How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in New Hampshire

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Read on to learn more about how to become a licensed esthetician in the state of New Hampshire.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in New Hampshire

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

Your esthetics training should include lecture and hands-on experience in the following areas:

• Facials, exfoliation, and wraps
• Client consultation and assessment
• Contraindications for services
• Waxing and other hair removal methods
• Make-up applications and color theory
• Infection control and client safety procedures
• Skin care products
• Chemistry, anatomy, and physiology
• Business skills and ethics

In some cases, 1200 hours of esthetics work experience can be substituted for a 600-hour school program. If you are going this route, you will need to submit a notarized letter detailing this experience.

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 New Hampshire Exam Form

• Your current name and address (you must submit a marriage license, divorce decree, or court document if your name changed)
• A copy of your valid driver’s license
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Two passport-sized photos
• A letter verifying school training (see the application form for letter requirements)
• A notarized letter of work experience written by someone on your behalf (only if you do not have the required number of training hours)

One requirement of the exam form is a letter from your school reporting your training hours. However, if you have completed your training in-state, you should receive the application and further instructions from your educational institution. You will also need to pay the current application and testing fee, for which you must contact the State Board.

Mail your completed and signed form, questionnaire, required documents, and fee payment to:

Division of Health Professions
Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, & Esthetics
121 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301-2412

Once the Board has processed your application form, they will notify you of your eligibility to take the esthetician licensing exams.

Although the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics governs the licensing and practice of esthetics in the state, they have contracted with D.L. Roope Administrations, Inc. to proctor the NIC esthetician exams. You will need to register on their website to schedule your exams.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Written and Practical Esthetician Examinations

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)

What to Bring to the Exam Site

Although uniforms are not required to test, you should dress professionally and have your hair pulled back. Arriving at the exam site at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam will allow time for check-in and other necessities.

You will need to ensure you bring the following items with you to your exams:

• Proper identification in the form of a government-issued picture identification card such as a driver’s license

In addition, you will need the following for the practical exam:

• A mannequin head with removable makeup applied (more information on page 3 in the Candidate Information Bulletin)
• A kit with supplies that are labeled in English (more information on page 6 in the Candidate Information Bulletin)

You can also refer to this document to get more information about the exam and what to expect.

The Written Esthetics Exam

You will have 90 minutes to complete the written exam administered by ISO-Quality Testing (IQT). The written exam will consist of 60 percent scientific concept questions and 40 percent esthetics practices questions written in multiple choice form.

The esthetics written exam will include topics such as:

• Microbiology
• Appropriate use of masks
• Infection control
• Product application and removal procedures
• Color theory and makeup application
• Client consultation and skin assessment
• Skin functions
• Factors that impact the skin
• Anatomy and physiology
• Hair growth cycle
• Contraindications for services
• Chemistry

Practice questions and testing resources can be found in the NIC Written Candidate Information Bulletin.

The Practical Esthetics Exam

During the practical exam you will be tested in the following areas:

1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client,15 minutes)
2. Cleansing and Steaming of the Face (15 minutes)
3. Massaging the Face with Product (10 minutes)
4. Manual Extraction on the Forehead (Not timed)
5. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client, 15 minutes)
6. Hair Removal of the Eyebrows (10 minutes)
7. Facial Mask (20 minutes)
8. Facial Makeup (20 minutes)
9. Summary and Final Cleanup (Not timed)

A score of 75% is required to pass both the written and practical exams. Once you have successfully completed both exams, the Board will be notified of your status and will issue your New Hampshire esthetician license.

Step 4: Renew Your NH Esthetician License Every Two Years

You will need to complete the Renewal of Personal License Form and pay a fee. You should call the State Board to make sure you are paying the current required fee.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in New Hampshire

Being licensed by reciprocity is done on a case-by-case basis in New Hampshire. Just like in-state applicants, you will need to have completed either 600-hours of training or 1200 hours of work experience. You will need to pay a $100 reciprocity fee and have your current state submit a license certification directly to the New Hampshire Board.

This form must be submitted for consideration for reciprocity.

New Hampshire State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

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