Ohio esthetician exam
State-specific examWhat it takes to get licensed as an esthetician (ohio state cosmetology and barber board) in Ohio, from the state's official board and exam vendor.
- License
- Esthetician (Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board)
- Training hours
- 600
- Written exam
- State-specific exam
- Exam vendor
- State-run — exams developed and administered by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board (apply via elicense.ohio.gov); no third-party vendor
Exam details & notes
Board-developed (not NIC) theory exam per the official Esthetics Theory Testing Information Packet (9/2025 revision): 100 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. Content: infection control 45%, skin care & services 20%, anatomy & physiology 15%, product knowledge & chemistry 10%, implements/tools/equipment 10%. References include Milady, Pivot Point, and the Ohio Revised Code/Administrative Rules — Ohio law content is embedded rather than a separate law exam. Separate board-administered practical exam. Passing score not stated in the TIP (commonly reported as 70%). Combined written+practical exam application fee $40 (effective Jan 2, 2025 per third-party guides). Ohio also licenses an Advanced Esthetician tier (750 additional hours) created in 2021.
Preparing for the Ohio exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. Ohio runs its own written exam, but it covers largely the same core science and safety material, so the course is strong preparation. Study your Ohio law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.
Start the Esthetician course →Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Ohio 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.