LICENSING GUIDE

Iowa — Esthetician

Complete 600 hours in a board-licensed esthetics program and pass the NIC or another approved national theory examination with a score of at least 75%. Licenses renew every two years; practitioners complete 6 continuing-education hours, with the first renewal exempt.

Renewal Period: 24 months

Last Verified: September 17, 2026

PATHWAYS TO LICENSURE

School Pathway

Training Hours: 600

Training must total 600 hours through a board-licensed cosmetology school or other qualifying course. Continuing education for renewal consists of 4 hours specific to esthetics plus 2 hours in Iowa laws, rules, and infection control.

Apprenticeship Pathway

No alternative work-based esthetics apprenticeship pathway was identified in the cited official requirements.

SOURCES & VERIFICATION

Iowa — Esthetician

School Pathway

Apprenticeship Pathway

License Sources

Iowa DIAL — Esthetician License Requirements

Iowa DIAL — License Reactivation and Continuing Education

Iowa Administrative Code — Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure