Illinois licenses estheticians through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. You need an Illinois esthetician license to perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state. Illinois does not recognize a separate “medical esthetician” license. IDFPR has issued a formal statement warning that using the term “medical esthetician” in advertising may be considered misleading and could result in disciplinary action.
Illinois requires 750 hours of approved training and a written exam (no practical exam). The license application fee is $45, and the exam fee is $161 through Continental Testing Services. Most people complete the full process in six to nine months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Illinois Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Licensed Esthetician (131) |
| Governing Agency | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| Governing Board | Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology (BCENT) Board |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 8th grade education (with high school diploma or equivalent) |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours at an IDFPR-approved school |
| State Board Exam | Written exam only (no practical exam) |
| Exam Fee | $161 (paid to Continental Testing Services) |
| Application Fee | $45 (paid to IDFPR after passing the exam) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires September 30 of each odd-numbered year) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 10 hours per renewal cycle (waived for first renewal) |
| Apply for Exam | Continental Testing Services – Esthetician Exam |
| Apply for License | IDFPR Esthetician Licensing Page |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an Illinois esthetician license, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least an 8th grade education, along with a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). Illinois does not require state residency or U.S. citizenship to apply for the license.
As part of your application, you will need to complete a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) background check. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you. IDFPR reviews each case individually, considering the nature of the offense and time elapsed. IDFPR publishes a Criminal Conviction FAQ with detailed guidance on how convictions are evaluated.
Step 2: Complete 750 Hours at an Approved School
You must complete 750 clock hours of instruction at an IDFPR-approved school of esthetics or at an accredited cosmetology school with an esthetics program. The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology of the skin, skin disorders identification and treatment, facial treatments and skincare techniques, hair removal methods including waxing and threading, makeup application and color theory, product chemistry and ingredient knowledge, sanitation and infection control, and Illinois law and rules governing estheticians.
Full-time students typically complete the 750 hours in about six months. Part-time students should expect approximately nine months. Illinois does not currently allow apprenticeship programs as a pathway to esthetician licensure, unlike some other beauty professions in the state.
When selecting a school, verify that it holds a current IDFPR-approved license. A list of licensed BCENT schools is available on the IDFPR website. Hours completed at unapproved schools will not count toward your license.
Pre-graduate exam option: Illinois allows students who have completed at least 600 hours of their 750-hour program to take the written exam early. This is called the pre-graduation or pre-file examination. However, you will not receive your license until you have completed the full 750 hours. This option lets you get the exam out of the way before graduation so you can start working sooner after finishing school. Illinois requirement of 750 hours is above average nationally. Compare all states in our esthetician training hours by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written Exam
After completing your training (or at least 600 hours for pre-graduation candidates), you must pass the NIC National Esthetics Written Examination, administered through Continental Testing Services (CTS) and proctored by PSI.
How to register: Apply online at www.continentaltesting.net. You will need to submit an original transcript from your school (verifying completion of 750 hours, or a minimum of 600 hours for pre-file applicants). Transcripts can be emailed to esthetics@continentaltesting.net.
Exam fee: The exam fee is $161 (non-refundable), paid to CTS at the time of application.
Exam format: The exam is computer-based, multiple-choice, and 90 minutes long. It covers two major areas: scientific concepts (55% of questions) and esthetician practices (45% of questions). Topics include anatomy and physiology, skin analysis, infection control, facial treatments, hair removal, and makeup application. There is no practical exam in Illinois.
Scheduling: After CTS approves your application, you will receive an email from PSI (support@psionline.com) with instructions to schedule your exam. You have 60 days from that email to schedule and complete the exam. If you miss the 60-day window, your fee is forfeited.
Testing locations: Exams are administered at PSI testing centers throughout Illinois, including locations in Chicago, Springfield, and other cities. Some centers offer remote proctoring.
Results: You will receive an unofficial score report on the same day you take the exam. Official results are released by CTS within about four weeks, along with instructions on how to apply for your license.
Retake policy: If you fail, you must wait 30 days before reapplying to CTS. You will need to pay the exam fee again but do not need to resubmit supporting documents. After three failed attempts, you must complete a 125-hour refresher course before taking the exam again. Your CTS application is valid for three years; if you do not pass within that period, you must reapply as a new applicant with all new documentation.
Step 4: Apply for Your License with IDFPR
After passing the exam, CTS will send you an official results letter with instructions on how to apply for your Illinois esthetician license through IDFPR. Do not apply for licensure before receiving this letter.
