Does Washington use the NIC esthetician exam?

Yes. Washington uses the NIC national esthetics theory examination, administered by Prometric.

How many training hours does Washington require for estheticians?

750 school or 2,000 apprenticeship (Master: +450, or 1,200 combined program)

Washington esthetician exam

NIC national exam

What it takes to get licensed as an esthetician (plus master esthetician tier) in Washington, from the state's official board and exam vendor.

License: Esthetician (plus Master Esthetician tier)
Training hours: 750 school or 2,000 apprenticeship (Master: +450, or 1,200 combined program)
Written exam: NIC national exam
Exam vendor: Prov (effective May 1, 2026; previously DL Roope/Prometric, Ergometrics before 2016)

Exam details & notes

DOL requires NIC written + practical for both Esthetician and Master Esthetician; minimum scaled passing score 75. VENDOR JUST CHANGED: DOL banner states 'As of May 1st, 2026, our new vendor is Prov.' Candidates may test within 100 hours of completing training. Master esthetician tier (unusual): authorizes lasers, IPL, radiofrequency, medium-depth peels under physician authority. Apprenticeship path (2,000 hrs) exists for both tiers.

Preparing for the Washington exam

PrepTempo's Esthetician course covers the NIC national theory core — infection control, skin sciences, skin analysis, and treatments. That's exactly what Washington's NIC exam tests. Study your Washington law-and-rules section from the board on top of the core.

Start the Esthetician course →

Official sources

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Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal or licensing advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Washington 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.