Coloradoesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in Colorado: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Colorado board.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 600 (20 credit hours)
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI
Exam details & notes
Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) contracts PSI for both application processing and exams. Colorado is on PSI's own 'Cosmetology & Barber National Exams' program (content standards updated 1/6/2026), not NIC — NIC's map shows no NIC provider for Colorado. Written theory ~100 questions/~100 minutes per the PSI Colorado esthetician CIB; hands-on practical (~85 minutes, bring mannequin/supplies) also required, and PSI requires passing the practical before scheduling the written. Fees: theory $62, practical $69. Passing score not published in accessible sources (PSI exams typically 75%). New online application flow via test-takers.psiexams.com/cocos effective October 14, 2025. DORA site blocked automated fetches (403), lowering confidence on format specifics.
Some details for Colorado were ambiguous on the official board site when we researched this (July 2026) — double-check the specifics with the board before you rely on them.
Preparing for the Colorado exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Colorado runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Colorado law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →Colorado esthetician license FAQ
Does Colorado use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Colorado uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Colorado require for an esthetician license?
600 (20 credit hours)
How do I get an esthetician license in Colorado?
Complete the required training hours (600 (20 credit hours)), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the Colorado board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Colorado esthetician or cosmetology-related board exam?
PrepTempo's Esthetician State Board course covers the NIC national theory core (infection control, skin science, analysis, and treatments) with free sample questions and free Chapter 1. Study Colorado law-and-rules from your board on top of the core.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Colorado board. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state board, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), or any exam vendor, and they do not endorse this product.