Delaware licenses estheticians — officially called Aestheticians — through the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering under the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), Department of State. Esthetics licensing is governed by a separate subchapter (Subchapter II) of Title 24, Chapter 51. You need a Delaware aesthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, makeup application, and hair removal for compensation.
Delaware requires 600 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prometric. Reciprocity is stricter than most states — applicants from states with lower hour requirements must demonstrate 3 of the past 5 years of active practice. No CE is required. Total initial cost is approximately $326. Here is exactly how to get your Delaware esthetician license.
Delaware Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Aesthetician |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (DPR, Department of State) |
| Statutory Authority | Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 51, Subchapter II |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of 10th grade |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,200 hours |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prometric) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$225 (Prometric) |
| Application Fee | $101 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$326 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires March 31 of even years) |
| Renewal Fee | ~$110 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPR Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
| Board Website | dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 600 hours at a licensed esthetics school. Delaware defines a “classroom hour” as 50 minutes of instruction per 60-minute period. The aesthetician curriculum covers facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology of the skin, product chemistry, and Delaware laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 1,200 hours under a licensed aesthetician (2:1 ratio to school hours). Apprentices must register with the board before beginning.
At 600 hours, Delaware matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Esthetics exams through Prometric:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (55%), Skin Care and Services (45%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills including facials, skin analysis, makeup application, and hair removal.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prometric.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training (or 1,200 apprenticeship hours)
- Register for NIC exams through Prometric (~$225 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through DPR ($101 application fee)
Total: approximately $326.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Delaware aesthetician licenses expire biennially on March 31 of even years. Renewal fee: approximately $110. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Delaware’s aesthetician reciprocity is stricter than most states. Out-of-state estheticians must pass NIC exams administered by Prometric. If your state’s hour requirement is lower than Delaware’s 600 hours, you must demonstrate 3 of the past 5 years of active practice as a licensed esthetician. You must also provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours.
Military Provisions
Delaware provides SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) provisions for military members. Active-duty service members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states may receive a provisional 6-month license. Military training, education, and experience (METE) may be credited toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Delaware?
600 hours at a licensed school, or a 1,200-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
Why does Delaware call it “Aesthetician” instead of “Esthetician”?
Delaware uses the spelling “Aesthetician” in its statute (Title 24, Chapter 51, Subchapter II). Both spellings refer to the same profession. Most other states use “Esthetician.”
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Delaware?
Approximately $326 total: ~$225 in exam fees (paid to Prometric) and $101 in application fees (paid to DPR).
Does Delaware require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Delaware does not require CE for aesthetician license renewal.
Can I transfer my esthetician license to Delaware from another state?
Yes, but Delaware requires you to pass NIC exams even for endorsement. If your state required fewer than 600 hours, you must also demonstrate 3 of the past 5 years of active practice.
Official Resources
- Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application (DPR)
- Prometric Exam Registration
- Board Contact: (302) 744-4500 | customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
- Address: Cannon Building, Suite 203, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904