LICENSING GUIDE

California — Esthetician

California’s esthetician license covers facials, makeup, eyelash application, waxing or tweezing, and nonmedical skin care within the Board-defined scope. Services may not remove, destroy, incise, or pierce skin beyond the epidermis or constitute the practice of medicine.

Renewal Period: 24 months

California esthetician licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed every two years. The current timely renewal fee listed by the Board is $50; licensees should confirm current fees and complete renewal through the Board’s licensing system.

Last Verified: September 23, 2026

PATHWAYS TO LICENSURE

School Pathway

Training Hours: 600

Complete a Board-approved skin care course consisting of at least 600 hours: 100 hours of health and safety, 100 hours of disinfection and sanitation, 350 hours of skin care, and 50 hours of hair removal and lash and brow beautification.

Apprenticeship Pathway

Available: Yes

Training Hours: 3,200

California law recognizes an approved skin care apprenticeship as a pathway to esthetician examination. The apprenticeship requires at least 3,200 hours of paid on-the-job training plus at least 220 hours of related classroom training over two years. After completing at least 21 months and all required hours, the apprentice may apply for the written licensing examination.

LICENSE TRANSFER

Reciprocity and Endorsement

California offers licensure by endorsement (called reciprocity by the Board) without examination to applicants who hold an equivalent current esthetician license from another U.S. state, district, or territory. The license must be unrestricted and in good standing. The applicant must request that the original licensing state send a Certification of Licensure directly to the California Board. Applicants who do not qualify for reciprocity may apply through the out-of-state examination process.

LICENSE MAINTENANCE

Continuing Education

Required: No

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology does not require continuing education credits to maintain an esthetician license. Licensees may take optional continuing education courses.

SOURCES & VERIFICATION