For information only. Not meant as advice in any form. Please consult your medical professional or lawyer.
The practice of providing skin care treatments is both an art and a science. That’s why most aspiring facial specialists in any state are required to undergo esthetics training and education to make sure they can safely and efficiently perform the procedures. If you want to become a licensed esthetician in New York State, you need to meet the prerequisites to qualify for licensure.
So what are the steps that you need to take to get your esthetician license in New York City? To obtain an esthetician license, you need to finish an esthetics program from an accredited beauty school, submit your licensure application, and pass the written and practical examinations. Once you have your license, make sure to keep track of its validity and renew as needed to continue practicing as an esthetician.
All You Need To Know About How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in NY
New York City is one of the most popular destinations for beauty and cosmetic treatments. It’s home to some of the best wellness clinics, salons, and med spas in the country, which is why it’s also one of the ideal places to start an esthetician career.
Each state has different requirements before you can fully practice esthetics in a clinical or medical setting. Those who wish to take advantage of the benefits of working as an esthetician in New York can apply for licensure with the Department of State Division of Licensing Services.
Here’s an overview of the steps you need to take to become a professional esthetician in New York:
1. Attend and Finish a Cosmetology or Esthetician Program
Like most states, New York requires all interested estheticians to complete a specialized program from an accredited esthetician school. The program includes 600 hours of theoretical study on the history of esthetics, anatomy and physiology of the skin, facial techniques, makeup artistry. It can also include hands-on practice on the usual services provided by estheticians such as makeup application, hair removal, skin peels, and facials.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Apply For Your Esthetician License in NY?
Most individuals have to be at least 17 years old to enroll in an esthetician course at a state-approved esthetics school. Having a college degree is optional but you do need to present a high school diploma or GED upon joining a program. The application process varies per institution but you may expect to be invited for an interview after submitting your requirements.
What Estheticians Schools Are Approved By The Division Of Licensing Services In NY?
There are plenty of renowned beauty schools located in New York State but if you’re applying for an esthetician license, you need to make sure that the institutions are approved by the Department of State Division of Licensing Services and the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Here are some of the best New York-based esthetician schools to choose from:
- Aveda Institute New York
- Empire Beauty School
- Long Island Beauty School
- Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics
- American Beauty Institute
- Beauty Culture Academy
- Aesthetic Science Institute
- New York Institute of Beauty
- Continental School of Beauty
- The New York School of Esthetics
2. Complete Your Esthetics License Application
Once you’ve finished your esthetician program, you can accomplish the application forms on the New York Division Licensing Services website. On the form, there’s a section called the Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling which must be filled out by your school director to certify your successful completion of the esthetician program.
You’ll also be required to undergo a physical exam and include a health certification provided by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. The application fee for an esthetician license is about $40. After paying and completing your licensing requirements, the state board will review your application and get back to you with the details for the examination.
Who Regulates Estheticians in the State of New York?
All esthetician licenses are reviewed and given by the New York Department of State. The license is provided to individuals who wish to practice treatments and procedures for the enhancement of the skin and body. It also allows you to perform services such as makeup application, eyelash extension, waxing, and tweezing.
It’s important to note that the esthetician license is different from a business permit. If you wish to operate a beauty salon, you’d need to separately apply for a business license from the Department of State in addition to having your esthetician or cosmetology license.
3. Pass The Written and Practical Tests
Before you can get your license number, you need to pass the written and practical exams provided by the New York State. You’ll have to pay the fees which are $15 for the written test and another $15 for the practical exam.
The first part of the test is the Appearance Enhancement Written Examination which follows a multiple-choice format and covers a variety of topics related to skin care theory, esthetics principles, and treatments. You’ll be given at least 2.5 hours to accomplish the written test. You may take the exam only at approved testing sites, such as Albany, Binghamton, Franklin, and New York City.
