North Dakota licenses estheticians through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology, which oversees all branches of cosmetology in the state including estheticians, cosmetologists, manicurists, and instructors. You need a North Dakota esthetician license to perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, makeup application, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in the state.
North Dakota requires 600 hours of approved esthetics training plus NIC written and practical exams and a North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam administered by Prov. A new 2,000-hour apprenticeship pathway became available on January 1, 2026. The state also introduced a new Advanced Esthetician license tier in 2026. The total initial cost including exams and license is approximately $115. Here is exactly how to get your North Dakota esthetician license.
North Dakota Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | NDCC Title 43, Chapter 11; Administrative Rules Title 32 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (typically required by schools) |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a state-approved school (or 2,000-hour apprenticeship) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,000 hours in a US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Esthetician Written Theory + NIC Esthetician Practical + ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% on all exams |
| Exam Fees | $90 (theory + state law during one session) |
| License Application Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $115 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Annual, expires December 31 | $20/year |
| Continuing Education | |
| Apply Online | |
| Exam Registration | Prov (provexam.com) or call (801) 733-4455 |
| Board Website | ndcosmetology.com |
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a school approved by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. Full-time students typically complete the program in three to five months. The curriculum covers facials, skin analysis, makeup application, hair removal (waxing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology, and North Dakota laws and rules.
Apprenticeship pathway: As of January 1, 2026, North Dakota offers an alternative apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours in a US Department of Labor-approved registered apprenticeship program. This option allows you to train in a working spa or salon environment rather than a traditional classroom setting.
At 600 hours, North Dakota’s esthetician training requirement is at the national average. See how all states compare in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart. For a full guide to esthetician licensing across all states, visit our esthetician license requirements page.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass three exams to qualify for a North Dakota esthetician license:
- NIC Esthetician Written Theory Exam: Multiple-choice exam covering esthetics theory, skin science, sanitation, and safety. Administered by Prov. A passing score of 75% is required.
- NIC Esthetician Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetician skills. You must bring your own mannequin and supplies as specified in the Prov candidate information bulletin. A passing score of 75% is required.
- North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam: A separate exam covering state-specific cosmetology laws and rules. Also administered by Prov.
Exam fees: $90 for the theory and state law exams taken during one session. If retaking only the theory exam, the fee is $90. If retaking only the state law exam, the fee is $60.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (801) 733-4455 to schedule your exams.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a Board-approved school (or 2,000 hours through the apprenticeship pathway).
- Register for your exams through Prov and pay the exam fees ($90 for theory + state law).
- Pass the NIC Esthetician Written Theory, NIC Esthetician Practical, and ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exams with a score of 75% or higher on each.
- Submit your esthetician license application to the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- Pay the $25 license application fee.
- Receive your North Dakota esthetician license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Theory + State Law Exam (one session) | $90 | Prov |
| Theory Retake Only | $90 | Prov |
| State Law Retake Only | $60 | Prov |
| License Application | $25 | ND Board of Cosmetology |
| Total Initial Cost (approx.) | $115 | |
| Annual Renewal | $20 | ND Board of Cosmetology |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
North Dakota esthetician licenses expire annually on December 31. You must renew your license before the expiration date to continue practicing legally. The renewal fee is $20 per year.
Contact the Board at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for renewal instructions and deadlines.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
North Dakota offers reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states. To transfer your esthetician license to North Dakota, you must hold an active license in good standing from another state.
Reciprocity fee: $105 plus the original license fee.
Additional requirements: You may be required to pass the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam before receiving your license.
Work experience credit: North Dakota credits licensed work experience toward training hour requirements. The formula is 1,000 hours of licensed work experience equals 100 hours of school training, up to a maximum of 500 hours.
For esthetician licensing requirements in other states, see our guides for Texas, Florida, and California.
Military Provisions
North Dakota provides accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking professional licenses. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for specific information about expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licenses available to military-connected applicants.
Recent Legislative Changes
Apprenticeship pathway added (effective January 1, 2026): A new 2,000-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program became available as an alternative to the traditional 600-hour school-based esthetics training.
Advanced Esthetician license created (effective January 1, 2026): North Dakota introduced a new Advanced Esthetician license tier requiring 1,100 hours of training. This advanced credential allows estheticians to perform services that go beyond the standard esthetician scope, including multiple layers of chemical exfoliants per visit. Standard estheticians are now limited to single-layer chemical exfoliants per visit.
Grandfather clause: Existing cosmetologists and estheticians who held North Dakota licenses as of January 1, 2025 receive grandfather status for the Advanced Esthetician credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in North Dakota?
You need 600 hours of esthetics training at a Board-approved school. Alternatively, as of January 1, 2026, you can complete a 2,000-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in North Dakota?
State fees total approximately $115: $90 in exam fees paid to Prov and $25 for the license application paid to the Board. This does not include school tuition.
What is the difference between an esthetician and an advanced esthetician in North Dakota?
A standard esthetician license requires 600 hours and limits you to single-layer chemical exfoliants per visit. The Advanced Esthetician license, introduced in 2026, requires 1,100 hours and allows multiple layers of chemical exfoliants and other advanced services. Existing license holders as of January 1, 2025 are grandfathered into the advanced tier.
Can I transfer my out-of-state esthetician license to North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota offers reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $105 plus the original license fee. You may also need to pass the ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam. North Dakota credits work experience toward training hours at a rate of 1,000 licensed work hours equaling 100 school hours, up to 500 hours.
Can I get an esthetician license online in North Dakota?
No. You cannot complete the required 600 hours of esthetics training entirely online. The training includes hands-on practical skills that must be completed in person at a Board-approved school or through an approved apprenticeship program. However, some schools may offer theory components online.
Official Resources
- North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application
- Prov Exam Registration (provexam.com) | Phone: (801) 733-4455
- Board Contact: 701-224-9800 | bocinfo@nd.gov
- Board Address: PO Box 2177, Bismarck, ND 58502-2177 (Physical: 4719 Shelburne St., Suite 1, Bismarck, ND 58503)