Colorado licenses estheticians through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. You need a Colorado esthetician license to legally perform skin care services for compensation anywhere in Colorado.
Colorado requires 600 hours of approved training (or 20 credit hours) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $155. Most people complete the full process in 5 to 8 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Colorado Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Governing Agency | DORA, Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure |
| Training Hours Required | 600 contact hours (or 20 credit hours) at a state-approved school |
| In-Person Hours Required | 450 hours minimum (75% of training must be clinical/in-person) |
| Distance Education Allowed | Up to 150 hours (25% of training may be distance education) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Limited — through U.S. Department of Labor approved programs only |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Exam Required | Written + Practical exams (PSI Services / NIC exams) |
| Exam Fees | Written: $56 | Practical: $71 | Total: $127 |
| License Application Fee | $28 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $155 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years on March 31 (even-numbered years) | $26 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Timeline | 5-8 months (training) + 2-4 weeks (exam/processing) |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Colorado esthetics program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED required
- Legal Presence: Must be lawfully present in the United States
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Colorado requires completion of 600 contact hours (or 20 credit hours) at a state-approved esthetics school. Full-time programs typically take 5 to 8 months. The curriculum must cover:
- Facials and skin care (minimum 7 credit hours or 210 contact hours)
- Facial makeup
- Hair removal (waxing, threading)
- Disinfection, cleaning, and safe work practices
- Laws and rules
- Management, ethics, interpersonal skills, and salesmanship
Clinical vs. Distance Education: At least 75% of required hours (450 hours) must be clinical/in-person instruction. A maximum of 25% (150 hours) may be completed through distance education.
Apprenticeship: Colorado offers a limited apprenticeship pathway through U.S. Department of Labor approved programs. An apprenticeship is considered complete when an approved mentor determines competence. Apprentices must meet the required number of hours (one credit for every 75 hours).
Step 3: Apply for and Pass the Licensing Exams
Colorado uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by PSI Services. You must pass both a written and practical exam.
How to apply:
- Complete your training program
- Apply online through the PSI Exams website
- Pay the exam fees ($56 written + $71 practical)
- Pay the $28 license application fee
- Schedule your exams at a PSI testing center
Exam details:
- Written Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions covering theory, sanitation, and Colorado laws/rules. Approximately 100 minutes.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills. Approximately 85 minutes. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies. PSI requires candidates to take and pass the practical exam before scheduling the written portion.
- Testing Centers: Denver (Wheat Ridge), Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo
- Retake Policy: Unlimited retakes allowed. 30-day waiting period between attempts. Full exam fee required each time.
Step 4: Receive Your Colorado Esthetician License
Once you pass both exams, your license is typically issued within 10-14 business days. If you answer “No” to all screening questions and have never worked in Colorado as an esthetician, you may receive your license immediately at the testing center.
Colorado Esthetician License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $56 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $71 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $28 | DORA |
| Total Initial Cost | $155 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $26 | DORA |
| Endorsement (Out-of-State) | $75 | DORA |
| Reinstatement | $55 | DORA |
Esthetics school tuition in Colorado averages approximately $6,631, though programs range from $4,000 to $12,000 depending on the school.
License Renewal Requirements
Colorado esthetician licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years.
To renew:
- Renew online through DORA Online Services
- Pay the $26 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Note: While no CE is required, continuing education is recommended to stay current with evolving esthetics practices and techniques.
Advanced Certifications for Colorado Estheticians
Colorado requires additional training and certification for certain advanced services. These certifications are ONLY available to licensed estheticians or cosmetologists:
Microdermabrasion Certification
- Training Required: 14 clock hours
- Must be completed at a DPOS or CCCS-approved school in Colorado, or substantially equivalent training from another state
- Training covers manual resurfacing exfoliation techniques
Chemical Peels / Chemical Resurfacing Exfoliation
- Training Required: 24 clock hours
- Must be completed at a DPOS or CCCS-approved school in Colorado, or substantially equivalent training from another state
- Training covers use of accelerators and chemical exfoliation processes
Contraindications for Advanced Services
Licensed estheticians cannot perform microdermabrasion or chemical peels on clients who:
- Use Retin-A, Renova, isotretinoin (Accutane), or similar medications
- Have undergone previous facial plastic/reconstructive surgery
- Have apparent skin irritation or sensitivity
- Would experience abrasion or exfoliation below the epidermal layers
Permanent Makeup (Cosmetic Pigment Implantation)
Permanent makeup services require additional training and certification through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, not DORA.
