Massachusettsesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an aesthetician type 7 (operator) — the entry-level license earned via the 300-hour program and exam; type 6 is the aesthetician manager tier requiring 2+ years of experience as a licensed type 7 in Massachusetts: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Massachusetts board.
- License
- Aesthetician Type 7 (Operator) — the entry-level license earned via the 300-hour program and exam; Type 6 is the Aesthetician Manager tier requiring 2+ years of experience as a licensed Type 7
- Training hours
- 300
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI
Exam details & notes
Written theory exam only — the hands-on practical was eliminated effective Oct 2, 2023 (mass.gov 'Written/Practical Exam Update'). PSI's Cosmetology & Barber National Exam Program page lists MA as participating for the THEORY portion only, i.e., MA now uses PSI's national (NBCP) theory exam rather than NIC. Previously published MA aesthetics format: 75 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 75% to pass, offered in English/Spanish/Vietnamese; MA rules/regulations content is embedded in the theory exam (no separate state-law exam). Min age 17, 10th-grade education. Confidence medium because mass.gov pages returned 403 and format figures come from prep-site summaries of the PSI bulletin.
Some details for Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Massachusetts runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Massachusetts law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →Massachusetts esthetician license FAQ
Does Massachusetts use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Massachusetts uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Massachusetts require for an esthetician license?
300
How do I get an esthetician license in Massachusetts?
Complete the required training hours (300), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the Massachusetts board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.