South Carolina licenses estheticians through the State Board of Cosmetology, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). You need a South Carolina esthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, waxing, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in South Carolina.
South Carolina requires 450 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams administered through Prov, with a 75% passing score. The state requires only a 10th-grade education — no high school diploma needed. Renewal is biennial with 4 hours of continuing education. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
South Carolina Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) |
| Board | State Board of Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | SC Code Title 40, Chapter 13; SC Regulations Chapter 35 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th-grade education or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 450 hours at a Board-approved school |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | Paid to Prov |
| Repeat Exam Fee | $45 (paid to Board) |
| Endorsement Fee | $60 |
| License Term | Biennial (odd years, expires March 10) |
| Renewal Fee | $52 |
| Continuing Education | 4 contact hours per renewal period |
| Apply Online | LLR eService Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
South Carolina requires 450 hours of classroom instruction in skin care at a Board-approved school (SC Code 40-13-230). Full-time students typically complete the program in 3 to 5 months.
No apprenticeship pathway: South Carolina does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for esthetician licensure. All training must be completed at a Board-approved school.
No education prerequisite beyond 10th grade: South Carolina requires only a 10th-grade education or equivalent — you do not need a high school diploma or GED. The minimum age is 16.
Exam deadline: You must take the state board exam within 24 months of completing your required hours, or the hours become invalid. Students who attempted either exam within the 24-month period may continue testing beyond that deadline (policy effective January 8, 2024).
At 450 hours, South Carolina’s requirement is below the national average of 600 hours. See how all states compare in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. South Carolina uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) esthetics exams administered by Prov.
| Exam | Format | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 multiple-choice (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75% |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration with live model | ~70+ minutes (timed sections) | 75% |
Written exam content: Scientific concepts (55%) including infection control, microbiology, anatomy/physiology, skin structure, skin disorders, and basic chemistry. Skin care and services (45%) including client consultations, facials, body treatments, and eyelash/eyebrow services.
Practical exam sections: Work area preparation and supply setup, client preparation and basic facial (cleansing, manual exfoliation, towel steaming, massage, mask), second client setup, eyebrow waxing with simulated soft wax, and facial makeup application.
How to register: Schedule your exams through Prov or call (801) 733-4455.
Retake policy: If you fail one part, you only need to retake the failed portion. Submit a Repeat Examination Request through the LLR Licensee Portal with the $45 Board fee.
Application Process and Fees
Apply for your esthetician license through the LLR eService Portal.
- Complete 450 hours of esthetician training at a Board-approved school
- Have your school submit the Esthetician Training Affidavit to the Board (documenting dates of enrollment, graduation, and detailed hours by subject)
- Download and complete the supplemental forms from llr.sc.gov/cosmo/pub.aspx:
- Verification of Lawful Presence affidavit (notarized)
- Notarized Signature Affidavit and Passport Type Photo Form
- Photocopy of valid photo identification
- Proof of 10th-grade education or equivalent
- Submit the online application with uploaded supplemental forms and fee payment
- Once approved, register with Prov and pass both NIC exams with 75% or higher
- Board issues your license after passing both exams
Processing time: Applications are processed in the order received. Check your status at the Application Status page.
Board address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210. Phone: (803) 896-4588. Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
South Carolina esthetician licenses renew biennially in odd years, with a deadline of March 10 at 11:59 PM. The renewal fee is $52. Renew online at the LLR renewal portal.
Continuing education: South Carolina requires 4 contact hours of Board-approved CE per renewal period. Topics must cover:
- Board laws and regulations
- Client safety
- Infection control (including sanitation and disinfection)
CE may be completed through Board-approved in-person or online classes. First-time licensees are exempt from CE during their initial licensing period.
CE exemptions: Practitioners with 15+ consecutive years of SC licensure who are age 60 or older, or practitioners with 30+ continuous years who are age 50 or older (with no disciplinary action), are exempt from CE.