The license application fee is $45 (non-refundable), paid to IDFPR. You must apply within one year of passing your exam. If you do not apply within one year, you will need to retake and pass the exam again, unless you became licensed in another state within one year of passing.
Applications are submitted through the IDFPR online portal. Allow 2 to 4 business days for your license to post in the system and your status to update.
Step 5: Receive Your License
Once IDFPR processes your application, your license will be available to print from the IDFPR Online Services Portal. IDFPR no longer mails paper licenses. You must print your license and display it in a conspicuous place at your work location, as required by law.
License Renewal
Illinois esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years. Licenses expire on September 30 of each odd-numbered year (for example, September 30, 2025, September 30, 2027). You can begin the renewal process approximately 2 to 3 months before the expiration date through the IDFPR online portal. The renewal fee is $50.
Continuing education: You must complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. The 10 hours must include:
- 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training (required for the first renewal after initial licensure)
- 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training (required each renewal cycle)
- Remaining hours in esthetics-related topics from IDFPR-approved CE providers
CE is waived for your first renewal cycle after initial licensure. A list of approved CE sponsors and approved domestic violence CE sponsors is available on the IDFPR website.
Online CE update: As of May 30, 2025, IDFPR issued a statewide variance allowing all continuing education hours to be completed fully online. Previously, at least half of CE hours were required to be completed in person.
Late renewal: If you miss the renewal window, you must request a reinstatement application from IDFPR. If your license has been expired for five or more years, you will need to apply for restoration, which may require retaking the written exam.
Transferring a License to Illinois
If you hold an active esthetician license in another state, you can apply for an Illinois license through the endorsement process. Do not apply through Continental Testing Services; apply directly to IDFPR.
Endorsement requirements: Complete the endorsement application online through IDFPR, pay the $45 non-refundable endorsement fee, and submit official Certifications of Licensure from both your current state and the state where you were originally licensed. Your out-of-state license must be active and in good standing with no restrictions or disciplinary actions.
IDFPR will review your application and compare your training hours against the Illinois 750-hour requirement. If your state required fewer hours, IDFPR may grant credit for work experience: 150 hours of credit for each 12-month period of lawful employment as an esthetician. If a gap remains after experience credit, you may need to complete additional schooling hours at an Illinois-approved school. IDFPR will notify you if further training is necessary.
Endorsement applicants are generally not required to pass the Illinois written exam, which is a significant advantage over states that require out-of-state applicants to retake examinations.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Illinois law includes several provisions to help military families begin working quickly after relocating to the state. If you are an active-duty service member, a military spouse, or a veteran whose active-duty service ended within the preceding two years, your license application is eligible for expedited review. IDFPR will complete the initial application review within 30 days.
IDFPR also offers a Military Portability license for active-duty service members stationed in Illinois, available under the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022. This license is valid while the service member remains on active duty and stationed in the state.
A dedicated Military Liaison is available to help with the licensing process: FPR.MilitaryLicense@illinois.gov.
What Can You Do with an Illinois Esthetician License?
An Illinois esthetician license authorizes you to perform facials and skincare treatments including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, application of facial masks, manual extraction, waxing and threading for face and body hair removal, makeup application, skincare education and product recommendations, body treatments and wraps, and other services that affect only the stratum corneum (outermost layer) of the epidermis when done for cosmetic or beautifying purposes.
Hydrodermabrasion now in scope: On August 1, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed legislation (SB 2154) that explicitly added hydrodermabrasion and dermaplaning to the esthetician scope of practice in Illinois. Previously there was ambiguity about whether these services were permitted. The law clarifies that microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion, and dermaplaning are within scope when done for cosmetic purposes and not for treating disease.
Abnormal skin growth education: On August 21, 2025, IDFPR issued a statement regarding P.A. 103-0851, which addresses skin growth education requirements for estheticians. This law requires estheticians to be educated in recognizing abnormal skin growths and to refer clients to a physician when warranted.
Prohibited services: Illinois has one of the more restrictive scope-of-practice definitions among major states. Estheticians are prohibited from using any technique, product, or practice intended to affect the living layers of the skin. IDFPR has specifically listed the following as outside the esthetician scope of practice: microneedling, chemical peels that penetrate beyond the epidermis, laser treatments of any kind, injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers, and any procedure that constitutes the practice of medicine. If a physician delegates a medical procedure to an esthetician working in a medical setting, the esthetician cannot identify themselves as an esthetician while performing that delegated service. They are acting as an unlicensed assistant to the physician, not as a licensed esthetician.