Transferring Your License to Colorado (Endorsement)
Colorado does not have direct reciprocity agreements, but offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state estheticians. You must:
- Hold an active esthetician license in good standing from another state
- Have completed at least 600 contact hours, 20 credit training hours, or 65% of training plus 5 hours of work for every training hour
- Have passed a written exam accepted by an approved U.S. licensing agency
- Have passed a practical exam, completed at least 1,000 hours of work experience, or held a license for at least one year
- Apply online through DORA and pay the $75 endorsement fee
If requirements are not equivalent: You may need to pass the Colorado written examination before receiving licensure.
Foreign-Trained Applicants
Colorado offers a pathway for foreign-trained estheticians (effective August 2, 2019 via HB19-1290):
Work Experience Substitution: Foreign work experience can substitute for required contact hours using a ratio of 3 months of experience for every 100 contact hours. Hours for disinfection, cleaning, safe work practices, and laws/rules review are NOT eligible for substitution.
Military education and training can also apply if deemed equivalent to Colorado training requirements.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Colorado provides exceptional licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through HB24-1097 (effective September 1, 2024):
Free 6-Year Temporary Licenses: Military spouses, dependents, Gold Star spouses, and families of Reserve/National Guard members who hold an esthetician credential in good standing from another state can receive a free temporary license valid for 6 years. These licenses are renewable and have no practice restrictions.
1-Year Practice Authorization: Military spouses relocated to Colorado by military orders who have an active license from another state can practice for up to one year without obtaining a Colorado license (previously three years, now extended to six years for temporary licenses).
For more information, visit DORA’s Military Spouse Licenses page.
What Can You Do with a Colorado Esthetician License?
A Colorado esthetician license authorizes you to perform skin care services including:
- Facials and skin analysis
- Facial makeup application
- Waxing and hair removal (face and body)
- Eyebrow and eyelash services (tinting, extensions, lamination)
- Body treatments and wraps
- Microdermabrasion (with additional 14-hour certification)
- Chemical peels (with additional 24-hour certification)
- Light therapy treatments
Limitations: Estheticians cannot perform hair cutting, coloring, or nail services without the appropriate additional license. Services delegated under the Medical Practice Act (such as certain laser treatments) require physician supervision.
Career Paths for Colorado Estheticians
Colorado estheticians have diverse career opportunities:
- Day Spas and Salons: Traditional facial and body treatments
- Medical Spas: Work alongside physicians providing advanced treatments (medical estheticians in Colorado earn an average of $77,122 per year)
- Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Offices: Pre and post-procedure skin care
- Resort Spas: Destination spas in Aspen, Vail, and other Colorado resorts
- Mobile Esthetics: Services at client locations or events
Colorado Esthetician Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, estheticians (skin care specialists) in Colorado earn approximately $50,270 per year (mean wage $28.11/hour). Medical estheticians in Colorado earn significantly higher, averaging $77,122 annually. Job growth is projected at 14% between 2022 and 2032.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an esthetician license in Colorado?
Most people complete the process in 5 to 8 months. Full-time esthetics programs (600 hours) typically take 5 to 6 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Colorado?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $155: $127 in exam fees paid to PSI and $28 application fee paid to DORA. Tuition at Colorado esthetics programs averages around $6,631.
Does Colorado require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Colorado does not require continuing education for esthetician license renewal. However, additional certifications for microdermabrasion (14 hours) and chemical peels (24 hours) require separate training.
Can I perform microdermabrasion with a basic esthetician license?
No. Colorado requires an additional 14 clock hours of training to perform microdermabrasion. You must complete this training at a DPOS or CCCS-approved school and be certified by the State Board.
Can I transfer my out-of-state esthetician license to Colorado?
Yes, through endorsement ($75 fee). Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Colorado’s 600-hour standard. If requirements are not equivalent, you may need to pass the Colorado written exam.
What’s the difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician in Colorado?
Colorado does not have a separate “medical esthetician” license. However, estheticians who work in medical settings (dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, medical spas) often earn additional certifications and work under physician supervision to perform advanced procedures. No specific certification or schooling gives you the “Medical Esthetician” title in Colorado.
Can I do lash extensions with an esthetician license?
Yes. Eyelash extension services are within the scope of practice for licensed estheticians in Colorado.
How do I verify a Colorado esthetician license?
Use DORA’s online license verification system at dpo.colorado.gov to search for licensed professionals and check for any disciplinary actions.