How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in Nevada

If you want to become a licensed esthetician in the state of Nevada, keep reading. We’ve taken all the information you need to complete this confusing and daunting process and have laid it out in an easy to read, step-by-step format.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in Nevada

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program or Apprenticeship

You must be at least 18 years old and have completed a 10th-grade education or equivalent in order to take the licensing exam. You must also have had 900 hours of esthetics training in an approved classroom setting.

Your esthetics education and training will most likely cover:

• Manual and machine facials
• Chemistry, anatomy, and physiology
• Threading and waxing
• Color theory and Make-up applications
• Safety Guidelines Infection control procedures
• Skin care products and chemistry

Esthetician Apprenticeship

Nevada is one of the few states that allows individuals to enroll in an esthetician apprenticeship in place of an approved school program. To be eligible for the apprenticeship, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be of good moral character
• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent
• Be a legal U.S. citizen or lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States

The requirements below must also be met in order to qualify for an apprenticeship.

• If you were to attend a licensed school of cosmetology in the state of Nevada, you would have to travel 60 miles or more.
• The salon/spa where you will receive your apprenticeship training is located 60 miles or more from a licensed school.
• The esthetician supervising your apprenticeship training has been licensed in the state of Nevada for at least 3 years.

If you satisfy the requirements above then, the next step is to complete, sign and submit the Apprentice Enrollment Form along with:

• Proof of current Nevada residency
• 2 current passport photos each for the apprentice and the supervisor
• A copy of your birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
• Checklist completed and signed by the supervisor
• Signed statement by the owner of the salon/spa where the apprenticeship will take place
• Proof of legal name change, if applicable
• Your enrollment form must be signed and stamped by a public notary
• Credit card or debit card payment of the $115 fee, or a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology

Mail your completed and signed application, required documents, and fee payment to the Las Vegas office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
1785 E. Sahara Avenue
Suite 255
Las Vegas, NV 89104

OR to the Reno office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
4600 Kietzke Lane
Building 0
Suite 262
Reno, NV 89502

After receiving your enrollment form, the Board will either approve or deny your request for apprenticeship within 30 days. If your enrollment form is approved, the Board will send you a Certificate of Registration within 10 days of approval.

As an apprentice, you will be required to have your Certificate of Registration displayed at all times at the salon/spa where you are training. You will also be required to wear a badge at all times in the salon that displays your photo, name, and certificate registration number, as well as your supervisor’s name and license number.

Let Esthetician Schooling Connect You With a High Quality Esthetician School in Your Area!

Are you ready to take the next step and begin your career as a well-paid esthetician? Esthetician Schooling has partnered with some of the best esthetician schools in the nation.  Our huge network of nationally recognized esthetician schools will make it easy for you to find the right school and get started training immediately!

The beauty schools in our network contain one or more of the following high quality standards:

To get started, simply fill out the quick 1-minute application below.

Step 2: Complete and Submit the Esthetician Application for Examination

Along with your application you must also:

• Pay the $125 fee using your credit or debit card, or submit a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
• Submit 2 current passport photos
• Submit a copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or valid driver’s license
• Submit proof of legal name change, if applicable
• Have a public notary sign and stamp your application

Mail your completed and signed application, required documents, and payment to the Las Vegas office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
1785 E. Sahara Avenue
Suite 255
Las Vegas, NV 89104

OR to the Reno office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
4600 Kietzke Lane
Building 0
Suite 262
Reno, NV 89502

Once your request has been received and approved, you should receive a full application packet in the mail within 15 days. This application will give you further instructions on the next steps.

Step 3: Take and Pass the State Licensing Exams

Preparing for the Written and Practical Exams

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) recommends the following reference materials to help you prepare for and pass the written (theory) and practical esthetics exams, which can be purchased at discounted prices on Amazon:

• Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (2013, 11th Edition)
• Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Textbook (2007, 11th printing, 2nd Edition, August 2013)

We also recommend that you purchase and study the following books in preparation for your exams:

• Salon Fundamentals Esthetics Licensure Exam Prep Book (Spiral-bound – 2007)
• Modern Esthetics: A Scientific Source for Estheticians (Milady)

Arriving at the Exam Site

On the scheduled day of your exam, be sure to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early. This will give you ample time to check in and get comfortable. Make sure you bring a government form of identification in order to test. You’ll also want to dress professionally.

