Vermont Esthetician License Requirements

Vermont licenses estheticians through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), part of the Secretary of State’s office. You can qualify by completing school-based training or an apprenticeship, then passing the Prov-administered NIC exams.

1. Complete your training. Finish a minimum of 500 hours at a school, or 750 hours as a registered apprentice under a licensed supervisor.
2. Submit your application. Apply online through the Online Services System and pay the non-refundable $155 application fee. Upload your high school diploma or GED and evidence of your training hours — either a course completion certificate or a Verification of Education/Apprentice Verification form signed by your school or supervisor.
3. Get approved to sit for the exam. Once your application is complete, OPR will email you an official approval to sit for testing.
4. Pass the NIC exams. Register with Prov at provexam.com to schedule your theory and practical exams.

Applicants already licensed in another state may instead apply by endorsement or fast-track endorsement, depending on how long they’ve held their out-of-state license.

Vermont requires a minimum of 500 hours of school-based training to qualify for the esthetician exam. If you train as a registered apprentice instead, Vermont requires a minimum of 750 hours under the direct supervision of a licensed professional.

Evidence of training must be submitted with your application — either a copy of your professional training course completion certificate, or a completed Verification of Education form (school path) or Apprentice Verification form (apprenticeship path), signed by your school or supervisor.

Vermont requires both a written (theory) and practical NIC examination, administered by Prov.

Registration

After OPR emails your approval to sit for testing, register with Prov at provexam.com to schedule your exams.

Fees

Each theory exam costs $95, and each practical exam costs $130, paid directly to Prov. Fees are the same whether it’s your first attempt or a retake.

Vermont esthetician licenses renew on a two-year cycle, expiring November 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewal applications open six weeks before your expiration date through the Online Services System. The renewal fee is $120. Late renewals are subject to penalties.

Continuing Education

Vermont does not require continuing education for esthetician license renewal. (Only licensees with an Instructor specialty must complete 24 credits of approved CE within the renewal cycle.)

Vermont defines esthetics in 26 V.S.A. § 271(4). A licensed Vermont esthetician may perform, for compensation:

• Skin care treatments: Cleansing, toning, stimulating, manipulating, beautifying, exfoliating, or similar procedures on the human body using cosmetic preparations, hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus, tonics, lotions, creams, or makeup
• Lash and brow services: Beautifying lashes and brows
• Hair removal: Removing unwanted hair using manual and mechanical means

Vermont law is explicit that esthetics does not include selling or applying cosmetics in retail stores or customers’ homes, any practice that constitutes the practice of medicine (including injections or laser use), or the application of permanent cosmetics. You must display your license conspicuously in your shop, and you can verify any Vermont practitioner through the Find a Professional tool.