New Jersey licenses estheticians as skin care specialists through the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs. You need a New Jersey skin care specialist license to perform facials, skin care treatments, waxing, makeup application, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in New Jersey. Note that New Jersey uses the title “skin care specialist” rather than “esthetician” in its statutes and regulations.
New Jersey requires 600 hours of approved training plus written and practical exams using NIC content administered through Prometric. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $232. Most people complete the full process in 5 to 10 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
New Jersey Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Skin Care Specialist |
| Governing Agency | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling |
| Statutory Authority | N.J.S.A. 45:5B; N.J.A.C. 13:28 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (home education diplomas not accepted) |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a Board-approved school |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (120 questions, 2 hours) + Practical exam, administered by Prometric |
| Exam Fees | $39 written + $53 practical = $92 (paid to Prometric) |
| Board Examination/Application Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $90 (Year 1 of cycle) or $45 (Year 2) |
| Total Initial Cost (state fees) | ~$232 (Year 1) or ~$187 (Year 2), excluding fingerprinting |
| License Term | Biennial (every 2 years, even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $90 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | NJ Board Applications Page |
| Board Website | njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a New Jersey skin care specialist program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 17 years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Home education diplomas are not accepted in New Jersey.
Step 2: Complete Your Education
You must complete 600 hours of instruction in the skin care specialty at a Board-approved school. Both private cosmetology schools licensed by the Board and public vocational-technical schools approved by the State Board of Education are recognized. Out-of-state or foreign training must be “substantially similar” to New Jersey’s requirements as determined by the Board.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 7 months. Part-time students may take up to 12 months depending on the school’s schedule.
Early exam eligibility: Candidates may sit for the theory (written) exam after completing 480 hours of the 600-hour program. However, the full 600 hours must be completed before the license can be issued.
No apprenticeship pathway: New Jersey does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for skin care specialist licensure. All training must be completed through a school program.
At 600 hours, New Jersey’s requirement is at the national average. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
After completing your training (or at least 480 hours for the theory exam), you must pass both a written and practical exam. New Jersey uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exam content administered through Prometric.
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 120 (110 scored + 10 experimental) | 2 hours | 75% | $39 |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration | ~90 minutes | 75% | $53 |
How to register: Your school submits your eligibility information electronically to Prometric. Schedule your exams through ISO Quality Testing or call 1-866-773-1114. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical exam. Exam fees are paid directly to Prometric.
Retake policy: The Board’s $50 examination fee covers up to two attempts at the practical exam. Additional retake fees apply after two failed attempts.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, apply for your skin care specialist license through the Board’s applications page. Required documentation includes:
- Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license)
- High school diploma or GED documentation
- Proof of completion of the 600-hour program
- Board examination/application fee ($50)
- Initial license fee ($90 or $45 depending on cycle year)
Criminal background check: You may be required to complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO for a criminal history background check (~$66).
Temporary permit: A temporary permit ($20) may be issued for up to 120 days while you await examination scheduling.
Processing time: Licenses are typically mailed within 10 to 15 business days after approval. Applicants have 6 months to complete the entire licensing process after initial application.
Board mailing address: 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Phone: (973) 504-6400. Email: CosmetologyBoard@dca.njoag.gov.
License Renewal
New Jersey skin care specialist licenses renew biennially (every 2 years), on even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $90. A late fee of $30 applies for renewals submitted within 30 days after expiration.
New Jersey does not require continuing education for skin care specialist license renewal. You simply submit the renewal application and fee. Renew online at newjersey.mylicense.com.
Reinstatement: If your license has been suspended for more than 5 years, you must retake and pass the Board examinations. The reinstatement fee is $50 plus delinquent renewal fees.
Transferring Your License to New Jersey
New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for skin care specialists licensed in other states or countries under N.J.S.A. 45:5B-28:
Standard endorsement:
- Hold a current, valid license in another jurisdiction with eligibility criteria “substantially similar” to New Jersey’s
- May be licensed without examination
- Pay endorsement fee ($100) plus license fee ($90 or $45)
- Provide certification of licensure from the issuing jurisdiction
Three-year experience alternative:
- If your state has less stringent requirements, you may qualify without examination with evidence of at least 3 years of practical work experience in a licensed shop
Applicants from states with similar or higher hour requirements like Michigan (400–600 hours) or Ohio (600 hours) will likely meet the endorsement standard.
Military Service Members and Spouses
New Jersey provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Veterans: The Board gives credit toward licensing requirements for training, education, and experience received while serving in the Armed Forces (N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.3 and 45:1-15.4)
- Military spouses: Under N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.5, the Board issues a temporary courtesy license to nonresident military spouses transferred to New Jersey. The license is valid for 1 year with a possible 1-year extension. Fees are limited to the cost of a criminal history record check.
Scope of Practice
Per N.J.S.A. 45:5B-3, a skin care specialist license authorizes the following services performed for cosmetic purposes (not medical treatment):
- Applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup to the scalp, face, or neck
- Massaging, cleansing, or stimulating the face, neck, or upper part of the body, with or without cosmetic preparations, by hand or mechanical/electrical appliances
- Removing superfluous hair from the face, neck, arms, legs, or abdomen using depilatories, waxing, or tweezers
Prohibited: Electrolysis (requires a separate license), any treatment for disease or physical ailments, and services penetrating beyond the skin’s surface.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician licensing guide. You can also check whether a cosmetology license covers esthetician services in your state.
Recent Legislation
P.L. 2023, c.231 — Booth Rental (effective January 8, 2025): Licensed skin care specialists can now rent chairs or booths as independent contractors with a written agreement and a booth rental permit from the Board.
A5965 (2024 — introduced, not enacted): Would remove the practical examination requirement for skin care specialists and other cosmetology licensees, leaving only the written theory exam. As of February 2026, this bill has not been enacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in New Jersey?
You need 600 hours of skin care specialty training at a Board-approved school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 7 months. New Jersey uses the title “skin care specialist” rather than “esthetician.”
How much does it cost to get a skin care specialist license in New Jersey?
State fees total approximately $232 in Year 1 of the biennial cycle: $92 in exam fees (paid to Prometric), $50 Board examination/application fee, and $90 initial license fee. Fingerprinting may add approximately $66.
Does New Jersey require continuing education for skin care specialists?
No. New Jersey does not require any continuing education for license renewal. You simply pay the $90 biennial renewal fee.
Can I take the written exam before finishing my program?
Yes. Candidates may sit for the theory (written) exam after completing 480 of the required 600 hours. However, the full 600 hours must be completed before the license is issued.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to New Jersey?
Yes, through endorsement. If your state has substantially similar requirements, you may receive a license without examination. The endorsement fee is $100 plus the applicable license fee. If your state has less stringent requirements, you may qualify with 3 or more years of work experience.
Why is it called a “skin care specialist” instead of “esthetician” in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statutes (N.J.S.A. 45:5B) and administrative code (N.J.A.C. 13:28) use the title “skin care specialist” rather than “esthetician.” The license, scope of practice, and requirements are equivalent to what other states call an esthetician license.
Official Resources
- New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (official website)
- License Applications Page
- Endorsement Application (PDF)
- Fee Schedule (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1)
- Prometric / ISO Quality Testing (exam registration)
- License Verification
- Board Contact: (973) 504-6400 | CosmetologyBoard@dca.njoag.gov
- Board Address: 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102