Michiganesthetician license & exam requirements
State-specific examHow to get licensed as an esthetician in Michigan: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Michigan board.
- License
- Esthetician
- Training hours
- 400 (training begun before 7/1/2024) / 750 (begun on or after 7/1/2024)
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- PSI (NBCP national exam)
Exam details & notes
MCL 339.1210 (amended by 2024 PA 78) sets the 400→750-hour transition, verified on legislature.mi.gov. Michigan adopted PSI's National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) exams — both theory and practical required; passing score set by PSI (~70% per LARA-era standard) and valid 1 year. This is PSI's national program, NOT the NIC exam. Apprenticeship alternative: not less than 6 months in a licensed cosmetology establishment. 2024 PA 160 (eff. 4/2/2025) expanded esthetician scope (chemical peels, hydrodermabrasion, lash/brow services); LARA rules update expected by late 2026. No separate published state-law exam section.
Preparing for the Michigan exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Michigan runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Michigan law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Free esthetician practice questions →Michigan esthetician license FAQ
Does Michigan use the NIC esthetician exam?
No. Michigan uses a state-specific written exam (PSI) rather than the NIC national exam.
How many training hours does Michigan require for an esthetician license?
400 (training begun before 7/1/2024) / 750 (begun on or after 7/1/2024)
How do I get an esthetician license in Michigan?
Complete the required training hours (400 (training begun before 7/1/2024) / 750 (begun on or after 7/1/2024)), satisfy the written exam requirement (State-specific exam, vendor PSI), and apply through the Michigan board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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.