Virginia licenses estheticians through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) under the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You need a Virginia esthetician license to perform facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in Virginia.
Virginia is one of the few states with a two-tier esthetician system: a standard esthetician license (600 hours) and a master esthetician license (additional 600 hours) that unlocks advanced services like chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, and lymphatic drainage. Virginia uses NIC exams administered through Prov, and the total cost including exams and license is approximately $314. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
Virginia Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician (basic) / Master Esthetician (advanced) |
| Governing Agency | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) |
| Board | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7; 18VAC41-70 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | None required by statute |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours (esthetician) or 1,200 hours total (master esthetician) |
| Apprenticeship Alternative | 2,000 hours through Virginia DOLI registered apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75 (scaled score) |
| Exam Fees | $99 written + $95 practical = $194 (paid to Prov) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$314 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPOR Online Services Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 600 clock hours of esthetics training at a DPOR-licensed school. Virginia has a separate regulatory chapter for esthetics (18VAC41-70) — one of the few states with standalone esthetics regulations distinct from general cosmetology rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months. The curriculum must include a minimum of 220 practical performances and cover:
| Subject Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Skin Care (analysis, cleansing, facials, extraction, machines) | 255 |
| Applied Sciences (anatomy, physiology, skin structure) | 95 |
| General Sciences (infection control, chemistry, safety) | 80 |
| Makeup (color theory, application, false lashes, tinting) | 65 |
| Hair Removal (waxing, tweezing, chemical, mechanical) | 50 |
| Orientation and Business Topics | 25 |
| Body Treatments (wraps, masks, scrubs, aromatherapy) | 20 |
| Laws and Regulations | 10 |
| Total | 600 |
No education prerequisite: Virginia does not require a high school diploma or GED for esthetician licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Apprenticeship pathway: Virginia offers a registered apprenticeship alternative requiring 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in a licensed spa, supervised by a licensed esthetician or master esthetician. Apprenticeships are administered through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Online training: Theory hours may be delivered online if the school verifies student identity and requires in-person competency assessments. Practical instruction must be completed in person.
At 600 hours, Virginia’s requirement matches the national average. See how all states compare in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Master Esthetician License
Virginia offers an advanced master esthetician license requiring an additional 600 hours of training (1,200 hours total). You must already hold a Virginia esthetician license before enrolling in a master esthetician program. The master esthetician curriculum includes:
- Advanced anatomy and physiology (65+ hours)
- Advanced skin care and modalities (90+ hours)
- Advanced procedures and chemical exfoliation (270+ hours)
- Lymphatic drainage (120+ hours)
- Orientation, advanced business, and infection control (45+ hours)
- State laws, rules, and regulations (10+ hours)
Master estheticians can perform services that standard estheticians cannot, including chemical exfoliation (Jessner solution, TCA under 20%, AHAs/BHAs), microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and lymphatic drainage. The application fee is $120 and exams are required.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. Virginia uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov (which replaced PSI effective January 1, 2025).
| Exam | Format | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 multiple-choice (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75 (scaled) | $99 |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration with live model | ~55+ minutes (timed sections) | 75 (scaled) | $95 |
Written exam content: Scientific concepts (55%) including microbiology, infection control, anatomy/physiology, skin structure, skin disorders, and basic chemistry. Skin care and services (45%) including client consultations, facial services, 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, and eyebrow waxing demonstration.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (877) 228-3926 to schedule your exams.
Exam validity: If you pass one exam, you do not need to retake it as long as you pass the other exam within one year. If you pass both but do not apply for licensure within five years, you must retake both examinations.
Application Process and Fees
After passing both exams, apply for your esthetician license. You can apply through the DPOR Online Services Portal, by email to BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov, or by mail.
- Complete your 600-hour training program or 2,000-hour apprenticeship
- Register with Prov and pass both the NIC written and practical exams ($194 total)
- Submit the Esthetician Exam and License Application (Form A450-1261)
- Pay the $120 application fee (nonrefundable)
- Disclose any felony convictions within the past 10 years
- Sign the certification statement confirming you have read Virginia’s esthetics laws
- Receive your license
Temporary license: Eligible applicants can receive a free temporary license valid for 90 days while awaiting exam results. You must work under the supervision of a licensed master esthetician during this period.
Processing time: DPOR notifies applicants within 5 calendar days of receipt whether the application is approved or deficient.
DPOR mailing address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. Phone: (804) 367-8509.
License Renewal
Virginia esthetician licenses expire every 2 years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued. The renewal fee is $120. Renew online at the DPOR renewal portal.
Virginia does not require continuing education for esthetician license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee on time.
