Education · 1 of 5

The path

One state-approved program, two exams, and you are licensed. Often in under a year.

1. 1

   High school diploma or equivalent

   Grade 12

   Most states require it, and a minimum age. Texas sets the minimum at 17 to apply.

2. 2

   State-approved esthetics program

   4 to 12 months

   Hours are set by each state. Texas requires a 750-hour esthetician course at a licensed school. Other states run anywhere from about 600 to over 1,000 hours.

3. 3

   Pass the state exams

   Weeks after finishing

   A written exam and, in most states, a practical exam where you perform treatments in front of an examiner.

4. 4

   Get licensed and start working

   Immediate

   A temporary license often prints as soon as you pass the practical, so you can start while the card is in the mail.

5. 5

   Build a client book

   2 to 3 years

   The first two years are about getting people to rebook. That book, not the license, is what you are really building.