So if you are passionate about skincare, beauty, and wellness then becoming an esthetician is an excellent career path. The answer will depend on various elements such as what the requirements in the state are for esthetician school, full-time vs part-time enrollment, and if students are getting advanced training esthetician training programs.
How Long Does Esthetician School Take?
State requirements for esthetician licensure specific curriculum and program job title Courses offered as part of the program length and ability to transfer certain credits. Methods of delivery (9 months as a full-time program vs. 18 months as a part-time degree)
- State requirements — Some states necessitate more training hours than others.
- Full-time vs part-time esthetician school – Training is faster for full-time students.
- Online vs in-person programs – Depending on the state, theory-based coursework may be completed online (as in an online esthetician school).
How Many Months Is Esthetician School?
The number of months needed varies:
- Part-time courses – four to six months.
- Part-time programs – 9 to 12 months.
- Master esthetician training — Can take another 6-12 months
Factors That Affect Esthetician School Length
- Full-time esthetician students go to school for 5 days a week for a shorter period.
- Part-time students study fewer courses per week and extend the duration of their training.
- Online esthetician programs also offer more flexible scheduling, although you may need to take some exams in person.
State Requirements for Esthetician School
Esthetician training hours vary from state to state. 300+ hours is the minimum, and you have states like CA that require 600 + hours. Some states also require:
- Esthetician school, hands-on training.
- Take the Esthetician State Board Exam after Training

What to Expect in an Esthetician Training Program
At esthetician school, students will learn about:
- Skin-care techniques (facials, exfoliation, extractions)
- Makeup application.
- Waxing and hair removal.
- Fifth, sanitation and infection control.
- Client communication skills.
Hands-On Training in Esthetician School
Many programs have hands-on training in spa-like settings. Students complete hands-on training with real clients and with supervision:
- Chemical peels.
- Microdermabrasion.
- Body treatments.
How to Become a Licensed Esthetician
After completing an esthetician training program, students are required to take a state board exam that covers:
- A written examination of esthetician information.
- A practical exam with students performing skills on a live model.
Esthetician Certification Requirements
Students will need to do the following to become a licensed esthetician:
- Finish the necessary esthetician training hours.
- Obtain a passing score on the state licensing exam.
- Obtain a state esthetician license.
- Esthetician License Renewal Continuing Education — Every 1-2 Years Based on State.
How Much Does Esthetician School Cost?
The cost of an esthetician school varies by program type and location:
- Public programs – $3,000 to $5,000.
- Beauty schools (private) — $7,000 to $15,000.
- Master esthetician classes – Up to $20,000.
Esthetician Programs Financial Aid & Scholarships
Types of financial aid for esthetician schools
- Federal student loans.
- Beauty school scholarships.
- Student grants for esthetician students.
- Some offer tuition payment plans to aid students in affording training.
Specializations and Advanced Training
Some estheticians pursue master esthetician status, which requires additional training in:
- Medical esthetics ( laser treatments, advanced peels).
- Spa management.
- Advanced skincare techniques.
Continuing Education and Advanced Certifications
Licensed estheticians can take their skills to the next level with advanced certifications in:
- Permanent makeup.
- Microblading.
- Holistic skincare treatments.
Career Opportunities After Esthetician School
After completing esthetician school, graduates can work in:
- Day spas and salons.
- Medical spas (MedSpas).
- Dermatology clinics.
- Luxury resorts and cruise ships.

Starting Your Own Esthetician Business
Many estheticians become entrepreneurs by:
- Becoming beauty influencers or esthetician educators
- Opening their skincare studios.
- Selling skincare products.
Conclusion
Esthetician school duration varies depending on state regulations, the type of program, and whether a student attends full-time students train for 4-12 months and then take a state board exam for estheticians to become licensed.
Esthetician school is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested iskincaree and beauty, offering multiple career pathways. This field will include traditional esthetics, medical esthetics, or advanced skincare training, making it easy for people to find rewarding jobs in a growing industry.