Are you having doubts about pursuing a career in the skincare industry? Or maybe you’ve already decided to become an esthetician, but don’t know how to? If that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place!
Skincare is an ever-emerging trend globally. As of 2021, the skincare market has reached $155.8 billion and it’s just getting more significant. By 2025, it is forecasted to be worth around $189 billion. This means that there are 10,000 job openings expected each year to fulfill the increasing demand for skincare services.
This guide will discuss four essential steps to becoming an esthetician. Additionally, we also put a brief discussion about starting your own business in the skincare industry. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Contents
Get a Bachelor’s Degree or a Certificate in Esthetics
Just as any other profession, you need to undergo formal education in esthetics before you become an esthetician. You can get your esthetics bachelor’s degree through a cosmetology school.
Alternatively, you can apply as an apprentice in a shop or a salon to get a certificate. This is usually done with the supervision of a licensed esthetician. However, you need to make sure that the salon meets the state’s board of cosmetology regulations. For example, in Michigan, you can train for 7 hours or less in a day.
Most states, like in New York, allow you to finish at least 600 hours of study and practical training. In other states, you’re required to finish more hours of esthetics training.
Take the Esthetician State Board Exam
After graduating, most people take the state board esthetician exam right away. However, there are those who wait and prepare for the exam first. After all, the exam contains an oral, written, and practical part. Here are some ways most people prepare for the written part of the exam:
Follow a Study Routine
It’s impossible to study your notes for the whole day. Most of you have other important matters to attend to, like going to an appointment or working. That’s why you should schedule your study time at your most convenient hour. And make sure you follow it religiously!
Test Your Knowledge with Esthetician Practice Tests
If you’re not aware, there are plenty of esthetician practice tests online that you can use. These tests contain the same questions from previous esthetics board exams. Because of that, you’ll surely have no difficulty acing the written part of the exam.
You just have to make sure to take the latest ones. For example, CPT Guru provides you with esthetician practice test-2, which is an updated version of their 2020 practice test. This means that the questions are based on the latest 2021 esthetics state board exam.
These esthetician exam study guides come in PDF format, which is very helpful to review the right answers.
Get Enough Rest
Your health also affects how you answer the exam. An empty stomach distracts you while you take the exam. More importantly, you don’t want to doze off during the examination. That’s why you need to make sure that you have enough sleep before you take the state board exam.
You can also go to a spa or follow a night routine to get you well-rested. Drinking coffee and staying up late at night is never a good idea.
Once you’ve done all of these, you’re now ready to take the exam. A few reminders, though. Not all states have their own state board esthetician exam. Some use the NIC esthetician exam, which contains a written and practical part.
Here’s what you can expect for the NIC esthetician written exam:
- Scientific concepts in cosmetology
- Skincare and services
Here’s what you can expect for the NIC esthetician practical exam:
- Work area and client preparation
- Facial makeup
- Waxing
- Eyelash enhancement
- Microdermabrasion
Work on Continuing Education
It’s important to keep up with the latest trends, products, and techniques in skincare. That’s why most states make Continuing Education (or CE) mandatory.
Esthetic licenses often expire after one to five years. You need to complete a continuing education program as part of the renewal process. Don’t panic; this does not mean you have to repeat your education. Most states only require a few substantially less expensive courses than your initial training.
Medical estheticians will need more CE because they will be dealing with more medical treatments. Nonetheless, any esthetician must stay up with their continuing education. The purpose is to ensure that they are not using outdated techniques.
Start Your Own Beauty Salon (Optional)
Some estheticians choose to work in offices or larger spas. While that is the case, there are those who enjoy the freedom of working as a shop owner.
Estheticians who work for themselves have the opportunity to determine their pricing and hours. In addition to this, they can choose the services they’re confident with. If you’re thinking about starting your own salon, you need to have a valid small business license.
Most states require you to present documentation of your esthetician license when applying for a business license. You’ll also need to decide on your business structure (whether it’s an LLC or a sole proprietorship) Lastly, you should have an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is your salon’s Social Security number.
Get Your License and Become a Professional Esthetician
Being an esthetician is a fulfilling job. You get to do what you love with as much freedom as you want. You can even become your own boss should you run your own salon in the future. You just need to follow a few steps and you’ll be on your way to your dream job.
Just make sure you’re prepared before you take the esthetician state board exam. It will be just a waste of time and money if you’re not sure about your answers. The best thing to do is to schedule your study time and take as many esthetician practice exams as possible. And don’t forget to rest up and eat plenty of healthy food!