How to become an esthetician in Connecticut
Connecticut estheticians are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (with the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in Connecticut, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an esthetician in Connecticut?
- No minimum age or education level is stated in the statute or DPH requirements
- Must attest to compliance with DPH infection prevention and control guidelines
Connecticut esthetician license requirements
| Licensed by | Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (with the Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians) |
|---|---|
| License name | Esthetician |
| Education or training | 600 hours at an approved school (license required since July 1, 2020; the experience-based grandfather route closed for applications after January 1, 2025) |
| Exam | No licensing exam is listed in the statute (CGS 20-265b) or on DPH's esthetician requirements page. |
| License term | 2 years; expires per CGS 19a-88 |
| Continuing education | None required; DPH's list of license types with continuing education requirements does not include this license, and the statute sets none. |
| Reciprocity | DPH can license holders of a current esthetician (or similar) license in good standing from another state, D.C. or U.S. territory with at least two years of licensed practice immediately before applying; a 120-day temporary permit is available while the application is pending. |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee (every 2 years) | $100 |
| Application based on out-of-state license | $100 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become an esthetician in Connecticut
- Complete 600 hours at an approved esthetics school
- Get your certificate of completion
- Apply online through eLicense (Initial Application, Appearance Enhancement) and pay $100
- Upload your certificate of completion and infection-control attestation
- Receive your license from DPH
- Renew online every 2 years
Apply on the official Connecticut site
How do you check an esthetician's license in Connecticut?
- Search the name or license number on the official Connecticut esthetician license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.