Massachusetts Esthetician License Requirements

Massachusetts licenses estheticians — officially titled “Aesthetician” — through the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering, part of the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL). Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship path; all training must come from a Board-approved school.

1. Complete 600 hours of aesthetics training at a Board-approved school, covering skin care, hair removal, makeup, sanitation, and Massachusetts law.
2. Submit your application and pay the $68 application fee through the DOL’s eLIPSE platform. As of August 3, 2026, all applications must go through eLIPSE rather than directly through PSI.
3. Wait for exam approval. Once your application is processed, PSI will email you instructions to schedule your exam.
4. Pass the PSI written theory exam ($155) with a score of 75% or higher. There is no separate hands-on practical exam.
5. Receive your digital license through eLIPSE once your exam results are confirmed.

Massachusetts requires 600 hours of professional training in a Board-approved aesthetics school, under 240 CMR 2.01(2). This requirement doubled from 300 hours effective June 1, 2019 — applicants who trained under the old 300-hour standard may need supplemental hours if seeking licensure today.

Massachusetts does not offer an apprenticeship or on-the-job training pathway for aestheticians; a program at an approved school is the only route to eligibility. Curricula typically cover skin analysis and facial treatments, makeup application, hair removal, product chemistry, sanitation and infection control, and Massachusetts cosmetology law.

Massachusetts contracts with PSI Services to administer its aesthetician licensing exam through the test-takers.psiexams.com/macos portal.

Written Theory Exam Only

The exam is computer-based, multiple-choice, and covers topics including infection control and safety, skin analysis, and skin care procedures. A score of 75% or higher is required to pass. The fee is $155.

No Separate Practical Exam

Massachusetts eliminated its hands-on/written practical component effective October 2, 2023. Prior to that date, candidates paid separately for a theory exam and a written practical exam; today, the written theory exam alone determines eligibility for licensure.

Registration

You must receive exam approval from the Board (via your processed application) before PSI will let you schedule a test date. Exams are available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese on request.

Massachusetts Aesthetician licenses (Aesthetician I and Aesthetician II) renew every 2 years on your birthday. The renewal fee is $68. A late renewal adds a $57 fee on top of the standard renewal fee.

No Continuing Education Required

Massachusetts does not require continuing education hours to renew an aesthetician license.

How to Renew

Renew through the DOL’s eLIPSE platform. If your workplace has moved to a new address, you must file a new application rather than a simple renewal. Licenses expired 3 years or longer require formal reinstatement rather than a standard renewal.

Massachusetts defines the scope of practice for aesthetics in M.G.L. c. 112, §87T. A licensed Massachusetts aesthetician may perform, for the public generally, with or without compensation:

• Skin care services: Cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, and beautifying the skin using hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions, or creams

Massachusetts law limits aesthetics to methods that are minimally invasive and pose minimal risk to public health, as further defined by the Board. Holding yourself out as an aesthetician or offering to perform these services also constitutes the practice of aesthetics under the statute, even without direct compensation. Every practicing aesthetician must hold a current Board license, and services must be performed at a licensed aesthetics salon, cosmetology salon, or approved mobile business. You can verify any license through the Board’s license verification tool.