How to become an esthetician in Illinois
Illinois estheticians are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in Illinois, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an esthetician in Illinois?
- At least 16 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent, or beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
- Graduate of a licensed cosmetology or esthetics school
Illinois esthetician license requirements
| Licensed by | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation |
|---|---|
| License name | Licensed Esthetician |
| Education or training | 750 clock hours of esthetics at an IDFPR-licensed cosmetology or esthetics school, over at least 18 weeks. P.A. 104-478 adds an apprenticeship option effective January 1, 2027. |
| Exam | Esthetician licensing exam administered by IDFPR's designated testing service, Continental Testing Services; offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese from October 1, 2026. |
| License term | 2 years; all esthetician licenses expire September 30 of each odd-numbered year. |
| Continuing education | 10 hours per 2-year renewal (including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention), not required for the first renewal; a one-time abnormal skin growth course is also required at the first renewal on or after January 1, 2026. |
| Reciprocity | Illinois has no reciprocity; a esthetician currently licensed in another state may apply by endorsement with official license certification if that license is the same or substantially similar to Illinois' ($45 endorsement fee), or by acceptance of examination if an out-of-state exam was passed within 12 months. |
How much does it cost?
| License application fee | $30 |
|---|---|
| Examination fee (Continental Testing; from Oct. 1, 2026) | $175 |
| Endorsement (out-of-state licensee) fee | $45 |
| Renewal fee | $25 per year |
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 Illinois
- Complete 750 hours at an IDFPR-licensed esthetics or cosmetology school
- Complete the approved abnormal skin growth (melanoma) course
- Apply in IDFPR's CORE system with your school transcript and the $30 fee
- Once approved, register and pay for the Continental Testing exam
- Pass the esthetician exam and receive your license
- Renew by September 30 of each odd-numbered year with 10 CE hours
Apply on the official Illinois site
How do you check an esthetician's license in Illinois?
- Search the name or license number on the official Illinois 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.