Kentucky licenses estheticians through the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (KBC). You need a Kentucky esthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Kentucky requires 750 hours of approved training plus PSI-administered written and practical exams. Unlike cosmetology, estheticians do not need to complete a post-exam apprenticeship. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $245. Here is exactly how to get your Kentucky esthetician license.
Kentucky Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (KBC) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours at a licensed school |
| Licensing Exam | Theory + Practical exams (PSI Services) |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | Theory: $85 | Practical: $85 | Total: $170 |
| License Application Fee | $75 |
| Total Initial Cost (state fees) | Approximately $245 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Annual (July 1-31 renewal) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 per year |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | KBC Online Portal |
| Board Website | kbc.ky.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
You must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent based on state-approved testing before sitting for the licensing exam.
Step 2: Complete Your Education
You must complete 750 hours of esthetics instruction at a school licensed by KBC. Full-time students typically complete the program in 5 to 8 months. Training must be completed within 5 years of enrollment — hours earned more than five years prior are considered void.
At 750 hours, Kentucky’s esthetician requirement is above the national average of approximately 600 hours. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
Register through PSI Exams or call (855) 340-3713.
Theory Exam: 75 scored questions plus 10 unscored experimental questions. You have 90 minutes. Passing score: 70%. The heaviest weighted topic is Safety and Infection Control (40%). You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical.
Practical Exam: Approximately 85 minutes covering 5 performance areas: workstation preparation, basic facial, eyebrow services, makeup application, and final workstation cleanup. Passing score: 70%.
Exam Fees: $85 per exam ($170 total). Theory scores are valid for 6 months.
Retake Policy (per SB 22, effective June 2025): Unlimited retake attempts with a 30-day waiting period between attempts.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, apply through the KBC online portal and pay the $75 license fee. Unlike cosmetology, estheticians do not need to complete a post-exam apprenticeship.
License Renewal
Kentucky esthetician licenses must be renewed annually between July 1 and July 31. The renewal fee is $50 per year. No continuing education is required.
Late Renewal: Restoration fee of $125 plus all past-due renewal fees. If expired more than 5 years, you must retake and pass both exams.
Transferring Your License to Kentucky
Kentucky offers endorsement for out-of-state estheticians. The endorsement fee is $100 plus the license fee. Applicants with an active license for more than 2 years and proof of work history (tax documentation) may transfer without examination. Those with less than 2 years may need to pass Kentucky’s exams.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Under KRS 12.245, military members, spouses, veterans, and veterans’ spouses are exempt from paying license and endorsement fees.
Scope of Practice
Under KRS 317A.010, esthetic practices include: beautifying, cleansing, exfoliating, facials, makeup application, removal of superfluous hair (tweezing, waxing), eyelash tinting, artificial eyelashes, eyelash extensions, skin massage, and preoperative/postoperative esthetic skin care (when referred by or supervised by a medical professional).
Prohibited for estheticians: Botox or collagen injections, laser treatments, electrolysis, tattoo, permanent makeup, microdermabrasion.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician licensing guide. To understand how an esthetician license compares to a cosmetology license, see can you be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Kentucky?
You need 750 hours of esthetics training at a KBC-licensed school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 5 to 8 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Kentucky?
State fees total approximately $245: $170 in exam fees paid to PSI ($85 each for theory and practical) and $75 for the license fee paid to KBC.
Do Kentucky estheticians need a post-exam apprenticeship?
No. Unlike cosmetologists, Kentucky estheticians receive their full license immediately after passing both exams and paying the license fee.
Does Kentucky require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Kentucky eliminated CE requirements in 2012. You simply pay the $50 annual renewal fee by July 31.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Kentucky?
Yes, through endorsement ($100 fee). If you have been licensed for more than 2 years with proof of work history, you may transfer without examination.
Can Kentucky estheticians perform microdermabrasion?
No. Kentucky explicitly prohibits estheticians from performing microdermabrasion. This service is restricted to medical professionals.
Official Resources
- Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal Portal
- Official Fee Schedule
- PSI Exam Registration
- Out-of-State License Transfer Information
- Board Contact: (502) 564-4262 | kbc@ky.gov
- Board Address: 111 St. James Court, Suite A, Frankfort, KY 40601