Nevada licenses estheticians through the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO). You need a Nevada esthetician license to legally perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, eyelash services, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Nevada requires 600 hours of approved training at a Board-licensed school (or 1,200 hours as an apprentice) plus three separate exams: a theory exam, a practical exam, and a Nevada State Law exam. Nevada also offers an advanced esthetician license for those seeking expanded scope of practice. The total initial cost for a standard esthetician license is approximately $195. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 6 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Nevada Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO) |
| Statutory Authority | NRS Chapter 644A; NAC Chapter 644A |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of 10th grade or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a Board-approved school OR 1,200 hours apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exams | Theory exam + Practical exam + Nevada State Law exam (75% passing score) |
| Exam Fee | $110 (paid to NVCOSMO); reexamination $95 |
| License Fee | $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $195 (exam + 2-year license, excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires last day of birthday month) or 4-year option |
| Renewal Fee | $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year) |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours of infection control per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | NVCOSMO Applications Portal |
| Board Website | nvcosmo.com |
Education and Training Requirements
Nevada requires completion of 600 hours of training that includes both theory and practical instruction at a Board-approved school of cosmetology (NRS 644A.330). Full-time programs typically take 4 to 6 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Facial massage and treatments
- Cosmetics application and makeup techniques
- Skin analysis and care
- Hair removal (waxing, threading)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nevada laws and regulations
- Equipment and tool usage
Apprenticeship Alternative: Nevada offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 1,200 hours of service as an esthetician’s apprentice in a licensed cosmetological establishment where esthetics is practiced (NRS 644A.330). Apprentices must register with the Board and pay a $100 registration fee (NRS 644A.340). Apprentice certificates are valid for 12 months. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade (NAC 644A.300).
Out-of-Country Experience: Applicants who practiced as an esthetician for at least 4 years outside the United States may qualify for examination based on documented experience that the Board deems acceptable (NRS 644A.330).
At 600 hours, Nevada’s esthetician training requirement is the national average. See how all states compare in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Exam Requirements
Nevada requires three separate exams to obtain an esthetician license. The theory and law exams are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers, while the practical exam is administered at the Board office.
Theory Exam
The theory exam is a computer-based test that validates your knowledge of esthetics theory and safe, sanitary service delivery. You must score at least 75% to pass (NAC 644A.290). The exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Nevada State Law Exam
The law exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions on Nevada laws and regulations governing cosmetology. A score of 75% or higher is required to pass. This exam is required for all persons obtaining their first Nevada esthetician license, including reciprocity applicants.
Practical Exam
The practical exam tests your hands-on esthetics skills, including facial massage and cosmetics application, and is administered at the Board office. You must receive a “Pass” grade. Practical exams are offered Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Exam fees: The examination fee is $110 for all three exams. If you fail any portion, the reexamination fee is $95 (NAC 644A fee schedule).
Application Process and Fees
- Complete your 600-hour training program at a Board-approved school (or complete your apprenticeship)
- Submit your application through the NVCOSMO applications portal with the $15 application fee
- Once approved, schedule your theory and law exams through Pearson VUE
- Pay the $110 examination fee
- Pass all three exams (theory, practical, and state law) with 75% or higher
- Pay the license fee: $70 for a 2-year license or $140 for a 4-year license
- Receive your Nevada esthetician license
Nevada Esthetician License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $15 [VERIFY] | NVCOSMO |
| Examination (all 3 exams) | $110 | NVCOSMO |
| Reexamination | $95 | NVCOSMO |
| 2-Year License | $70 | NVCOSMO |
| 4-Year License | $140 | NVCOSMO |
| Total Initial Cost (2-year) | ~$195 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $70 | NVCOSMO |
| 4-Year Renewal | $140 | NVCOSMO |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $20/month after expiration | NVCOSMO |
| Reciprocity/Endorsement | $325 | NVCOSMO |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Nevada esthetician licenses expire on the last day of your birthday month, either every 2 years or every 4 years depending on which license term you selected.
To renew:
- Renew online through the NVCOSMO renewal portal
- Pay the renewal fee: $70 (2-year) or $140 (4-year)
- Complete 4 hours of approved continuing education in infection control and prevention (NRS 644A.520)
Late renewal: A $20 late fee begins accruing the day after your license expires and increases by $20 for each additional month the license remains unrenewed.
