Mississippi licenses estheticians through the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB). You need a Mississippi esthetician license to legally perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Mississippi requires 600 training hours at a licensed school plus the NIC written theory exam. As of February 2026, the board eliminated the practical exam for all license types. The total state fees are approximately $75. Here is exactly how to get your Mississippi esthetician license.
Mississippi Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) |
| Statutory Authority | Mississippi Code Ann. Section 73-7-18 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,200 hours in a board-certified apprenticeship program |
| Exam Required | NIC Esthetics Written Theory + Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam (no practical exam) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 (non-refundable) |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$75 plus exam fees (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | None required (standard license) |
| Apply Online | MSBCB Online Licensure Portal |
| Board Website | msbcb.ms.gov |
Recent Changes Affecting Mississippi Esthetician Licensing
Board Merger — HB 313 (effective January 1, 2025): The former State Board of Cosmetology and the Board of Barber Examiners merged into the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Esthetician licensing remains under Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code.
Practical Exam Eliminated (February 2026): The reconstituted board eliminated the practical skills examination for all license types. Esthetician candidates now need only the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam.
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a licensed school. The curriculum must include:
- Theory: Minimum 100 hours
- Hands-on skill practice: 500 hours
Topics covered include arching eyebrows (tweezing, waxing, threading, or other methods of epilation), facial treatments, skin cleansing and stimulating, the use of mechanical and electrical apparatus, and cosmetic preparation application for the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: Mississippi offers a board-certified apprenticeship requiring 1,200 hours. Apprenticeships must be mentored by a licensed instructor in cosmetology or esthetics. Only one apprentice per mentor is allowed at a time.
At 600 hours, Mississippi’s esthetician requirement is at the national average. See how all states compare in our esthetician license guide and esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass two examinations:
NIC Esthetics Written Theory Exam:
- 110 multiple-choice items (100 scored, 10 unscored pretest questions)
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 70%
Mississippi Law & Sanitation Exam:
- Covers Mississippi-specific laws and sanitation standards
The practical exam was eliminated in February 2026. You may retake either exam as many times as needed within one year of graduation.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a licensed school
- Register for your exams through the MSBCB Exam Registration portal
- Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee and applicable exam fees
- Pass the NIC Esthetics Written Theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam
- Apply for your license through the MSBCB Online Licensure Portal
- Pay the $50 license fee
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application to test (non-refundable) | $25 | MSBCB |
| Practitioner license | $50 | MSBCB |
| Total State Fees | $75 | |
| Biennial renewal | $50 | MSBCB |
| Delinquent renewal penalty | $50 | MSBCB |
No renewal fee for licensees age 70 or older.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Mississippi esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $50, payable online. A 60-day grace period applies after expiration, with a $50 delinquent penalty.
No continuing education is required for standard esthetician license renewal.
Master Esthetician License: Mississippi offers an optional Master Esthetician designation. You must hold a current license for at least 12 months and complete 16 hours of board-approved CE. The master license costs $70 and requires 8 hours of CE per renewal cycle.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Mississippi offers two pathways for out-of-state estheticians:
Standard Reciprocity: Hold a valid license from a state with similar educational requirements, pass the Mississippi exams, and pay the $55 reciprocity fee.
UROLA Pathway: If you have held a license for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency, you may apply under the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act. A 365-day temporary practice permit is issued upon complete application while you prepare for the Mississippi law exam.
Military Provisions
Under Sections 73-50-1 and 73-50-2, military-connected applicants (service members, spouses, and those establishing residency) can apply through an abbreviated military application. A 365-day temporary practice permit is issued upon submission of a complete application with a current out-of-state license, military orders, and proof of good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Mississippi?
You need 600 hours of esthetics training at a licensed school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Mississippi?
State fees total $75: a $25 application fee and a $50 license fee, plus exam fees paid separately.
Does Mississippi require a practical exam for estheticians?
No. As of February 2026, the MSBCB eliminated the practical exam. You only need to pass the NIC written theory exam and the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam.
Does Mississippi require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Standard esthetician license renewal does not require any continuing education. The optional Master Esthetician license requires 8 hours of CE per renewal cycle.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi offers standard reciprocity ($55 fee, requires passing the Mississippi exam) and a UROLA pathway for applicants who have held a license for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency.
Can I upgrade from an esthetician license to a cosmetology license?
Yes. Licensed estheticians may apply their 600 hours of esthetics training toward the 1,500 hours required for a cosmetology license. You must complete the remaining hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Official Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal Portal
- Exam Registration Portal
- Official Fee Schedule
- NIC Testing (exam content information)
- Board Contact: (601) 359-1820 | info@msbcb.ms.gov
- Board Address: 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201