
You’ll need a broadband Internet connection and a browser like Firefox if you can take some of your classes online.
You might also require further programs like Windows Media Player or Adobe Acrobat.
FAQ
How long is esthetician school in GA?
The typical time required to complete a 1,000-hour program is six to eight months. Depending on whether you attend full- or part-time will determine this.
How long is esthetician school in Tennessee?
Satisfactory completion of a 750-hour minimum term of study in the application and theory of aesthetics at a cosmetology school.
What is an esthetician vs Aesthetician?
Typically, aestheticians play more of a medical role while estheticians concentrate on cosmetic procedures. These positions, their responsibilities, and their titles can differ from one state to the next.
How much does an esthetician make an hour in Tennessee?
The typical salary for a licensed esthetician in Tennessee as of October 2, 2022, is $37,710. That comes out to roughly $18.13 an hour, in case you need a quick pay calculator. This equates to $725 per week or $3,142 per month.
What degree do you need to be an aesthetician?
The most typical path to becoming an aesthetician is to first pursue NVQs in facial and skincare before continuing your education in certain treatments. A level 2 NVQ program in face and skincare is a fantastic place to start. Once finished, other options to think about are Level 3 anatomy and physiology of the NVQ.
How long does it take to become an esthetician in Louisiana?
The typical time it takes to finish a 750-hour program is five to eight months. Depending on whether you attend full- or part-time will determine this.
What are the best esthetician schools?
- Ogle School (Texas)
- The Aveda Institute
- Bellus Academy (California)
- Empire Beauty Schools (Cosmetology Schools – Hair Schools)
- Aesthetic Science Institute (Utah)
- Xenon Academy (Nebraska)
- Elizabeth Grady Schools (Esthetics and Massage Therapy)
What are the different types of estheticians?
- Facial Specialists.
- Medical Estheticians.
- Skincare Specialists.
- Spa Therapists.
- Waxing.
Are estheticians in high demand?
Yes, there is a big demand for estheticians.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2019 and 2029, employment in the skincare industry will increase by 17%. However, there is still a lot of competition for jobs, so having additional qualifications like being a certified massage therapist is helpful.
What can estheticians do in Georgia?
Customers will come to you as a Georgia-licensed esthetician to cleanse and beautify their skin so it shines as warmly as the tropical sun. All beauticians, including cosmetologists, nail techs, hair stylists, and estheticians, must get a license from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology.
Conclusion
Students must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for most aesthetician certificate programs.
And a certain amount of prior experience working in the beauty sector is also necessary for some aesthetician programs.
Students engage in an aesthetic practical while also learning about facial treatments, massage therapy, and anatomy and physiology.
After an aesthetician certification and certificate program, it will be easier to find employment as a cosmetologist or skin care professional.