The second part of the aesthetician exam is the practical test where you’ll be asked to perform certain procedures and tasks within the allotted time. Some of the things that you may be expected to demonstrate are:
- Preparation of the mannequin model and work area
- Removal of superfluous hair
- Basic facials
- Makeup application and cleanup
What Score Do You Need To Pass New York Esthetician Exam
According to the regulations by New York’s licensing board, the exam results for the written section are usually reported as either passed or failed. Applicants will not be given a numerical score and they can view their examination status via email. On the other hand, the practical section will be graded and you need at least 70% to pass.
Those who fail either the written or practical exam can request a re-testing via the online website. Once you pass, the examination results are valid for 5 years and you’re good to get your esthetician license.
4. Gain Work Experience and Maintain Your Esthetician License
With a new esthetician license, you can apply for employment in various work settings within the state. Most estheticians can work in beauty salons, medical spas, dermatology clinics, and private practices. They can also be an independent contractor and rent a space in a salon where they can offer their services.
While you don’t need to pursue continuing education to maintain your license, it’s nice to have additional certifications that can help establish your skills and competency in certain procedures. You may also enroll in master esthetician or medical esthetician programs if you want to widen your expertise in esthetics. As a medical aesthetician, you’ll be able to perform more in-depth treatments and work alongside physicians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons.
How Long Does an Esthetician License Last in New York?
A standard esthetician license in New York City has a validity of 4 years. You can always check the status of your license online to make sure you’re still allowed to practice skin care and cosmetic treatments. The licensing board will also send you a renewal notice via email at least 3 months before your license’s expiry date.
All you need to do to renew your esthetician license is to follow the guide provided in the email. You don’t need to show any continuing education certification but you should accomplish the renewal form and pay the fee of $40.
Other Ways to Apply for NY Esthetician License If You’re from Another State or Country
It’s also possible to work as an esthetician in New York even if you’re not from the state. The board provides a temporary license to individuals who live outside New York City to allow them to offer their services in the area. Here are the requirements to get a temporary esthetician license:
- Present a valid school certificate
- Provide a transcript of records from an esthetician or cosmetology school listing the subjects and training hours completed
- If you already have an esthetician license, submit an original Certification of Licensure from your state board
- If not yet licensed, provide a certification from your state board that verifies the training hours you’ve completed
Estheticians who have at least 5 years of working experience in a med spa or salon in other states must present certification from their previous licensing agency. They’ll also be required to submit statements from their previous employers, colleagues, or clients, and a copy of their tax return that indicate Esthetics as their profession.
However, if your work experience is outside of the United States, you may need to prepare several documents. The requirements that you’ll have to submit to get your New York esthetician license are:
- Valid, official certification provided by your country’s licensing authority or a verification from the Consulate
- Letters from your past employers that indicate your exact dates of employment, location, and the responsibilities and services that you performed
- Letters from your previous clients and co-workers
- Any copy of photo identification, such as passport, driver’s license, or workbook showing your Esthetics experience
- Copies of diplomas, curriculum, and certificates for the esthetics education in your country
- Copy of tax returns in your country
What Can Estheticians Do in New York?
With an esthetician license in New York, you can legally practice a wide range of beauty services and treatments that help improve the appearance of a patient’s skin. A typical esthetician job description includes the following responsibilities and procedures that you can provide:
- Assess skin condition and recommend appropriate treatments
- Suggest the best cosmetic products that can help maintain the patient’s skin
- Answer client’s queries about skin care products and treatments
- Perform hair removal treatments, such as waxing and laser
- Administer facial services such as chemical peels, light therapy, and microdermabrasion
- Provide spray or airbrush tanning services
- Perform makeup application for beautification
Develop Your Esthetician Skills With Online Training Courses from FACE Med Store
Start your esthetician career in New York by signing up for an esthetics program and taking additional courses to enhance your skills. At FACE Med Store, we offer a wide selection of online training modules that can help you grow your knowledge and capability in skin care and beauty treatments.
In addition to online training programs, we also provide high-quality medical tools and supplies sold at affordable prices. We’ve partnered with hundreds of medical spas, salons, and healthcare facilities across the country, helping them expand their practices with our products. Call us today to know more about our aesthetic courses or inquire about our stocks.
