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Esthetician
Governing Authority
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (under the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing)
Official website →3 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · Every number on this page links to its official source
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
600
Training Hours
No
Has Master?
Yes
Written Exam
Yes
Practical Exam
Varies
Total Fees
6 hrs
CE Hours
You must be at least 17 years old. High school diploma or GED
Complete 600 hours of esthetician training at a state-approved school. Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by Maryland Board of Cosmetologists An apprenticeship pathway is also available.
Pass the written and practical exams. Administered by: NIC. Passing score: 75%.
Maryland requires a criminal background check as part of the esthetician license application.
Submit your application to the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (under the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing).
Renew your license every 2 years. 6 CE hours required.
Training Program
VerifiedRequired Training Hours
600 hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
Apprenticeship Alternative
Topics Covered
Browse Esthetician study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Required Hours
600 hours
VerifiedAdditional Requirements
Required Hours
Not specified
VerifiedExam Information
VerifiedWritten Exam
RequiredPractical Exam
RequiredExam Provider
NIC
Passing Score
75%
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Esthetician Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Esthetician Written Examination
Passing Score
75%
Format
Written exam + Practical exam
Administered By
NIC
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Esthetician Written Examination.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Esthetician Written Examination
Prepare for your Esthetician Written Examination with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Not sure if you need a esthetician license? Check whether your state requires one.
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 |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Contact board for current fee schedule | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
6
CE Hours Required
—
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Contact board for current fee schedule
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Maryland with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Maryland implemented new CE requirements effective January 2026, requiring 6 hours of continuing education and 1 hour of domestic violence awareness training for all renewals.
Maryland requires 600 hours of esthetician training
Effective January 1, 2026: 6 hours CE required for renewal (2 hrs required topics + 4 hrs elective)
Effective January 1, 2026: 1 hour domestic violence awareness training required
Apprentice esthetician pathway available (12 months, 20+ hrs/week)
Updated CE rules effective January 2026: 6 hours total (2 mandatory + 4 elective + 1 DV awareness per cycle).
There is no interstate compact for estheticians.
Esthetician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (you) | — | 26–48 wks | |
| District of Columbia | — | 26–48 wks | → |
| Delaware | — | 26–48 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $119 | 16–33 wks | → |
| Virginia | — | 26–48 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Maryland
See how Maryland compares: Esthetician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare esthetician requirements across all states →
Esthetician licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure esthetician is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Maryland compare to other states for esthetician? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your esthetician license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
Esthetician Schools in Maryland
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Esthetician requirements in Maryland verified against Maryland Board of Cosmetologists (under the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing), March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
Moving to Maryland? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Esthetician license to Maryland →
Transfer your Esthetician license from Maryland to: Delaware → | Pennsylvania → | Virginia → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Study guides and practice tests for the esthetician licensing exam.
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