Esthetician Schools in Vermont

If you want to be an esthetician in Vermont, you've reached the right place to find out how. Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Vermont or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Esthetician in Vermont

Vermont requires estheticians to meet education requirements and pass tests to become licensed. More specifically, you need to:

• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Complete an esthetician school program or apprenticeship approved by the state
• Pass written and practical tests
• Submit a complete application (in English) and pay the required fees

Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) sees the licensure struggles many face:

We recognize that getting a professional license can be a financial and time commitment for everyone, which is why we are committed to removing unnecessary obstacles through new policies and regulations… OPR has streamlined regulations and licensing requirements for six professions and, where possible, created more accessible, affordable paths to licensure.

-Vermont Secretary of State YouTube Channel

The six professions mentioned include those within the cosmetology and barbering fields.

What to Expect From an Esthetician Program in Vermont

A Vermont esthetician school program lasts for 500 hours. It should include 12 core competencies plus exam preparation.

These competencies include:

• Anatomy and physical health, hygiene, and sanitation
• Chemical peels and exfoliation
• Chemical storage, use, disposal, and relevant reference materials
• Esthetics chemicals
• Facials
• Laws, rules, and ethics
• Makeup
• Mask use
• Microdermabrasion
• Relevant electrical devices
• Sanitation, sterilization, waste disposal, and chemical storage
• Waxing

The Vermont esthetician school you choose needs to be licensed. Some also become "authorized testing facilities" so you can take state exams at the school.

At the basic level, your esthetician school must:

• Have signage proving state approval
• Ensure it has enough supplies and space for its students
• Maintain records of student attendance and performance
• Allow only licensed instructors to teach
• Keep a ratio of 1:16 for practical and 1:40 for theoretical training
• If relevant, follow all state testing rules

Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Vermont?

Yes, you can earn your Vermont esthetician license through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships last for 750 hours and are supervised by licensed cosmetologists or estheticians. Before starting, you and your mentor must apply to OPR and submit a training and supervision plan.

Your supervisor must train you on the topics required in esthetician schools. They must also track your hours and submit a form confirming them to the OPR.

Apprenticeships can't happen out of state, even if your mentor follows Vermont requirements.

Vermont Esthetician Licensing Requirements

Besides training, you must pass two tests to get your Vermont esthetician license. Vermont uses NIC Theory and Practical Core exams. The exam site itself can be a fabulous resource.For instance, NIC offers candidate information bulletins with test details and study materials. You can review the bulletins in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean. They even have translation guides pairing English with those other languages' beauty terms.

You can't just take a test after training, though. A few things must happen first:

1. Apply to OPR for approval before sitting for your tests.
2. Once you get the green light, OPR emails you and informs the testing organization Prometric.
3. Prometric emails you with registration instructions.

The state can determine the number of times you may retake an exam on a case-by-case basis.

Create an online profile for up-to-the-minute details about the testing and licensure processes.

Vermont Esthetician License Reciprocity

Vermont allows estheticians from other states to apply for licensure by endorsement. If your training was less extensive than Vermont's, you must have spent at least 1,500 hours working in a year or less.

But, if your training was equal to or more extensive than Vermont's, you just need to apply and pay a fee.

Reducing Barriers Program for Licensure

Vermont created a Reducing Barriers to Licensure Program for folks struggling with licensure. People with out-of-state licenses, military backgrounds, foreign training, or criminal histories may benefit.

Vermont Fast Track for Esthetician License

It can feel unfair to go through licensure if you've been an esthetician for a long time. However, you may get endorsed quickly if you've been an esthetician in good standing for the last three years. Then, you may need to complete paperwork about Vermont's esthetics laws.

Vermont Professional License for Military-Affiliated People

Vermont speeds up licensure for vets within two years of discharge, active military, or spouses when possible. You must hold an esthetician license and orders sending you to Vermont or proof of discharge.

If you don't have an esthetician license, you don't qualify for this option. But, Vermont has other resources for veterans to find training and employment.

Vermont Esthetician License for People From Outside the United States

To be frank, many states dismiss foreign training out of hand and expect people to start from scratch. Vermont is different.

If you're an esthetician in another country and want to work in Vermont, you may not have to start over. OPR brings in private credit evaluation services (CES). It specializes in the challenges of moving to the US and trying to re-establish careers.

CES examines applications to see if your esthetics history meets Vermont standards. It may approve, partially approve, or deny your application. If approved, you need to complete the licensure process. If denied or partially denied, you need to complete any training required.

Fees may vary, and you must pay them.

Vermont Esthetician License for Those With Criminal Backgrounds

If you have a criminal record and want an esthetician license in Vermont, you may be in luck. "[OPR considers] the nature of the past criminal convictions, time since last conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and the connection to the profession itself."

Plus, you can find out if you're eligible to work before you enroll in classes. Submit a $25 fee and second chance determination paperwork to the office. Be honest—OPR values that.

You should receive OPR's decision within 30 days. The decision is final. In this case, you have to finish esthetician training and apply for a license. Then you can contest your eligibility.

Esthetician Specialties in Vermont

Vermont spells out several specialties estheticians may—or may not—practice.

States allow people to provide lash extensions without any special license. But, Vermont requires lash extension specialists to have cosmetology or esthetics licenses. The state also mandates adequate training in the field before practicing.

If you want to perform body piercings in your salon, you need a piercing license for most of those services. But, you might be able to pierce earlobes using a piercing gun in your salon.

To become a nail technician in Vermont, you must earn that license separately. Vermont doesn't allow crossover programs between esthetics and nail tech licenses.

You can be a mobile esthetician in Vermont. But, you need an additional license and to continue to follow relevant rules. For instance, your personal vehicle can't be your mobile shop.

If you want to work with the next generation of estheticians, you can become an instructor. First, you must have an active esthetician license and at least 1,500 hours of work experience in a year. Then, you need to take instructor training or pass a test. Finally, you must take 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure.

The state's definition of esthetics doesn't extend to cosmetics salespeople. All estheticians may sell products, but not all who sell projects are estheticians.

Vermont estheticians may provide other services without certifications. But, you should check with the state before doing so, as laws can change.

Esthetician License Renewal in Vermont

Vermont esthetician licenses renew on November 30^th of every odd year.

If you got your initial license within 90 days of a renewal date, you're exempt until the next odd year. That cutoff is strict—if you got licensed 91 days before a relevant November 30th, you must renew it that year. You're in the clear if you earned it 89 days before November 30th.

You don't need continuing education to keep your Vermont esthetician license. (Well, unless you're an instructor.) But, taking extra classes can help you stay on top of your game.

Esthetician Salary and Projected Job Growth in Vermont

As of 2022, estheticians in Vermont earn an average of $61,900 ($29.76 hourly). These salaries range from $31,730 to $84,000.

Estheticians across the United States have a median salary of $37,300, ranging from about $23,100 to $65,680. The country expects esthetician jobs to grow by 17% between 2021 and 2031.

Contact the Vermont State Board of Esthetics

Resources for Estheticians in Vermont

Beauty Industry Financial Aid
Details about ways to pay for esthetician school

Vermont Estheticians
Facebook page for Vermont estheticians run by the NCEA