Illinoisesthetician license & exam requirements
NIC national examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in Illinois: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Illinois board.
- 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.
Free esthetician practice questions →Illinois esthetician license FAQ
Does Illinois use the NIC esthetician exam?
Yes. Illinois uses the NIC national esthetics theory examination, administered by Continental (CTS).
How many training hours does Illinois require for an esthetician license?
750
How do I get an esthetician license in Illinois?
Complete the required training hours (750), satisfy the written exam requirement (NIC national exam, vendor Continental (CTS)), and apply through the Illinois board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Illinois 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 Illinois 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 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.