How to Become a Licensed Esthetician in Utah

Licensed estheticians in this state have the opportunity to work within Utah’s Little Hollywood and in other areas like medical offices, spas and salons, resorts and hotels, and even for private clients.

If you are interested in a career as a licensed esthetician in Utah, this article will serve as a guide to navigate you through the entire licensing process.

Esthetician License Requirements and Training Schools in Utah

Step 1: Complete a State Approved Esthetics Program

In Utah, basic estheticians must learn and train in the following subjects:

• Client consultation
• Safety and infection control
• Hair growth and removal methods like waxing and threading
• Color theory and make-up application
• Anatomy and physiology
• Skin care products and chemistry

If you take the apprenticeship pathway to licensure, you and your apprentice will need to complete time records as well as a theory and practical record of instruction.

Utah also gives you the option of a Master Esthetician level of training and licensing. To become a master esthetician, you will be required to complete a total of 1,200 hours study and training in esthetics. The additional training will allow you to be licensed to perform advanced services like:

• Cellulite reduction techniques that are FDA approved
• Chemical peels
• Lymphatic drainage (full-body)
• Camouflage makeup
• Light therapy
• Techniques that enhance plastic surgery and procedures

On average, master estheticians receive a higher annual salary than basic estheticians.

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

Registering for Your Exams by Mail

Complete the testing registration form on page 5 of the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin to start the process of taking your exams. There is an $87 fee for each exam payable when you register and schedule your exams. The fee is the same to retake the exams.

Mail your completed registration form, any required documentation, and fee payment to:

PSI Licensure: Certification
ATTN: Examination Registration UT COS
3210 E. Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89121

OR

Fax your completed form to (702) 932-2666. Be sure to write the following on the fax cover sheet:

PSI Licensure: Certification
ATTN: Examination Registration UT COS

If mailing your registration form, allow two weeks for processing before going online to schedule your exams.

You may also register online or by phone. Follow the instructions below.

Registering and Scheduling Your Exams Online

To register and schedule your PSI exams online, go here and do the following:

1. Select “Government/State Licensing Agencies” from the Select Organization drop-down menu.
2. Select “Utah” from the Jurisdiction drop down menu (you may have to scroll down the menu).
3. Select “UT Barbering and Cosmetology” from the Select Account drop down menu.
4. Click the “UT Esthetician Examination” link in the Classification menu.
5. After the webpage loads, click the “Sign In or Create an Account” button and either sign in or create a new account.

You also have the option of scheduling your exam over the phone by calling a PSI representative toll-free at 1-800-733-9267 (Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM EST and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST).

You can also schedule your written exam using PSI’s Interactive Voice Response System during non business hours at 1-800-733-
9267.

If you must reschedule your written exam, you can do so without forfeiting your fee by contacting PSI at least 2 business days prior to your scheduled exam date by calling1-800-733-9267 and using the automated system.

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)

You may also want to study the NIC Infection Control and Safety Standards pamphlet.

What to Bring to the Exam

PSI recommends that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to the exam site in order to give yourself adequate time for check-in.

You will need to ensure you bring the following items to your exams:

• Two forms of acceptable identification (see pages 2-3 of the Candidate Information Bulletin)
• Your supply kit (for the practical exam only, 14-16 see pages of the Candidate Information Bulletin)
• A mannequin head (for the practical exam only)

The Written Esthetics Exam

You will have 90 minutes to complete the written exam, also known as the theory exam. You must score a 75% or better to pass. This multiple-choice exam is done on the computer.

Scientific concept questions will account for 55 percent of the exam content. This will include questions on topics such as:

• Microbiology
• Infection control and safety
• Anatomy and physiology
• Skin diseases
• Hair growth
• Chemistry and skin products

Skin care and services questions will account for 45 percent of the exam content. This will include questions on topics such as:

• Skin analysis
• Cleansing and steaming procedures
• Extraction and exfoliation procedures
• Massage
• Hair removal methods
• Use of electrical equipment in the cosmetic industry

A full exam outline and sample questions can be found in the written Candidate Information Bulletin.

Immediately following the completion of your exam, you will receive a score report. Within three days the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing will be notified of your score.

The Practical Esthetics Exam

The practical exam portion is a hands-on test that covers these nine domain areas:

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. Facial Mask and Conclusion of Facial Service
8. Facial Makeup
9. Blood Exposure Procedure

You must score a 75% or higher in order to pass the exam. Once you have completed both exams and the DOPL has received both of your scores from PSI, you will have one (1) year to apply for and obtain your esthetician license.

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application for Licensure

1. Print, complete, and sign the License Application.
2. Submit payment for the $60 Basic Esthetician license or $85 Master Esthetician license (made payable to “DOPL”)
3. Provide your valid driver’s license information (license cannot be expired).
4. Complete either the Verification of Completion of an Apprentice Program or the Verification of Graduation which are both included in the application packet.

Submit the above items with your completed application either in person, by courier, or by mail using one of the addresses below.

If submitting in person or via express delivery:

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M. Wells Bldg
1st Floor Lobby
160 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

If submitting by mail:

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Once the DOPL has approved and processed your application, they will issue you your Utah esthetician license.

Step 5: Renew Your UT Esthetician License Every Two Years

Mail your completed and signed form, any required documents, and fee payment to:

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Once the DOPL has approved and processed your form, they will mail you your new esthetician license.

Utah does not require continuing education credits to renew your esthetician license.

Esthetician License Reciprocity in Utah

You will also need to contact the licensing board in your home state to request that a license verification be sent to the Utah Board. If you have passed both NIC written and practical exams and completed an esthetics or apprenticeship program with at least as many hours that Utah requires (600 hours for basic estheticians or 1200 hours for master estheticians), you not need to take additional action to get your Utah esthetician license.

Utah State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Utah Written and Practical Exam Locations

Map of Written and Practical Exam Locations in Utah

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