How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in North Carolina

If you are considering a career as a licensed esthetician in North Carolina, keep reading to find out how you can make it happen.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in North Carolina

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

Your training and coursework of 600 hours must be distributed as follows:

• A total of 40 hours of: Anatomy, physiology, hygiene, disinfection, first aid, chemistry, draping, facial and body treatments, basic dermatology, machines, electricity, aromatherapy, and makeup and color theory.

• A total of 560 hours of: Advanced styles and techniques, facials, makeup application, advanced skin care and hair removal, business management, and professional ethics.

In addition, your hands-on training hours must be divided up as follows:

• 10 Hours of Mannequin Facials
• Hours of Live Model Facials
• 30 Hours of Live Model Facial Electronics
• 5 Hours of Mannequin Eyebrow Arching
• 15 Hours of Live Model Eyebrow Arching
• 5 Hours of Mannequin Hair Removal
• 25 Hours of Live Model Hair Removal
• 10 Hours of Mannequin Makeup Application
• 20 Hours of Live Model Makeup Application
• 5 Hours of Mannequin Eyelash Extensions
• 5 Hours of Live Model Eyelash Extensions
• 5 Hours of Mannequin Brow Lash and Color
• 5 Hours of Live Model Brow Lash and Color

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

You can either apply for your exams online or with a paper application that can be obtained from your educational institution. There is also a $10 application fee that must be paid at the time of applying.

After your application has been approved, you will receive a notice in the mail from DL Roope with your practical exam date and further testing instructions. You will also receive an email from ISO-Quality Testing (IQT) to schedule your computerized written exam.

Be sure to schedule your written exam after you have received your assigned practical exam date so that you don’t schedule both exams on the same day.

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

You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time on the day of your exam. This will allow time for completing the registration process and familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. You should also plan for any unexpected delays. Late candidates will not be allowed to test and will need to reschedule their exams which will cause their exam fees to be forfeited. Uniforms are not required, but you should dress professionally nonetheless.

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

• A valid driver’s license
• Authorization To Test (ATT) letter

For the practical exam you should also bring:

• A mannequin head with removable makeup
• A testing kit with supplies (detailed information can be found on page 11 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)

The Esthetics Written Exam

You will be given 90 minutes to take the multiple-choice written exam. The written exam will cover the following topics and concepts:

1. SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS (55%)

• Knowledge of infection control procedures
• Methods of infection control
• Human physiology and anatomy
• Histology and physiology of the skin
• Composition of body hair
• Basic chemistry including the composition and purpose of cosmetic products

2. SKIN CARE AND SERVICES (45%)

• Client consultation and documentation
• Exfoliation procedures
• Extraction procedures
• Massage movements and effects
• Use of masks
• Hair removal methods and procedures
• Principles of and procedures for makeup application
• Use of electrical equipment during skin services
• Basic knowledge of other services such as body treatments and eyelash extensions

Practice questions and a more detailed outline of the exam questions can be found in the NIC Candidate Information Bulletin for the written exam.

The Esthetics Practical Exam

The practical exam will take about three hours to complete. You will be given verbal instructions by the proctor. You should review infection control procedures prior to the exam as you are expected to follow these standards throughout the exam (see page 14 of the Candidate Information Bulletin).

The practical exam will cover these nine core domains:

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 Facial Brush, 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 (Not timed)
7. Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service (10 minutes)
8. Facial Makeup (20 minutes)
9. Blood Exposure Procedure (10 minutes)

In order to pass, you must receive at least a 75 out of 100 on both exams.

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure

If your name has changed, you will be required to submit a photocopy of one of the following documents along with your application:

• Valid driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Immigration records
• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• U.S. passport

Mail your completed and signed application, any required documents, and fee payment to:

North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
1207 Front Street
Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609

Please note that incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant and the non-refundable application fee will be forfeited. Overpayments will also be returned.

Once the State Board receives and processes your application, they will mail you your North Carolina esthetician license. However, if you have completed your hours of training and have successfully passed the examination, but the Board discovers that you have been convicted of a felony, they may refuse to grant you a license.

Feel free to contact the State Licensing Board with any questions you may have about the application process. Their phone number is 919-733-4117.

Step 5: Renew Your NC Esthetician License Every Two Years

License renewals are completed online or by mail using the Personal License Renewal Application. You will be required to pay a $20 fee for your license renewal ($10.00 license fee plus $10.00 processing fee). Expired licenses are subject to additional late fees. Make your check or money order payable to NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Cash is not accepted.

If your name has changed since initial licensure or your last renewal, you will be required to submit a photocopy of one of the following documents along with your application:

• Valid driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Immigration records
• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• U.S. passport

Mail your completed and signed application, any required documents, and fee payment to:

North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
1207 Front Street
Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609

Please note that incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant and the non-refundable application fee will be forfeited. Overpayments will also be returned.

Once the State Board receives and processes your application, they will mail you your new esthetician license. However, if the Board discovers that you have been convicted of a felony since your initial licensure or last renewal, they may refuse to grant you a new license.

Feel free to contact the State Licensing Board with any questions you may have about the application process. Their phone number is 919-733-4117.

You must also complete eight continuing education credits per each renewal period.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in North Carolina

1. Be licensed in another state that offers reciprocity with North Carolina
2. Hold a current license in good standing (no disciplinary actions)

There is also a $35 fee.

If your current license was issued in any of the following states:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• West Virginia

Have your state licensing agency send a certification via email to: certifications@nccosmeticarts.com

OR

Mailed to:

NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
1207 Front Street
Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609

Fax submissions are prohibited. Certifications are held on file for either 90 days or until the date of expiration, whichever comes first. Check the list on this page for your name. Once you are on this list, you may submit your application.

If your current license was not issued in any of the states listed above, then you may either apply online, or by mail using the License Application. Please note that reciprocity licenses will not be granted for estheticians in the state of Florida.

You will need to pay the $35 licensure fee. Make your check or money order payable to NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Cash is not accepted.

If your name has changed, you will be required to submit a photocopy of one of the following documents along with your application:

• Valid driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Immigration records
• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• U.S. passport

Mail your completed and signed application, any required documents, and fee payment to:

North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
1207 Front Street
Suite 110
Raleigh, NC 27609

Please note that, incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant and the non-refundable application fee will be forfeited. Overpayments will also be returned.

Once the State Board receives and processes your application, they will mail you your North Carolina esthetician license. However, if you have completed your hours of training and have successfully passed the examination, but the Board discovers that you have been convicted of a felony, they may refuse to grant you a license.

Feel free to contact the State Licensing Board with any questions you may have about the application process. Their phone number is 919-733-4117.

More information on out of state licensing and reciprocity can be found here.

North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

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