How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in West Virginia

• Salons and spas
• Resorts and hotels
• Medical spas and offices

If you are considering a career as a licensed esthetician in the state of West Virginia, there are several steps to be aware of. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in West Virginia

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have earned a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Be of good moral character
• Complete a 600-hour esthetician program at a state-approved school

You will learn a variety of skills and information during your coursework in esthetics, including:

• Manual and machine facials
• Body wraps
• Hair removal methods
• Make-up applications and color theory
• Infection control procedures and client safety guidelines
• Skin care products and chemistry

When you select a school, you will need to complete, sign, and submit the Student Registration Form to the state. Along with your registration form, you will need to include the following:

• Payment of the $25.00 registration fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to the “WVBBC”
• A copy of your high school diploma/GED
• A copy of your government issued photo ID (must not be expired)
• A copy of your Social Security Card
• Your health certification including your Tuberculosis test results (you must test negative for TB)
• A recent 2″ x 2″ photo of yourself (head and shoulders passport-type photo)

Be sure to double-check and make sure you have everything in order before you mail your submission.

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

If you completed your esthetics training in another state, you are required to submit the Out of State, Apprentice & Instructor Application. Go here if this applies to you.

Apply for a Temporary Work Permit

It is a good idea to schedule an appointment for the next available exam. That way, you can apply for a temporary work permit that will allow you to start working as a professional esthetician.

The process for applying for a temporary work permit is:

1. Complete, sign, and notarize the Work Permit Application (must be completed and signed by your school’s administrator as well)
2. Attach payment of the $15 permit fee in the form of a check or money order, made payable to the “WVBBC”.

Mail your completed, signed, and notarized application and attached check or money order to:

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
1201 Dunbar Avenue
Dunbar, West Virginia 25064

Once the State Board has approved and processed your application, they will issue you your temporary work permit.

Step 3: Take and Pass the State Licensure Exams

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 Exam

You should arrive 30 minutes early to the exam site to allow ample time for the registration process. Candidates who are late will not be admitted for testing and will forfeit their exam fees.

Be sure to bring the following items with you to your exams:

• A government-issued photo ID such as your driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport (must not be expired)
• A mannequin head with non-permanent makeup applied (for the practical exam only)
• Your testing supply kit (for the practical exam only, see page 10 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)

The Written Esthetics Exam

Questions on the esthetics written (theory) exam will be 55 percent scientific concept questions and 45 percent skin care and services questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete this computer-based exam made up of multiple-choice questions.

The written exam will include such topics as:

• Microbiology
• Infection control
• Skin functions
• Factors that impact the skin
• Contraindications for services
• Chemistry
• Hair growth and removal

You must score at least a 75% in order to pass the written exam. A full outline of the exam and practice test questions can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

The Practical Esthetics Exam

During the practical exam, you will be evaluated at all times. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and procedural skills.

Several different core domain sections are included in the practical exam:

1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Universal Supplies (First client, 15 minutes)
2. Cleansing of the Face with Product (10 minutes)
3. Exfoliating the Face with Product, Using Facial Brush, Including Towel Steaming (10 minutes)
4. Massaging the Face with Product (10 minutes)
5. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client, 15 minutes)
6. Hair Removal of the Eyebrows by Tweezing and Using Simulated Soft Wax (Untimed)\
7. Particle Microdermabrasion on the Forehead (10 minutes)
8. Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service (10 minutes)
9. Facial Makeup (0 minutes)
10. Blood Exposure Procedure (Untimed)

In order to pass the practical exam you must score a 75% or higher.

The West Virginia State Law Exam

In addition to the written and practical exams, you will be required to take the West Virginia State Law exam. You will want to study these West Virginia Rules and Regulations in order to prepare yourself for this very important exam. As with the other two exams, you must achieve a score of 75% or better in order to pass this exam.

Obtaining Your West Virginia Esthetician License

You will need to complete the Application for Registration and submit it to the State Board to start the process of state licensure.

The following items must be included with your application:

• A copy of a TB/Health Certificate (valid within the past 12 months)
• A passport-size photo (2″ x 2″)
• A copy of your photo ID (must not be expired)
• A copy of your Social Security card
• Your official beauty school transcripts with a raised seal or stamp
• A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate
• A copy of your exam results (passing letter) from DL Roope for the practical and written exams
• A check or money order made payable to the “WVBBC” to cover the cost of the $35 licensure fee

Please be aware that if you attach a photo that is not passport-sized (2″ x 2″), your application will be returned to you.

Print your completed and signed application and mail it along with the required documents and check or money order to:

West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
1201 Dunbar Avenue
Dunbar, West Virginia 25064

Once the State Board has approved and processed your application, they will issue you your West Virginia esthetician license.

Step 4: Renew Your WV Esthetician License Every Two Years

The steps for renewing your esthetician license are:

1. Go here
2. Click the “INDIVIDUAL RENEWAL” link located on the left side of the navigation menu at the top of the webpage
3. When the Individual Renewal screen pops up, type in your License Number and Last Name and click “Search”
4. Follow the instructions

Continuing Education Credits

In addition to renewing your license, you are required to complete at least four continuing education credits during each renewal period. Aequo International has been chosen by the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists as the sole provider of these credits to licensees in the state of West Virginia.

You will need:

• Your high school diploma or transcript from the highest level of education completed
• Official ATA Certified translations for any non-English documents (if applicable)
• Your passport or driver’s license (must not be expired)
• Payment for the $150, $125, or $75 fee (whichever fee applies to you)

Once you have complete all the steps above and the State Board approves and processes your online renewal, they will issue you a new esthetician license.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in West Virginia

Along with your application, you will need to submit the same items that in-state candidates are required to submit along with their application in order to obtain licensure. You will also have to pay the $107 exam fee with a check or money order made payable to “D.L. Roope” (personal checks are not accepted).

You will also need to submit proof of work history by attaching your tax records to your application if your hours are less than West Virginia’s required training hours. West Virginia credits applicants 25 hours for each month employed towards school hours.

Make sure you read and follow the instructions on the application carefully so that your application will not be returned.

Once your application has been approved and processed and you have passed all three exams, the State Board will issue you a West Virginia esthetician license.

West Virginia State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

West Virginia Exam Locations

Map of Written, Practical, and State Law Exam Locations in West Virginia

The map ID you have entered does not exist. Please enter a map ID that exists.

Back to Top