Virginiaesthetician license & exam requirements
NIC national examHow to get licensed as an esthetician (plus master esthetician tier) in Virginia: training hours, board exam format, vendor, and how to prepare — researched from the official Virginia board.
- 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.
Free esthetician practice questions →Virginia esthetician license FAQ
Does Virginia use the NIC esthetician exam?
Yes. Virginia uses the NIC national esthetics theory examination, administered by PCS.
How many training hours does Virginia require for an esthetician license?
600 (Master Esthetician: additional 600, esthetician license prerequisite)
How do I get an esthetician license in Virginia?
Complete the required training hours (600 (Master Esthetician: additional 600, esthetician license prerequisite)), satisfy the written exam requirement (NIC national exam, vendor PCS), and apply through the Virginia board. Always confirm current rules on the official board site.
Where can I practice for the Virginia 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 Virginia 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 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.