Continuing education providers: The Board maintains a list of approved CE providers on the NVCOSMO CEU list. All CE must focus on infection control and prevention.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Nevada offers licensure by endorsement (reciprocity) for estheticians licensed in other states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, or other countries (NRS 644A.460). The process requires:
- An active esthetician license in good standing from your current jurisdiction
- A completed reciprocity application with a non-refundable $325 fee
- A passport-quality photograph
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or ITIN documentation
- Passing the Nevada State Law exam (25 questions, 75% passing score)
Certification requirement: If you are licensed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, or Wyoming, you must have your state board send a license certification directly to NVCOSMO before your application can be processed.
For more information on esthetician licensing in other states, see our California, Texas, or Florida esthetician license guides.
Military Provisions
Nevada provides accommodations for military-connected esthetics professionals:
License Expiration Deferral: Active duty service members and their spouses or dependent children may defer the expiration of their esthetician license by submitting Board-provided forms before the license expires (NAC 644A.245). This prevents licenses from lapsing during active military service.
Commissioned Medical Officers: Commissioned medical officers of the Armed Forces are exempt from cosmetology licensing requirements when performing services in the course of their official duties (NRS 644A.150).
Advanced Esthetician License
Nevada offers an advanced esthetician license for practitioners seeking an expanded scope of practice that includes nonablative esthetic medical procedures (NRS 644A.328). To qualify:
- New practitioners: Complete 900 hours of training at a Board-approved school
- Licensed estheticians upgrading: Complete an additional 300 hours of training beyond the standard 600-hour esthetician program
- Out-of-country experience: 4 years of documented advanced esthetics practice outside the United States
Advanced estheticians must pass a separate examination covering advanced esthetic procedures and esthetic medical devices (NRS 644A.329). The Board adopts regulations identifying each nonablative esthetic medical procedure an advanced esthetician is authorized to perform (SB 249, 2023).
Recent Legislative Changes
SB 249 (2023, 82nd Session): This bill revised the definitions of “esthetics” and clarified which devices estheticians and advanced estheticians may use. It requires the Board to adopt regulations identifying each nonablative esthetic medical procedure an advanced esthetician is authorized to perform, and revised scope-of-practice provisions for estheticians and cosmetologists.
2025 Legislative Session (83rd Session): Proposed changes would reduce the out-of-country experience requirement from 4 years to 1 year for examination qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Nevada?
You need 600 hours of training at a Board-approved school of cosmetology. Alternatively, you can complete 1,200 hours as an esthetician’s apprentice. Full-time school programs typically take 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Nevada?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $195: $110 in exam fees and $70 for a two-year license, plus a $15 application fee. If you choose a four-year license, the total is approximately $265.
What is the difference between an esthetician and an advanced esthetician in Nevada?
A standard esthetician license requires 600 hours and covers basic skin care, facials, waxing, and makeup. An advanced esthetician license requires 900 hours (or 600 + 300 additional) and authorizes the practitioner to perform nonablative esthetic medical procedures as defined by the Board.
Can I transfer my out-of-state esthetician license to Nevada?
Yes, through reciprocity (endorsement). You must submit an application with a $325 non-refundable fee, provide documentation of your active license, and pass the Nevada State Law exam (25 questions, 75% passing score). Applicants from certain states must have their state board send a license certification directly to NVCOSMO.
Does Nevada require continuing education for estheticians?
Yes. Nevada requires 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education in infection control and prevention per renewal cycle. This is required for all esthetician license renewals.
Can a cosmetologist perform esthetician services in Nevada?
Yes. A Nevada cosmetology license includes authorization to perform esthetic services such as facials, skin care, makeup application, and waxing. A separate esthetician license is not required if you hold a cosmetology license. For more on the overlap, see our guide on practicing esthetics with a cosmetology license.
Official Resources
- Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO) (official website)
- Online License Application
- Fee Schedule
- Reciprocity / Transfer to Nevada
- License Renewal
- Approved Continuing Education Providers
- Pearson VUE Exam Registration
- NRS Chapter 644A (cosmetology statutes)
- NAC Chapter 644A (cosmetology regulations)
- Board Contact: (702) 508-0015 | info@nvcosmo.com
- Las Vegas Office: 8945 W Russell Rd, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148