The State Law Exam

All esthetician license applicants must take the Nevada state law exam. More information on this particular exam can be found in the Nevada State Law Candidate Information Bulletin.

In order to study for this exam, it is best to use the Nevada Law Book. You can also order the Nevada Law Book using PayPal.

This important exam will cover topics such as:

• How the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology operates
• The differences between sanitizing and sterilizing
• Fines for working on an expired license
• Where can a licensee work
• Cleaning and maintenance of tools
• Correct handwashing procedures
• Storage of clean towels and supplies

The Esthetics Written Exam

You will have a total of 90 minutes to complete the written exam, also known as the theory exam. You can find resources and practice test questions in the NIC Candidate Information Bulletin.

The esthetics written exam will include nearly half scientific concept questions and half skin care questions, all in multiple choice form.

The following topics are included in the written exam:

• Microbiology, anatomy, physiology
• Infection control and client safety
• Skin functions and assessment
• Factors that impact the skin
• Contraindications for services
• Chemistry
• Exfoiliation
• Masks and wraps

The Esthetics Practical Exam

You will need to bring your own mannequin head and esthetics kit to the practical exam. More information on what to bring and what is allowed can be found on pages 2 and pages 14 through 16 of the NIC Candidate Information Bulletin. You may also want to read through this handy guide showing you how to create your practical exam kit.

The practical exam tests your hands-on skills and knowledge in the following areas:

1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client)* (15 minutes)
2. Cleansing of the Face with Product (10 minutes)
3. Exfoliating the Face with Product, Using Implement or Materials, Including Towel Steaming* (10 minutes)
4. Massaging the Face with Product (10 minutes)
5. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client) (15 minutes)
6. Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax (Untimed)
7. Hair Removal of the Upper Lip Using Hard Wax (Untimed)
8. Particle Microdermabrasion on the Forehead (10 minutes)
9. Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service (10 minutes)
10. Facial Makeup (20 minutes)
11. Eyelash Enhancement (this section may be administered during Facial Makeup, between eyeliner and mascara application) (10 minutes)
12. Blood Exposure Procedure* (Untimed)

You must pass all three exams, including the State Law Exam, Theory Exam, and Practical Exam with a score of 75% or better to be eligible for state licensure.

The Board will be notified of your exam results. If you have passed all three exams, you will automatically be issued a Nevada esthetician license.

Step 4: Renew Your NV Esthetician License Every Two Years

Esthetician License Reciprocity in Nevada

In order to qualify for license reciprocity in the state of Nevada you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a legal U.S. citizen or lawfully entitled to work and remain in the United States
• Be currently licensed and in good standing as an esthetician in another U.S. state, territory, or district
• Be of good moral character
• Have completed the 10th grade or equivalent

If you meet the above requirements you can apply for license reciprocity.

In order to apply for license reciprocity, you will need to:

1. Complete and sign the Reciprocity Application
2. Submit 2 current passport photos
3. Submit a copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or valid driver’s license
4. Submit license certification from the state you are currently licensed in
5. Submit proof of legal name change, if applicable
6. Pay the $325 fee by credit card or cashier’s check/money order made payable to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
7. Have a public notary sign and stamp your application

Mail your completed and signed application, required documents, and fee payment to the Las Vegas office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
1785 E. Sahara Avenue
Suite 255
Las Vegas, NV 89104

OR to the Reno office at:

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
4600 Kietzke Lane
Building 0
Suite 262
Reno, NV 89502

If you have not already taken and passed the NIC written and practical exams, you will be required to take those also. There is a $200 reciprocity fee and a $125 application fee that must be paid with the application as well.

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Nevada Exam Locations

Map of Written, Practical, and State Law Exam Locations in Nevada

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