Late renewal: If your license expires, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $240 ($120 renewal + $120 reinstatement). If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, reinstatement is no longer possible — you must reapply as a new applicant and meet all current requirements.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Virginia
Virginia offers three pathways for out-of-state estheticians:
License by endorsement (18VAC41-70-30):
- Must hold a current, valid license in another state
- Training must be “substantially equivalent” — at least 80% of Virginia’s required hours (480 of 600 hours)
- If your state required both written and practical exams, you may be licensed without additional examination
- If your state only required one exam, you may take Virginia’s other exam to qualify
- Fee: $120
Work experience substitution: If your training is not substantially equivalent, you may substitute 3 years of documented licensed work experience for training deficiencies.
Universal License Recognition (ULR): Since 2023, Virginia offers ULR for applicants who have held a valid license in another state for at least 3 years, passed an examination, have no disciplinary actions, and have no disqualifying criminal record. Fee: $120.
Most states require 600 or more hours for esthetician licensure, so applicants from states like Florida (260 hours) may need to use the work experience substitution or ULR pathway. Applicants from California (600 hours) or Ohio (600 hours) will meet the endorsement standard.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Virginia provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Military training credit: DPOR must accept substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience toward licensing requirements (Virginia Code 54.1-118).
- Military spouse expedited processing: DPOR has 20 days to act on applications from military spouses. If review cannot be completed in 20 days, a temporary 12-month license must be issued (Virginia Code 54.1-119).
- License portability: Active-duty service members and spouses may transfer licenses from other states under SCRA provisions.
- Renewal extensions: Active-duty personnel serving outside the U.S. may receive up to a 5-year renewal extension.
- Financial assistance: Military branches offer spouse license reimbursement up to $1,000 for PCS-related license transfer costs.
Scope of Practice
Per Virginia Code 54.1-700, a standard esthetician license authorizes:
- Cleansing, toning, effleurage, stimulating, and exfoliating the skin
- Facial treatments using cosmetic preparations, non-laser devices, electrical, mechanical, or manual means
- Applying makeup and false eyelashes
- Tinting, perming, and lightening eyelashes and eyebrows
- Removing unwanted hair by tweezing, chemical, or mechanical means (including waxing)
- Body treatments (wraps, masks, scrubs)
A master esthetician license additionally authorizes:
- Chemical exfoliation (Jessner solution, TCA under 20%, AHAs/BHAs, enzymes)
- Microdermabrasion (without laser technology)
- Dermaplaning
- Lymphatic drainage
- LED/IPL, microcurrent, and ultrasound devices
Limitations: Esthetics is not a healing art and does not include any practice that constitutes medicine. No laser devices. Cosmetology salons may offer standard esthetics services but not master esthetics services.
Wax technician: Virginia also offers a separate wax technician license (115 hours) for those who only want to perform waxing and tweezing services without the full esthetician scope.
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 and Regulatory Changes
Esthetics regulations amended (effective December 1, 2025): Felony disclosure window reduced from 20 to 10 years. Misdemeanor disclosure eliminated (except for offenses involving moral turpitude, sexual offenses, drug distribution, or physical injury). Barriers for out-of-state applicants reduced by formally codifying the 80% “substantially equivalent” training standard.
Student instructor temporary license created (effective December 1, 2025): Licensed estheticians and master estheticians may receive a 12-month temporary instructor license to work under a certified instructor in a licensed school.
New exam vendor (effective January 1, 2025): Prov replaced PSI as the examination vendor for all Board for Barbers and Cosmetology exams.
Universal License Recognition (effective 2023): Over 900 professionals have transferred licenses to Virginia through the ULR program since implementation.
Criminal history reform (SB 826, effective July 1, 2025): Applicants may request a binding predetermination of whether a criminal record would disqualify them before completing training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for an esthetician license in Virginia?
Virginia requires 600 hours of esthetics training at a DPOR-licensed school. For a master esthetician license, you need an additional 600 hours (1,200 total). Alternatively, a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship is available for the standard esthetician license.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Virginia?
State fees total approximately $314: $99 for the written exam and $95 for the practical exam (both paid to Prov), plus a $120 application fee paid to DPOR. School tuition is separate.
What is the difference between an esthetician and master esthetician in Virginia?
A standard esthetician license (600 hours) covers basic facials, makeup, and hair removal. A master esthetician license (1,200 total hours) adds advanced services like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and lymphatic drainage. You must hold a standard esthetician license before pursuing the master level.
Does Virginia require continuing education for esthetician license renewal?
No. Virginia does not require any continuing education for esthetician or master esthetician license renewal. You simply pay the $120 biennial renewal fee.
Does Virginia require a high school diploma for an esthetician license?
No. Virginia does not require a high school diploma, GED, or minimum education level for esthetician licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers license by endorsement if your training is substantially equivalent (at least 480 of 600 hours). If your training falls short, you may substitute 3 years of licensed work experience. Virginia also offers Universal License Recognition for applicants who have held a license for at least 3 years.
Official Resources
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (official website)
- DPOR Online Services Portal (license applications)
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- 18VAC41-70 — Esthetics Regulations
- Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7
- License Renewal Portal
- License Verification
- Universal License Recognition (ULR)
- Phone: (804) 367-8509 | Email: BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov
- Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233