Virginia esthetician exam
NIC national examWhat it takes to get licensed as an esthetician (plus master esthetician tier) in Virginia, from the state's official board and exam vendor.
- License
- Esthetician (plus Master Esthetician tier)
- Training hours
- 600 (Master Esthetician: additional 600, esthetician license prerequisite)
- Written exam
- NIC national exam
- Exam vendor
- Prov (replaced PCS effective Jan 1, 2025)
Exam details & notes
DPOR Board for Barbers & Cosmetology uses NIC examinations; separate NIC exam tracks for Esthetics and Master Esthetics, each with written + practical. Under prior PCS CIB the NIC esthetics theory was 90 minutes, multiple-choice, pass 75 — same NIC content now delivered by Prov ($99 written / $95 practical). No separate state-law exam. Alternatives: registered apprenticeship (Virginia Works) or equivalent out-of-state/out-of-country program accepted in lieu of the 600 school hours (per DPOR requirements summary rev. 01/05/2026).
Preparing for the Virginia exam
PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. That's exactly what Virginia's NIC exam tests. Study your Virginia 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 Virginia 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.