How Do I Get an Esthetician License in Washington?

The beauty and skincare industry are on the rise. In fact, the total revenue of these industries is expected to grow to more than $480 billion yearly by 2027. If you have a passion for beauty and skincare, you can parlay your love into a career in a growing and thriving industry. One possible job in the field is as an esthetician. 

An esthetician provides a kaleidoscope of services, and you specialize in a niche that appeals to you. In the United States, there are more than 48,000 people working as licensed estheticians. They spend their days working closely with clients in luxury day spas or med-spas providing facials or other treatments while recommending skincare products they love. If the thought of working as an esthetician appeals to you, you might wonder: “What are the steps to becoming a licensed esthetician in Washington?”

Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To begin your journey to becoming an esthetician, you must have graduated high school. The state of Washington will also accept the results of a passed GED exam to meet this requirement. While you don’t need to include traffic violations, you’ll have to provide the necessary information if you’ve been convicted of criminal charges in the past five years. You’ll have to complete a special form that provides information about the date, location, and outcome of any conviction. A criminal conviction doesn’t necessarily make you ineligible to get a license, but it can. You should talk to the Washington State Department of Licensing about any concerns. 

Enroll in an Accredited Esthetics Program

If you meet all the basic eligibility requirements, it’s time to find an accredited esthetics program in your area. The Olympia School of Advanced Skincare’s esthetics program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to pass your licensing exam and be successful in the workplace. To qualify to take the Washington state licensing exam, you must complete a minimum of 750 hours at an accredited program. During your time at school, you’ll learn more about skincare treatments, anatomy, sanitation, and business skills, all information that helps you succeed. At the Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, you get hands-on experience as you work with real clients. 

Complete the Required Training Hours

While 750 hours might seem like a lot, it’s important that you attend all these classes and practical hours. These hours spent learning are part of building confidence and a knowledge base that you deserve. The Olympia School of Advanced Skincare works closely with you and helps you stay on track to fulfill your hours’ requirements. You can find a balance between studying and your personal life. By setting goals and utilizing available apps, you can ensure you never miss a class or time with your friends. It’s easy to combine work and fun when you build a study group with your new friends at Olympia School of Advanced Skincare. 

Pass the Washington State Board Exams

In Washington State, you must pass a practical and written exam. The fee for the practical exam is $114 while the cost of the written exam is $180. During the written exam, you will have an hour and a half to answer 110 questions. You can prepare for your exams by studying coursework, taking practice tests, and preparing for the hands-on practical exam. At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, we support our students beyond the class by offering support for the exams. 

Submit Your License Application

With your hours of study behind you and your state board exams passed, it’s time to apply for your license. You’ll need to fill out the correct application for your license and pay the $35 fee. The application requires you to include or upload documentation for your hours of study and exam results. You’ll use the same form for your license renewal with a fee of $66 and $115 if it’s late. Once it’s issued, you can print your license online or pay a $5 fee to have one mailed to you.  

Explore Career Opportunities as a Licensed Esthetician

Once you’re a licensed esthetician, you can find a wealth of opportunities. You can find a job working in a day spa or a med spa providing skincare services and recommending skin care products to an upscale clientele. A job in a dermatologist’s office might be compatible with your needs and offer set weekday hours. If you prefer to work for yourself, you can build up a client list and work as a freelance esthetician. As you gain experience and develop a client list, you might consider opening your own spa or store offering the latest skincare products. 

Continuing Education and License Renewal

The beauty and skincare industries are always improving and developing the next great thing. This makes continuing education essential to keep up with the latest trends and technology. You also need to make sure to keep your esthetician’s license renewed on time to avoid paying the late fee. You typically need to renew your license every two years in Washington state. You’ll use the same application that you used to apply for your original license. Olympia School of Advanced Skincare offers both advanced and master programs for estheticians. These programs can help you earn additional licenses and more employment opportunities. 

Let Olympia School of Advanced Skincare Help You Pursue Your Dreams of Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Washington

If you already meet the qualifications, your next step is to find a school that can help you move forward in the licensing process. Olympia School of Advanced Skincare provides you with the practical hours you need to take your licensing exam, the final step in the process, and achieve your goals. We offer the classes and hands-on experience you need to ace your exam and begin your career. Ready to start your journey as a licensed esthetician in Washington? Contact Olympia School of Advanced Skincare to learn more about our program and enrollment options!