Vermont licenses estheticians through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Vermont Secretary of State. The advisory Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists operates under OPR. You need a Vermont esthetician license to legally perform skin care treatments, facials, hair removal, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in Vermont.
Vermont requires 500 hours of approved esthetics training plus NIC theory and practical exams administered by Prov. The application and initial license fee is $155. Here is exactly how to get your Vermont esthetician license.
Vermont Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
| Advisory Board | Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| Statutory Authority | 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute (schools may require high school diploma or GED) |
| Training Hours Required | 500 hours at an approved school (or apprenticeship up to 750 hours) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC esthetician theory + NIC esthetician practical exam (administered by Prov) |
| Exam Fees | |
| Application/License Fee | $155 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, every odd-numbered year by November 30 |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | Not specified in statute |
| Apply Online | OPR Online Services |
| Board Website | sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 500 hours of esthetics training at a state-approved school. At 500 hours, Vermont’s requirement is in line with many states nationally. Full-time students can typically complete the program in 3 to 5 months.
Scope of practice: A Vermont esthetician license authorizes you to perform skin treatments using cosmetics, hands, and mechanical or electrical apparatus. This includes lash and brow beautification and manual hair removal. Estheticians in Vermont may not perform injections, laser treatments, or permanent cosmetics.
Apprenticeship alternative: Vermont offers an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians. Under 26 V.S.A. Section 280a, the apprenticeship duration is capped at 150% of formal training hours, meaning esthetician apprenticeships require up to 750 hours.
For a comparison of esthetician training hours across all states, see our esthetician hours by state comparison chart. Vermont may also qualify as one of the easiest states for esthetician licensing given its relatively moderate hour requirement and accessible apprenticeship pathway.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both the NIC esthetician theory exam and the NIC esthetician practical exam. Both exams are administered by Prov.
- Theory exam: Multiple-choice covering esthetics theory, sanitation, safety, skin science, and Vermont laws and rules.
- Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills.
- Passing score:
- Time limit: You must pass both exams within 1 year.
- Exam fees:
Register for exams through Prov after your school confirms completion of training hours.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 500 hours of esthetics training at an approved school (or complete an apprenticeship of up to 750 hours)
- Register for and pass both the NIC esthetician theory and practical exams through Prov
- Submit your license application through OPR Online Services
- Pay the $155 application and license fee
- Receive your Vermont esthetician license
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Initial License | $155 | OPR |
| Exam Fees | Prov | |
| Biennial Renewal | $120 | OPR |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Vermont esthetician licenses must be renewed biennially, every odd-numbered year by November 30. The renewal fee is $120.
Renew your license through OPR Online Services.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Vermont offers reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states. The process depends on how your original state’s requirements compare to Vermont’s:
- Substantially equal requirements: If your original state’s esthetician requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a Vermont license without examination.
- Materially less rigorous requirements: If your original state’s requirements are materially less rigorous than Vermont’s, you may still qualify by providing proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
Apply through OPR Online Services and provide verification of your current license from your original state’s licensing agency.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician license guide. You can also compare Vermont’s requirements with states like North Carolina (600 hours) or Florida (260 hours).
Military Provisions
Vermont participates in general military spouse licensing accommodations. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides portability protections that allow military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact OPR directly for current information on expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licensing provisions for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Notable Exemptions
The following activities do not require a Vermont esthetician license:
- Students enrolled at recognized esthetics schools performing services as part of their training
- Practitioners of other licensed professions performing related functions within their scope
- Licensed professionals serving patients in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, or funeral homes, or providing services to homebound individuals
- Theatrical and performing arts makeup artists
- Incarcerated individuals who received training in correctional facilities
Non-compete covenants: Vermont law prohibits schools from requiring students to sign non-compete covenants.
If you are considering whether to pursue an esthetician license or a cosmetology license, see our guide on whether you can be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for an esthetician license in Vermont?
You need 500 hours of esthetics training at an approved school. An apprenticeship pathway is also available, requiring up to 750 hours (150% of the formal training requirement).
How much does a Vermont esthetician license cost?
The application and initial license fee is $155, paid to OPR. Exam fees are paid separately to Prov. The biennial renewal fee is $120. These costs do not include school tuition.
Can I transfer my esthetician license to Vermont from another state?
Yes. If your original state’s requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s, you may receive a license without examination. If your state’s requirements are materially less rigorous, you can qualify with proof of at least 1,500 documented practice hours.
What can I do with a Vermont esthetician license?
You can perform skin treatments using cosmetics, hands, and mechanical or electrical apparatus, including lash and brow beautification and manual hair removal. You may not perform injections, laser treatments, or permanent cosmetics.
Does Vermont offer an apprenticeship pathway for estheticians?
Yes. Vermont allows an apprenticeship pathway capped at 750 hours (150% of the 500-hour formal training requirement).
Official Resources
- Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (official website)
- Online License Application (OPR Online Services)
- 26 V.S.A. Chapter 6 (cosmetology/esthetics statute)
- Contact: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation | sos.vermont.gov/opr