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California esthetician license — 600 training hours, exam info, fees, and how to apply. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Esthetician
3 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
67% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
600
Training Hours
No
Has Master?
Yes
Written Exam
No
Practical Exam
Varies
Total Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Training Program
VerifiedRequired Training Hours
600 hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Apprenticeship Alternative
Topics Covered
Required Hours
600 hours
VerifiedAdditional Requirements
Required Hours
Not specified
VerifiedExam Information
VerifiedWritten Exam
RequiredPractical Exam
Not RequiredExam Provider
State-administered
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Services
Restricted Services
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser Treatments
Advanced Services Supervision
Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per 2 years | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Contact board for current fee schedule | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0
CE Hours Required
$50
Renewal Fee
No CE Requirement
Renewal fee per 2 years
Regulatory Board
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Hours Comparison Required for Transfer
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require estheticians to meet the destination state's training hour requirements when transferring a license. If your original state required fewer hours, additional training may be needed.
California eliminated the practical exam for esthetician licensure, requiring only a written exam of 75 scored questions plus 10 pretest questions. No CE is required for renewal.
California requires 600 hours of esthetician training
Practical exam has been eliminated — only written exam required
No continuing education required for license renewal
Renewal fee is $50 every 2 years
There is no interstate compact for estheticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#9 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Skincare Specialists (SOC 39-5094)
Entry Level
$35,200
25th percentile
Median
$36,390
-12% vs. national avg ($41,560)Experienced
$46,610
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,820 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Esthetician income often includes tips and product sales commissions not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Skincare Specialists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+8,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
9,400
per year (avg.)
72,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Cosmetology Career Ladder+12% salary growth potential
You are here
Esthetician
$36,390
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
Nail tech program (300-600 hours)
$35,000
You are here
Esthetician
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
$36,390
Cosmetology program (1,000-1,600 hours)
$39,370
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Estimated total: 26–48 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the esthetician licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
California requires 600 hours of training to become a licensed esthetician. A written exam is required. All licensing is managed through the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Cosmetology.