Illinois esthetician exam
NIC national examWhat it takes to get licensed as an esthetician in Illinois, from the state's official board and exam vendor.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 750
- Written exam
- NIC national exam
- Exam vendor
- Continental Testing Services (CTS) for IDFPR; delivered/proctored in the PSI test-center network
Exam details & notes
Written-only — Illinois has no practical exam for estheticians. IDFPR's official study guide states the esthetician exam is the NIC Esthetics Theory Examination obtained from NIC and administered through CTS in PSI test centers, with a 90-minute time limit; passing per NIC scaled standard (75). CTS exam fee ~$161 (third-party). Unusual: pre-graduation testing allowed after 600 of the 750 hours (license issued only after full 750). Licensed under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act.
Preparing for the Illinois exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. That's exactly what Illinois's NIC exam tests. Study your Illinois law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Start the Esthetician course →Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Illinois 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.