Become an Esthetician

Applicants are required apply for their license on the New York State e-Licensing system.  You must have a NY.gov ID account. If you do not have an account, you should go to the MY NY.gov Online Services page to sign up for an account. 

To apply for an esthetics license you must:

• Be 17 years old
• Complete a 600 hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations. The affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of the application must be completed by your school director as proof of successful completion.
• Be examined by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. The physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application. You must submit your application within 30 days after the health certification is signed and dated.

There are several ways to apply for a license:

1. New York State Education and Examinations (eligible for temporary license)

You must complete a 600-hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to get a license to operate in New York state. As proof of successful completion of schooling the Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of the esthetics application must be completed by your school director.

Effective June 17, 2020, all operator applicants qualifying based  on the completion of NYS education must complete a 1- hour course on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness. Visit this page to complete the course before submitting your application.

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

2. Education Outside of New York State (eligible for temporary license)

   The Department of State may waive the New York State schooling requirement if you can document an equivalent level of schooling from another state or country. You must submit all three of the following documents:
   
   (1) a school certificate;
   (2) a school transcript listing subjects and hours completed; AND
   (3) a current, original Certification of Licensure from your state board or, if not licensed, a current Certification from your state's board verifying the hours claimed.
   
   After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will also be required to pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to obtain an Esthetics license in this state. You will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.
    

3. Experience: 5 Years Outside of New York State
   Any individual having five years of legal experience in an occupation equivalent to Esthetics may apply for a New York State license by submitting satisfactory evidence of education and experience.
   
   Within the United States experience:

   1. An original certification from the licensing agency you were previously licensed with.

   2. Two experience statements filled out by former employers, co-workers, clients, that can claim your experience in the state for at least five years.  These experience statements must include EXACT dates (month and year of start of service and month and year of end of service), location (City, State, shop name), and specific services that you performed.            

   3. Copy of tax returns which indicate Esthetics as occupation (optional)

   
   Outside of the United States experience:
   Evidence may include but is not limited to:

   1. Official certification from the licensing authority in your country or verification from the Consulate that a license is not required to practice this occupation in your country.

   2. Detailed letters from employer(s) in your country specifying EXACT dates of employment, location and specific services that you performed.

   3. Detailed letters from your client(s), or coworker(s), in your country specifying EXACT dates of service, location and specific services you performed.

   4. Copy of passport which indicates Esthetics as occupation, drivers license, workbook with Esthetics experience, or any photo identification.

   5. Copies of course curricula and diplomas/certificates for education completed in your country.

   6. Copy of tax returns which indicate Esthetics as occupation (optional)

   After your application is reviewed and accepted, you may obtain a Esthetics license in New York State without examination or further education.
    

4. Endorsement An applicant who holds an Esthetics license in another jurisdiction may obtain an Esthetics license in New York through endorsement without examination or further education. Refer to our website for an Esthetics endorsement list to determine if you qualify for licensure based on endorsement. An applicant must submit an original certification from the jurisdiction where s/he holds an equivalent license.
5. Previous New York State Licensure An individual who fails to file an application and fee for renewal within five years of the expiration date cited on the individual’s license shall be ineligible for such license until he/she passes a written exam. Proof of previous licensure may be required.

Written Exams

Applicants are required to schedule their appearance enhancement examinations on the New York State e-Licensing system. In order to schedule your examination, you must have a NY.gov ID account. If you do not have an account, you should go to the MY NY.gov Online Services page to sign up for an account. 

Persons with disabilities who require accessibility information should call 518-474-4429.

What To Bring 

1. A form of government issued signature identification which must be photo-bearing. Your identification MUST BE CURRENT (not expired) and from the following list:

• driver's license
• state issued identification (ex. non-driver ID)
• IDNYC Card (NYC Identification Card)
• military ID
• United States Passport
• Employment Authorization Card (issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• United States INS issued ID
• Certificate of US citizenship
• Foreign Passport
• Brazilian, Mexican, Honduran, and Ecuadorian Consular ID

2. A copy of your examination confirmation, which should include all of your examination information, including your candidate number.

Examination Site Policies

Cellular phones, beepers and any other electronic devices MUST be turned off during the exam.

Dictionaries, books, other reference materials, large bags and briefcases are not allowed at the exam site. Do not bring these materials to the exam site as there is no place to store them.

Eating, drinking or smoking is not permitted at the exam site. If you bring food or beverages, you will be asked to dispose of them before entering the exam site.

Visitors, guests and children are not permitted at the exam site.

Firearms are not allowed at the exam site. Please contact our exam unit at (518) 473-2731 for questions pertaining to this policy.

Any person found using notes, books, or other aids; giving or receiving help; removing examination materials or notes from the exam site; causing a disturbance or engaging in practices contrary to the rules of proper examination conduct will be dismissed from the exam site. Any decisions regarding disciplinary measures will be made by the Exam Supervisor at the Department of State.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel an appointment, you will forfeit the examination fee.

Reschedule Policy

If you wish to change your appointment, you must reschedule the appointment at least six days before your scheduled examination date.  Once you are within the six-day period, you cannot reschedule your examination.

No-Show Policy

If for any reason you do not appear on your scheduled examination date, you will forfeit the examination fee.

Lateness Policy

It is recommended you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam. If you arrive at the examination site after the specified starting time, you will not be admitted into the examination and will forfeit the examination fee.

Score Reporting

• Examination results are reported as either passed or failed; you will not receive a numerical score. Passed examination results are only valid for a period of five years. Results will not be given over the phone, so please do not call Licensing Services for them. 
• You will be notified by email once the examination results are available for viewing. 
• Examination results will be available online by utilizing MY NY.gov Online Services. 
• If you fail the exam, you can schedule another examination by utilizing MY NY.gov Online Services. 

About the Exam

• The written exam is multiple-choice and based on the pre-licensing curriculum.
• Applicants will be allowed 2 1/2 hours to complete the test. The allotted time begins at the conclusion of the instructions. 

Examination Sites and Addresses

Practical Exams

Practical Exam Locations
 

Exam Scheduling Policy

Photo ID Policy

You MUST bring a form of government issued signature identification which must be photo-bearing. Your identification MUST BE CURRENT (not expired) and from the following list:

• driver's license
• state issued identification (ex. Non-driver ID)
• IDNYC Card (NYC Identification Card)
• military ID
• United States Passport
• Employment Authorization Card (issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• United States INS issued ID
• Certificate of US citizenship
• Foreign Passport
• Brazilian, Mexican, Honduran, and Ecuadorian Consular ID

All appointments MUST be made in EXACTLY the name which appears on your identification. This does not include middle names or middle initials.  If your last name is hyphenated, please be sure to include your full name.  If your name does not match your ID exactly, we reserve the right to deny you access to the examination.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel an appointment, you will forfeit the examination fee.

Reschedule Policy

If you wish to change your appointment, you MUST reschedule the appointment at least six days before your scheduled examination date.  Once you are within the six-day period, you cannot reschedule your examination.

No-Show Policy

If for any reason you do not appear on your scheduled examination date, you will forfeit the examination fee.

Lateness Policy

If you arrive at the examination site after the specified starting time, you will not be admitted into the examination and will forfeit the examination fee.