How Long Does It Take to Get an Esthetician License in Ohio?

Esthetics is a specialization within cosmetology that focuses on the study of skin care. Estheticians must be able recognize skin conditions that require the attention of a medical professional; so Ohio and most other states require estheticians to receive proper education and training through licensing before they're allowed to work legally. The time it takes to complete the necessary requirements depends upon how many of the basic requirements for application you have satisfied and whether you pursue the education and training requirements full time or part time.

In order to begin the application process for licensure in Ohio you must be at least 16 years of age, be of “good moral character,” have the equivalent of an Ohio public school 10th-grade education or a GED, successfully complete an education and training program for estheticians that's approved by the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology, pass the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology esthetician license examination (commonly called the “state boards”), submit the licensing application and pay the applicable fee.

Ohio requires 600 hours of formal education and training from a school approved by the Ohio State Cosmetology Board. This takes 20 weeks if going full time. Managing esthetician licenses require an additional 150 hours, or a total of 30 full-time weeks. Esthetician programs teach the student esthetician to provide skin treatments such as pore cleansing and exfoliations, microdermabrasions, body wraps, aromatherapy, foot reflexology, manicures, pedicures, waxing for hair removal, skin analysis, makeup artistry and advise on skin care regimens.

The State Board Exam is usually scheduled three to five weeks before the exam date. There are two exams required, the written test and the “practical” test, during which you demonstrate the skills you have learned. Both tests are given on the same day.

You must have an Ohio state license in order to practice in Ohio. If you already have an active esthetician license in good standing issued by another state, you could be granted reciprocity if your license is issued by a state that has equal or greater licensing requirements. Apply for reciprocity by submitting an Out of State License Application to the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. You must contact the State Board of Cosmetology in the state in which you are licensed: Request that they send proof of your board certification directly to the Ohio State Board. Ohio will not accept evidence of board certification presented by the applicant. How long it for your paperwork to process depends upon how long the state of licensure takes to send proof of your certification and how long it takes the Ohio State Board to process the paperwork. Ohio requires that you pass an Ohio State Board Esthetician Exam regardless of what other exams you have taken or how long you have been licensed in another state. When you are scheduled for the exam, you will be issued a work permit allowing you to practice in Ohio until the date of your exam. Your scores are given on the same day you take the exam and, if successful, you will immediately receive your license.