How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in Montana

If you are contemplating a career as a licensed esthetician in the state of Montana, keep reading this article to find out what you need to know.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in Montana

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

To obtain your license, you also need to successfully complete 650 hours of esthetics training through a state-approved esthetician program. If you have at least three years of work experience in the esthetics field, you can also qualify to take the exam.

Your educational hours must be divided up as follows:

• 70 hours of Training in: Bacteriology, Sanitation, Sterilization, Safety, Anatomy, Physiology, Blood Spills, Disorders and Skin Diseases, Electricity, Chemistry, and Light Therapy
• 300 hours of Training in: Massage, Skin Care, Makeup, Cosmetics, Facials, Essential Oils, Skin Exfoliation (manual, chemical, and mechanical)
• 50 hours of Training in Waxing
• 70 hours of Training in: Salon Management, Business Methods, Appointment Books, Customer Service, Professional Ethics, and Current Montana State Board Laws and Rules
• 160 hours of additional esthetics training to be decided by your school

Let Esthetician Schooling Connect You With a High Quality Esthetician School in Your Area!

Are you ready to take the next step and begin your career as a well-paid esthetician? Esthetician Schooling has partnered with some of the best esthetician schools in the nation.  Our huge network of nationally recognized esthetician schools will make it easy for you to find the right school and get started training immediately!

The beauty schools in our network contain one or more of the following high quality standards:

To get started, simply fill out the quick 1-minute application below.

Step 2: Complete and Submit the Esthetician Application for Examination

Once you have approval from the board and have paid your $80 esthetician license application fee, you can sit for the written and practical exams. This is the final step to completing your licensure.

To obtain your license, you will need to complete the Application for Licensure by Examination and submit the following:

• Your completed and signed application
• Proof of your age (copy of your birth certificate or current and valid driver’s license)
• Proof of graduation from an approved esthetics program with at least 650 hours of training
• Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Proof that you have passed both the written and practical NIC exams with a score of 75% or better
• Your check or money order payable to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to cover the $80 fee

Mail your application, required documents, and payment to:

Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
P. O. Box 200513
301 S. Park Avenue
4th Floor (Delivery)
Helena, MT 59620-0513

It should take the State Board about 10 days to process your application. Please note that any application that has not been completed in its entirety or is illegible will be rejected and sent back to the applicant.

Once your application has been processed, the State Board will mail you your Authorization To Test (ATT) letter.

The Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologist has contracted with D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. to administer the theory and practical NIC exams. You will need to register and apply on their website for both exams.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Written and Practical Esthetician Examinations

Preparing for the Written and Practical Exams

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) recommends the following reference materials to help you prepare for and pass the written (theory) and practical esthetics exams, which can be purchased at discounted prices on Amazon:

• Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (2013, 11th Edition)
• Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Textbook (2007, 11th printing, 2nd Edition, August 2013)

We also recommend that you purchase and study the following books in preparation for your exams:

• Salon Fundamentals Esthetics Licensure Exam Prep Book (Spiral-bound – 2007)
• Modern Esthetics: A Scientific Source for Estheticians (Milady)

What to Bring to the Exams

Make plans to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early in order to ensure you have ample time to check in. You should also make sure you wear professional attire. Uniforms are not required.

You will need to make sure you bring the following items with you to the exam site:

• One form of state-issued identification
• Your Admission to Test letter (you will receive this after D.L. Roope has received and approved your application)

For the practical exam, you will also need to bring the following:

• A mannequinn head (refer to page 2 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)
• Your esthetics kit (pages 14-16 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)

The Esthetics Written Exam

The esthetics written (theory) NIC exam will contain the following:

1. SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS (55%)

• Knowledge of infection control procedures
• Methods of infection control
• Human physiology and anatomy
• Histology and physiology of the skin
• Composition of body hair
• Basic chemistry including the composition and purpose of cosmetic products

2. SKIN CARE AND SERVICES (45%)

• Client consultation and documentation
• Exfoliation procedures
• Massage movements and effects
• Use of masks
• Hair removal methods and procedures
• Principles of and procedures for makeup application
• Use of electrical equipment during skin services
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of other services such as body treatments and eyelash extensions

The Esthetics Practical Exam

The practical exam covers 11 different sections. You will be tested on the following procedures:

1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client)
2. Cleansing of the Face with Product
3. Exfoliating the Face with Product, Using Facial Brush, Including Towel Steaming
4. Massaging the Face with Product
5. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client)
6. Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax
7. Particle Microdermabrasion on the Forehead
8. Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service
9. Facial Makeup
10. Eyelash Enhancement
11. Blood Exposure Procedure

Within 7-10 days after completing your exams, you can log onto the D.L. Roope website to check your test scores. If you have passed and have completed all other requirements, the board will then issue your Montana esthetician license.

Step 4: Renew Your MT Esthetician License Every Two Years

At this time, continuing education credits are not required by the Board for renewal.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in Montana

• A completed and signed Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-Of-State License Application
• Proof of your age (copy of your birth certificate or current and valid driver’s license)
• Proof of your valid and current esthetician license in another state
• License verification for each state where you have ever been licensed
• Proof that you have passed both the NIC written and practical exams with a 75 percent or better
• A check or money order made payable to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to cover the $80 fee.

Mail your application, required documents, and fee payment to:

Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
P. O. Box 200513
301 S. Park Avenue
4th Floor (Delivery)
Helena, MT 59620-0513

It should take the State Board about 10 days to process your application. Please note that any application that has not been completed in its entirety or is illegible will be rejected and sent back to the applicant.

In addition, your current license must be in good standing and you are required to have had a minimum of 400 hours of formal esthetics training or 750 hours of experience working as a licensed esthetician.

Montana State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Montana Written Exam Locations

Map of Written Exam Locations in Montana

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