How to become an esthetician in Oregon
Oregon estheticians are licensed by the Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in Oregon, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an esthetician in Oregon?
- Graduate from a Board-approved Oregon school (or qualify by reciprocity or the non-credentialed training pathway)
- Two forms of original government-issued ID, one with a photo
- No minimum age or education level is stated in the practitioner certification rules
Oregon esthetician license requirements
| Licensed by | Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology |
|---|---|
| License name | Esthetics practitioner certificate (advanced nonablative esthetics is a separate certification under another board) |
| Education or training | Esthetics 444 hours and 220 practical operations, plus 20 hours Oregon laws and rules and 20 hours career development (curriculum effective July 1, 2024 under SB 217 (2023); schools approved before then may keep their prior curriculum). |
| Exam | Board-approved practical exam given by the Oregon school, then state written exam for the field of practice plus the Oregon Laws and Rules exam, taken walk-in at HLO in Salem within two years of applying. |
| License term | Two years; certificate becomes inactive the last day of the month two years from issuance. |
| Continuing education | No continuing education hours; at renewal you must attest to current blood borne pathogens training (required by July 1, 2025). |
| Reciprocity | Applicants with an active, discipline-free license from another state or country may have training waived but must pass the Oregon written field exam(s) and Laws and Rules exam; license verification must come directly from the other state or via an Affidavit of Licensure. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (per field of practice) | $30 |
|---|---|
| Field of practice written exam | $45 |
| Oregon Laws and Rules exam | $45 |
| Original certificate (two years) | $35 |
| Renewal (two years) | $65 |
| Reciprocity application (per field of practice) | $100 |
| Reciprocity certificate (two years) | $65 |
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 Oregon
- Complete the Board-approved esthetics curriculum at an Oregon school
- Pass the Board-approved practical exam at your school; the school sends HLO your transcript and score
- Fill out the Cosmetology Practitioner Certification Application
- Take the esthetics written exam and Oregon Laws and Rules exam at HLO in Salem (walk-in, with two IDs)
- Pay the application, exam and certification fees
- Receive your certificate the same day; renew every two years
Apply on the official Oregon site
How do you check an esthetician's license in Oregon?
- Search the name or license number on the official Oregon 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.