How do I become a licensed esthetician in South Carolina?

To become a licensed esthetician in South Carolina, you must complete 450 hours of training from an approved esthetics program, pass a written exam, and pass a practical exam. The exam is administered by National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

How many hours of training are required for an esthetician license in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires 450 hours of esthetician training. An apprenticeship alternative is not available.

What are the esthetician license fees in South Carolina?

Total initial esthetician license fees in South Carolina are approximately varies. This includes application fees, exam fees, and license issuance fees. Renewal fees are determined by the board per Biennial (every odd year, ending March 10) renewal period.

Does South Carolina offer a master esthetician license?

No, South Carolina does not currently offer a separate master or advanced esthetician license. All licensed estheticians hold the same credential level.

Esthetician

How to Become an Esthetician in South CarolinaLicense Requirements & Costs (2026)

EstheticianLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

Official website →

Complexity:Quick Start

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.

See sources below · Report incorrect data

450

Training Hours

Has Master?

Yes

Written Exam

Yes

Practical Exam

Varies

Total Fees

4 hrs

CE Hours

How to Become an Esthetician in South Carolina

1
Meet Basic Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old. Completion of 10th grade
2
Complete Esthetician Training
Complete 450 hours of esthetician training at a state-approved school. Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
3
Pass the Licensing Exam
Pass the written and practical exams. Administered by: National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Passing score: 75%.
4
Pass Background Check
South Carolina requires a criminal background check as part of the esthetician license application.
5
Apply for Your Esthetician License
Submit your application to the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology.
6
Maintain & Renew Your License
Renew your license every Biennial (every odd year, ending March 10). 4 CE hours required.

Training Requirements

Training Program

Verified

Required Training Hours

450 hours

Verified

Program Accreditation

Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

Verified

Apprenticeship Alternative

Not Available

Verified

Topics Covered

Facial treatments and skin careHair removal (waxing, threading)Makeup applicationSkin analysis and consultationSafety and sanitationAnatomy and physiology of the skinChemistry as related to estheticsBusiness practices and state law

Browse Esthetician study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)

License Types

Basic Esthetician

Available

Required Hours

450 hours

Verified

Additional Requirements

•Complete approved esthetician training program (450 hours)
•Pass written examination
•Pass practical examination
•Submit application with required fees

Master/Advanced Esthetician

N/A

Required Hours

Not specified

Verified

Licensing Exam

Examination Requirements

Exam Information

Verified

Written Exam

Required

Practical Exam

Required

Exam Provider

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)

Verified

Passing Score

75%

Verified

Exam Difficulty

Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100

Quick Start

Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient

Browse study guides

Esthetician Exam Prep Books

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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.

Exam Overview

Esthetician Written Examination

Passing Score

75%

Format

Written exam + Practical exam

Administered By

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (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.

Study Guide →Flashcards →

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General Requirements

Minimum Age

16 yearsVerified

Education

Completion of 10th gradeVerified

Background Check

RequiredVerified

Not sure if you need a esthetician license? Check whether your state requires one.

Scope of Practice

Mostly verified

Allowed Services

✓Facials and skin treatments
✓Waxing and hair removal
✓Makeup application
✓Skin analysis and consultation
✓Exfoliation and masks
✓Superficial chemical peels
✓Body treatments and wraps

Restricted Services

✗Injectable treatments (Botox, fillers) — medical professionals only
✗Deep chemical peels — physician supervision required
✗Laser treatments — restricted to medical professionals or master estheticians in some states
✗Prescribing medications or making medical diagnoses

Chemical Peels

Microdermabrasion

Laser Treatments

Advanced Services Supervision

Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Amount	Confidence
Total Initial Fees Contact board for current fee schedule	Varies	Mostly verified

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 & Continuing Education

Renewal & CE Requirements

Verified

Biennial (every odd year, ending March 10)

Renewal Period

CE Hours Required

—

Renewal Fee

Continuing Education Required

Verified

Contact board for current fee schedule

Regulatory Board

South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

Reciprocity & Transfer

Out-of-State Reciprocity

Verified

Accepts Out-of-State Licenses

Transfer Type

Licensure by Endorsement

Verified

Hours Comparison Required for Transfer

Verified

Additional Requirements for Transfer

•Must submit application to South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
•Must provide proof of current license in good standing from another state
•Must have completed at least 450 hours of training (or state equivalent)
•Must pass background check

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 South Carolina with other states →

See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.

Special Notes

★

South Carolina requires 450 hours and has a strict 24-month window to pass both exams; failure to do so invalidates all training hours. CE focuses on laws, safety, and infection control.

•

South Carolina requires 450 hours of skin care training

•

4 hours CE required per renewal (laws/regulations, client safety, infection control)

•

Both exams must be passed within 24 months or all hours are invalidated

•

License renewal every odd year ending March 10

•

There is no interstate compact for estheticians.