Do You Need To Have a Diploma To Be an Esthetician? Understanding the Education and Licensing Requirements for a Career in Skincare

If you’re like many aspiring estheticians, you’re dreaming of a career in skincare, but wondering if you need a high school diploma to enroll in a training program. 

The good news is that becoming a licensed esthetician is more accessible than you may think. 

Here, the professionals at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics outline the educational requirements, certification and licensing process, and answer commonly asked questions about what it takes to begin a rewarding career in the beauty industry.

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Do You Need a Diploma To Be an Esthetician?

Yes. While many programs may accept a General Educational Development Test (GED) for enrollment, you often do need a diploma to be an esthetician in other states. The state of Oregon requires an individual be over the age of 18. Schools themselves determine whether they will offer a program to minors which is why several technical high schools have cosmetology programs. . Offering a program in a high school requires additional safeguards for learning. Spectrum offers its programs to students who are 18 years of age or older.  This is to ensure students are prepared for the rigorous science, chemistry, and anatomy coursework the program requires. 

Interested in pursuing a career in aesthetics? Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the most advanced esthetician school in Portland, offering exceptionally qualified staff and state-of-the-art equipment and devices.

The first step toward your exciting career is connecting with one of our admissions advocates to discuss your options. They’ll guide you through the application process every step of the way, including:

  • Financing
  • Schedules
  • Career options
  • Application process
  • And more

Contact us today to learn more or to book a campus tour!

6 Steps To Becoming a Licensed Esthetician 

If you’re considering a career in esthetics, you’ll want to:

  1. Explore the profession to determine your area of expertise and training school.
  2. Meet your state’s prerequisites.
  3. Complete the requirements of an Advanced Esthetics program.
  4. Earn your esthetics certificate to validate your training in skincare, injectables, or laser treatments.
  5. Become licensed. 
  6. Begin your career as a licensed esthetician!

Thinking of an exciting career in esthetics? Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the pre-eminent esthetician school in Portland, Oregon, and we pride ourselves on: 

  • Programs that go beyond licensing requirements for Oregon
  • Small classes for more one-on-one hands-on training
  • Currently licensed esthetician instructors
  • Use of the most advanced esthetics equipment to train on
  • And the highest pass rate in the state!

Connect with one of our friendly Admissions Advocates today to find out more.

#1: Explore the Profession

If you’re thinking about choosing a career in esthetics, there are a few things you’ll want to do first:

  • Speak with working estheticians you respect.
  • Check out your state's licensing requirements.
  • Explore the various esthetics specialties to identify your interests.
  • Look up reviews about beauty schools you may be considering (Don’t rule out traveling for schooling, as some have negotiated student discounts at nearby hotels).
  • Tour your top two (or more) favorite schools.
  • Review tuition and financial aid options.

#2: Meet the Prerequisites 

In most states, you’re not required to have any practical, skill-based training as a prerequisite for entering esthetician training. 

You may, however, need: 

  • To hold either a high school diploma or its equivalent, like a GED
  • To be at least 18 years old

You’ll be asked to complete a comprehensive application, pay your registration fees, and present a valid photo ID along with copies of your high school transcripts or GED credentials. Some schools also require you to pass an entrance exam or complete an in-person or virtual interview. 

In Oregon you do not have to be a high school graduate. Some schools have chosen to only admit students over the age of 18. Other schools, such as high schools with vocational programs, allow students to be under the age of 18. 

#3: Complete an Advanced Esthetics Program 

There are hundreds of esthetician schools across the United States, and choosing the right program for you can seem overwhelming. 

Look for a program that offers plenty of hands-on training to set you up for a successful and rewarding career. At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, our vast array of offerings includes: 

  • Standard Aesthetics Program
  • Advanced Aesthetics Program
  • Nutrition Certification for Estheticians
  • Phlebotomy for PRP Program 
  • Esthetician Continuing Education
  • Spanish Hybrid Standard Esthetics Program

Visit with one of our admissions coordinators today to find out more about the details of our application process!

#4: Earn Your Certification 

Once you’ve graduated from your chosen esthetics school, it’s time to earn your official certification. The certification process varies by state, but usually requires the completion of courses on vital elements in the skincare industry, including: 

  • Physiology
  • Esthetician theory
  • Skin analysis
  • Color theory
  • Safety
  • Nutrition
  • Anatomy
  • Facial treatments
  • Sanitation

Some schools may even offer classes on vital business practices, such as:

  • Business management
  • Time management 
  • General business skills
  • Customer service

To officially earn your exam, you must pass both: 

  • Written exam that evaluates your theoretical knowledge of skin science, sanitation, product chemistry, and your state’s regulations.
  • Practical exam, testing your level of competency in executing services including facials, waxing, hair removal, etc., on either a live model or mannequin.