Medical spa regulations: On December 2, 2024, IDFPR and the Illinois Department of Public Health jointly issued a memo on medical spa compliance outlining key responsibilities for medspas, including infection prevention requirements and the distinction between medical and esthetic services. Importantly, a facility registered as a salon or shop may not use medical terminology in its business name, and a licensed medical spa may not provide a hybrid of medical and esthetic services under the same entity.
Pending legislation on certified medical esthetician: House Bill 4281 (103rd General Assembly) proposed creating a “certified medical esthetician” certificate that would allow licensed estheticians with additional training to perform microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, and radio frequency treatments without physician supervision. This bill did not advance in the 103rd session, but industry advocacy groups continue to push for expanded scope in future sessions.
Illinois Esthetician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for skincare specialists was $41,560 per year ($19.98 per hour) as of May 2024. Overall, esthetician salaries ranged from about $27,160 to $77,330 nationally. Employment in the field is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
In Illinois, estheticians tend to earn near or slightly above the national average. The Chicago metropolitan area is one of the top markets for skincare specialists in the Midwest, driven by demand from luxury spas, medical spas, dermatology offices, and a strong salon industry. Suburban areas like DuPage County and Lake County also offer competitive compensation. Downstate salaries are closer to the national median.
These figures represent base employment income and do not include tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment income. The BLS notes that approximately 26% of skincare specialists nationally are self-employed, and their earnings are not captured in these statistics. Tips and product commissions can add 15% to 25% on top of base pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed esthetician in Illinois?
Most people complete the process in 6 to 9 months. Full-time esthetics programs (750 hours) typically take about six months. Part-time programs take about nine months. After graduation, the exam registration and scheduling process adds a few more weeks. Illinois allows pre-graduate students with at least 600 hours to take the exam early, which can shorten the timeline between graduation and licensure.
Is there a practical exam in Illinois?
No. Illinois only requires a written exam. There is no practical (hands-on) exam for esthetician licensure in Illinois. This is different from many other states that require both written and practical exams.
Can I use the title “medical esthetician” in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not have a “medical esthetician” license. IDFPR has issued a formal statement that using the term “medical esthetician” may be misleading and deceptive to consumers and could result in disciplinary action under Section 4-7 of the Act. If you work for a physician performing delegated medical procedures, you must not identify yourself as an esthetician while doing so.
Can I transfer my license from another state without taking the Illinois exam?
Yes, through the endorsement process. If you hold an active, unrestricted license in another state, you can apply for endorsement with IDFPR. You will need to submit certification of licensure from your current and original licensing states. If your original state required fewer than 750 training hours, IDFPR will credit 150 hours per year of lawful employment and may require additional schooling if a gap remains.
What continuing education do I need for renewal?
You need 10 hours of CE every two years from IDFPR-approved providers. This must include 1 hour of domestic violence awareness (for first renewal) and 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention. CE is fully waived for your first renewal cycle. As of May 2025, all CE hours can be completed online.
What happens if I fail the exam three times?
After three failed attempts, Illinois requires you to complete a 125-hour refresher course at an approved school before you can take the exam again. Each retake also requires a 30-day waiting period and full payment of the exam fee.
What is the BCENT Act sunset extension?
On August 1, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed a five-year sunset extension of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act. Without this extension, the Act would have been repealed on January 1, 2026. The extension ensures the licensing framework remains in effect through 2031.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete esthetician license guide.
Official Resources
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Chicago Office: 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661
Springfield Office: 320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 1 (888) 473-4858
TTY/TDD: 1 (866) 325-4949
Website: idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/esthetics.html
Apply for the Esthetician Exam:
Continental Testing Services – Licensed Esthetician (131)
CTS Online Application and Exam Instructions:
www.continentaltesting.net
IDFPR Online Services Portal (Renewals, License Printing, Applications):
IDFPR eLicense Online
CORE Portal (New Applications for Schools and CE Sponsors):
IDFPR CORE System
License Verification:
IDFPR License Lookup
Approved CE Sponsors:
IDFPR BCENT CE Sponsor List
Military Licensing Assistance:
IDFPR Military Service Members and Spouses
Email: FPR.MilitaryLicense@illinois.gov
Statement on “Medical Estheticians”:
IDFPR Statement on Medical Estheticians
Medical Spa Compliance Memo (December 2024):
IDFPR/IDPH Medical Spa Memo
Esthetics Act (225 ILCS 410):
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985
BCENT Board Information and Meeting Minutes:
IDFPR BCENT Board