How to become an esthetician in District of Columbia
District of Columbia estheticians are licensed by the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in District of Columbia, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an esthetician in District of Columbia?
- At least 18 years old (17 DCMR 3703.1)
- Completed the 10th grade or higher (17 DCMR 3703.1)
District of Columbia esthetician license requirements
| Licensed by | DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
|---|---|
| License name | Esthetician (Basic) — a DC specialty cosmetology license; a Master Esthetician license also exists |
| Education or training | 600 hours at a licensed school (17 DCMR 3703.19; DLCP board page). Master Esthetician requires the basic license and exam plus another 600 hours. |
| Exam | Written/theory exam administered by ProV (provexam.com), then a practical exam scheduled by the Board's Exam Coordinator (held at Bennett Career Institute); 70% passing score required. Master Estheticians are exempt from the practical exam, and the Master exam is waived with NCEA certification. |
| License term | Cosmetology specialty licenses expire April 15 of each even-numbered year (2-year cycle). |
| Continuing education | At renewal, 6 CE hours from a board-approved provider (2 hours health/safety/welfare + 4 hours general elective); waived for first-time renewals. |
| Reciprocity | Licensees from other states can apply for a DC license by endorsement (exam waiver) with a copy of their current license and a Letter of Certification sent directly by their state board. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial application by exam (all license types) | $175 ($65 application fee + $110 initial license fee) |
|---|---|
| Examination/re-examination fee (paid to ProV) | $92 |
| Renewal fee (operators) | $110.00 |
| Late renewal fee | $50.00 |
| Reinstatement | $210.00 |
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 District of Columbia
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a licensed school
- Get your official school transcript (and Formal Education Certificate for DC schools)
- Apply online through the DLCP OPLA portal and pay the $175 fee
- Schedule and pass the written exam with ProV
- Pass the practical exam scheduled by the Board's Exam Coordinator
- Receive your license and renew every two years by April 15 of even years
Apply on the official District of Columbia site
How do you check an esthetician's license in District of Columbia?
- Search the name or license number on the official District of Columbia 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.