#5: Become Licensed

With your esthetics training and certification under your belt, the next step is to apply for your esthetician license. 

After submitting your proof of training, exam results, and required licensing fees to your state board, your official license will be issued, and you can legally begin practicing your career. 

#6: Begin Your Career

Congratulations on officially becoming a licensed esthetician! Now's the time to find a job where you can show off your skills. 

At Spectrum, we receive inquiries weekly from:

  • Physicians’ offices
  • Dermatologists
  • Plastic surgeons
  • Medi-spas
  • Esthetic sales
  • And more

We pass these inquiries on to our students, and many of our graduates secure jobs prior to or shortly after completing our program.

Commonly Asked Questions About What It Takes To Become an Esthetician

It depends. For most esthetician training programs, you can get your esthetician license without a GED, but this varies according to your state's requirements and the admissions policies of your chosen school.

At most advanced schools and esthetics academies, a diploma or GED is required for enrollment. Some schools, however, allow you to enroll by agreeing to work toward your GED while completing your required hours or by passing an Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test that assesses your basic math and reading skills.

In a few states, you may even be able to bypass formal schooling by completing an apprenticeship, training directly under a licensed esthetician for the required number of hours.

This depends on where you practice.

Some states require continuing education (CE) for license renewal, while others don't. Whether or not ongoing education is required in your state, it is highly recommended for keeping up with new treatments, products, and regulations.

In Oregon, continuing education requirements depend on your license type. While basic estheticians are not currently required to complete continuing education for renewal, Certified Advanced Estheticians must complete a minimum of five continuing education hours every certification year.

Yes, there are different levels of estheticians, including:

Basic Esthetician (Spa Esthetician)

Entry-level professionals who typically work in day spas and salons. They are trained in:

  • Facials
  • Basic extractions
  • Waxing
  • Makeup application

Advanced or Master Esthetician

These professionals complete additional training and licensing requirements, including approximately double the training hours, and are qualified to perform clinical skincare procedures such as:

  • Medical-grade chemical peels
  • Microneedling
  • Dermaplaning
  • Light therapy

They may also work under the supervision of a physician or dermatologist in medical settings, performing treatments such as:

  • Laser hair removal
  • Microneedling
  • Chemical peels

You may hear these professionals referred to as Medical Estheticians, but this is not a legally recognized license title.

It ultimately depends on the direction you want your esthetics career to take.

For example, if your goal is to work in medical esthetics, you may need specialized training beyond your initial license. Research the requirements for the career path you're most interested in so you can pursue the appropriate certifications and advanced education.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, training timelines include:

Standard Esthetics Program

Earn your foundational esthetician license in as little as 12 weeks.

Advanced Esthetics Program

This 500-hour program is designed for currently licensed estheticians and can be completed in approximately 18 weeks (4.5 months).

Specialized Workshops

Continuing education courses and certifications, such as a 6-hour Dermaplaning Workshop, are available for professionals looking to expand their skills.

Expert Tips for Choosing a Reputable Esthetician Training Program

You don’t want to just enroll in any run-of-the-mill esthetician training program. To find a reputable one, you’ll want to:

  • Verify that it’s state-licensed.
  • Ensure its curriculum meets your local board's training hours.
  • Research graduate success rates.
  • Evaluate the balance of hands-on clinic time to theory.
  • Compare your total costs, including any required kits.

Earn Your Oregon Basic Esthetician License in as Little as 12 Weeks With Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, we're proud to carry the distinction of Portland’s most advanced esthetician school by offering: 

  • Technical and hands-on experience with the latest state-of-the-art skincare equipment
  • Exceptionally qualified staff that’s fully invested in helping you succeed in training and in your career
  • Information about interest-free payment options
  • Full-time in-person or part-time hybrid options, combining online theory with hands-on learning in our facility in Portland 
  • Esthetics continuing education courses and workshops are available on-site or virtually

If you're considering earning your standard or advanced esthetician license, look no further than Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics in Portland, Oregon.

Our Admissions Advocates are waiting to hear from you!

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