Nebraska licenses estheticians through DHHS, under the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art. You need a Nebraska esthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, and related services for compensation.
Nebraska requires 600 training hours and only the NIC written exam — no practical. Total initial cost is approximately $178, with fee waivers available. Here is exactly how to get your Nebraska esthetician license.
Nebraska Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Nebraska DHHS, Office of Consumer Services Licensing |
| Statutory Authority | Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1001 to 38-10,172 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes (salon must be 60+ miles from nearest school) |
| Exam Required | NIC Esthetics Written (PSI) + Nebraska Jurisprudence (no practical) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $53 (NIC via PSI); jurisprudence is free |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| License Fee | $95 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$178 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires September 30 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $118 |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours per cycle |
| Apply Online | DHHS Application (PDF) |
| Board Website | dhhs.ne.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a DHHS-approved school. Esthetics covers using electrical/mechanical apparatus and applying cosmetic preparations to the skin for aesthetic purposes, limited to the top layer of skin (epidermis).
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months. An apprenticeship pathway is available if you are located 60+ miles from the nearest school.
At 600 hours, Nebraska matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Esthetics Written Exam (PSI): 110 items, 90 minutes, 75% passing score. Content: Scientific Concepts (55%), Skin Care and Services (45%). No practical exam required.
Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam: Free, 50-question, open-book online exam (75% passing). Counts as 2 CE hours.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training
- Pass the NIC Written Exam ($53 via PSI) and Jurisprudence Exam (free)
- Submit application with $30 application fee + $95 license fee
Total: $178. Fee waivers available for military families, public assistance recipients, and low-income applicants ages 17-25.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on September 30 of even-numbered years (note: different from cosmetology). Renewal fee is $118. 8 hours of CE required (4 in scope-of-practice skills, 4 elective). Late penalty: $10/day up to $1,000.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Reciprocity fee is $100. Must hold a current license, have 600+ hours of training (or work experience equivalents), and pass the jurisprudence exam. A cosmetologist licensed in another state can also qualify for Nebraska esthetician reciprocity.
Military Provisions
1-year temporary license for military spouses, fee waivers, no supervision required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Nebraska?
600 hours at a DHHS-approved school, typically completable in 4 to 6 months full-time.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Nebraska?
$178 total: $53 exam, $30 application, $95 license. Fee waivers available.
Does Nebraska require a practical exam for estheticians?
No. Only the NIC written theory exam and free jurisprudence exam are required.
Does Nebraska require continuing education for estheticians?
Yes. 8 hours per biennial renewal cycle, with at least 4 in scope-of-practice skills.
Official Resources
- DHHS Cosmetology and Esthetics Licensing
- Application by Exam (PDF)
- Reciprocity Application (PDF)
- License Renewal Portal
- PSI Exams
- DHHS Contact: (402) 471-2117 | DHHS.Licensure2117@nebraska.gov