Marylandesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an esthetician (statutorily a 'limited license' to practice esthetics under the board of cosmetologists) in Maryland: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Maryland board.
- License
- Esthetician (statutorily a 'limited license' to practice esthetics under the Board of Cosmetologists)
- Training hours
- 600 (approved program) or 12 months as a registered apprentice
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI (Maryland Board of Cosmetologists, Dept. of Labor)
Exam details & notes
Theory + practical both required, 75% each. Maryland is a PSI Cosmetology & Barber National Exam Program state: the official CIB (Esthetician v1.0 eff 2/26/26) describes the 'PSI National' esthetician tests — theory = 75 scored + 10 experimental MCQs, 90 minutes; practical ~85 minutes across 5 timed topic areas (workstation prep, basic facial, eyebrow wax/tweeze, makeup, next-client prep) with no supply list required (supplies provided approach). No Maryland-law section in the theory outline. Fees: $47 per portion or $77 combined; online-only registration since 3/31/2025. Older guides citing 100 questions/120 minutes reflect the pre-2026 exam.
Preparing for the Maryland exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Maryland runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Maryland law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →Maryland esthetician license FAQ
Does Maryland use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Maryland uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Maryland require for an esthetician license?
600 (approved program) or 12 months as a registered apprentice
How do I get an esthetician license in Maryland?
Complete the required training hours (600 (approved program) or 12 months as a registered apprentice), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the Maryland board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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.