Kentuckyesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in Kentucky: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Kentucky board.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 750
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology)
Exam details & notes
Written theory + hands-on practical both required. Kentucky is listed by PSI as a PSI Cosmetology & Barber National Exam Program state, so the theory exam is PSI's national exam, not NIC. Theory must be passed before scheduling the practical; theory scores valid 6 months; practical held at PSI's Lexington testing center. Prep sources report theory = 100 scored + 10 experimental MCQs, 120 minutes, 70% passing (KY's regulatory passing score is 70%, lower than the NIC-standard 75). Requires age 18 and 12th-grade education. No separate state-law exam published. New PSI test-taker guides effective March 19, 2026.
Preparing for the Kentucky exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Kentucky runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Kentucky law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →Kentucky esthetician license FAQ
Does Kentucky use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Kentucky uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Kentucky require for an esthetician license?
750
How do I get an esthetician license in Kentucky?
Complete the required training hours (750), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the Kentucky board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.