Esthetician / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Esthetician License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Specializes in skin care including facials and waxing.

What the Illinois data shows for Estheticians

Becoming a licensed esthetician in Illinois means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 940 training hours, a passing score on State Esthetics Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 16. Illinois regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Esthetics School".

Upfront cost is $154, with renewal running $71 on a 2-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Illinois, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Esthetics School
940 hours
Exam Requirement
State Esthetics Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$154
Renewal Fee
$71
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years

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Compare all states for Esthetician All Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Esthetician in Illinois? ▼
Illinois requires 940 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Esthetics Exam), and an initial fee of $154. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Esthetician in Illinois? ▼
Certification as an esthetician in Illinois means clearing the state's checklist: 940 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Esthetician license to Illinois from another state? ▼
For estheticians, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Illinois licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Illinois require a background check for Esthetician licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for esthetician licensing in Illinois. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.