Late renewal: The reinstatement fee is $152. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must retake and pass both the theory and practical exams.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to South Carolina
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology does not offer reciprocity but does provide licensure by endorsement. You must meet one of two pathways:
Pathway 1: Hold an active license in good standing in another state AND have passed the NIC examination (theory and practical).
Pathway 2: Hold an active license in good standing for at least 2 years in another state AND have completed 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education.
All endorsement applicants must also pass a South Carolina state law exam as designated by the Board. The endorsement fee is $60.
Applicants from states with similar or higher hour requirements like California (600 hours) or Ohio (600 hours) will meet the endorsement standard. Even applicants from lower-hour states like Florida (260 hours) can qualify through 2 years of active licensure.
Military Service Members and Spouses
South Carolina provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants under SC Code Title 40, Chapter 1:
- Military spouse temporary license: The Board issues temporary licenses (valid for 1 year) to spouses of active-duty service members stationed in South Carolina. You must hold a valid license in good standing from another state and provide military orders, marriage license, and verification of licensure (SC Code 40-1-630).
- CE exemption: Active-duty military members are exempt from continuing education requirements (SC Code 40-1-610).
- Fee exemption: Service members on active duty cannot be charged license fees during any calendar year they serve (SC Code 40-1-620).
- Military training credit: The Board must accept military education, training, and experience and apply it “in the manner most favorable” toward licensure qualifications (SC Code 40-1-640).
- Expedited processing: LLR prioritizes military spouse applications. Contact: militaryspouseinfo@llr.sc.gov.
Scope of Practice
Per SC Code 40-13-20, an esthetician is licensed to practice skin care, makeup application, and similar work for the sole purpose of beautifying the skin. This includes:
- Facial treatments (cleansing, toning, exfoliating, masks)
- Skin analysis and consultations
- Makeup application (including false eyelashes)
- Hair removal (waxing, tweezing, depilatories)
- Application of cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions, and creams to the face, neck, arms, legs, and shoulders
- Use of manual, mechanical, chemical, or electrical means for skin care
Limitations: Esthetics does not include electrolysis or any medical treatments.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete esthetician license guide. You can also check whether a cosmetology license covers esthetician services in your state.
Recent Legislative Changes
Bill S.539 (2025 — pending): Would create an “Advanced Esthetician” license category allowing additional services including high frequency, microcurrent, galvanic, microneedling, dermaplaning, and chemical peels. Would require 600 hours (vs. 450 for standard). Not yet enacted as of February 2026.
Bill H.4186 (2025 — pending): Would increase esthetician training hours from 450 to 600 and create a portable operations permit. Would also exempt makeup artistry and express styling from licensure. Not yet enacted as of February 2026.
Exam vendor transition: The Board transitioned from PSI to Prov as the NIC exam administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for an esthetician license in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 450 hours of esthetician training at a Board-approved school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 3 to 5 months. Pending legislation could increase this to 600 hours, but as of February 2026, the requirement remains 450 hours.
Does South Carolina require continuing education for esthetician license renewal?
Yes. South Carolina requires 4 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education per biennial renewal period. Topics must cover Board laws, client safety, and infection control. First-time licensees are exempt during their initial period.
Do you need a high school diploma for an esthetician license in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina requires only a 10th-grade education or equivalent. The minimum age is 16.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to South Carolina?
Yes, through endorsement. You must either have passed the NIC exam or hold an active license for at least 2 years plus complete 4 hours of Board-approved CE. You must also pass a South Carolina state law exam. The endorsement fee is $60.
Does South Carolina offer an advanced esthetician license?
Not currently. Pending legislation (S.539) would create an “Advanced Esthetician” category with 600 hours of training and expanded scope including microneedling, dermaplaning, and chemical peels, but this has not been enacted as of February 2026.
Official Resources
- South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- LLR Online Application Portal
- Applications and Forms
- Fee Schedule
- Exam Information
- Continuing Education
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- SC Code Title 40, Chapter 13
- License Verification
- Phone: (803) 896-4588 | Email: BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210