Are you passionate about skincare and beauty? Are you looking to start or further advance your career in the field of esthetics? Then understanding the esthetician license requirements in Chicago is a crucial first step to turning our passion into a rewarding profession. In this blog, we are going to provide you with everything you need to know about how to get your estheticians license, covering all steps from initial education to final licensing and beyond.
What Is an Esthetician License and Why Is It Important?
An esthetician license is a certification issued by the state that legally allows you to provide skincare treatments including facials, waxing, advanced skin care treatments and makeup application to clients. Without this license, you cannot work professionally and legally as an esthetician in Chicago or the whole state of Illinois.
Obtaining your esthetician license is legal proof that you have completed the required education, passed the state licensing exams and demonstrated full professional proficiency in performing safe and effective esthetic techniques for a variety of treatments. This protects both you and your clients, while opening doors to a stable and successful career.
Step 1: Choose the Right Esthetician School
The very first step of your career path as an esthetician begins with enrolling in an accredited esthetician school. Illinois requires a minimum of 750 hours of training, which includes both theory and practical hands-on experience.
Our comprehensive esthetics program at Cosmetology & Spa Academy goes way beyond minim standards, offering:
- A modern curriculum that covers skin analysis, anatomy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, makeup application and more
- Thorough theoretical and practical training on the latest skincare technologies and products
- Real-world practice with live models under expert supervision
Choosing the right school matters. A solid esthetics program will expose you to everything you need to know about the industry, allowing you to acquire essential skills you will need to succeed in real-life settings.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, you’ll find a culture of passion, creativity and inclusiveness, all designed to help you succeed.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Efficiently
Wondering “how long does it take to get an esthetician license?” The answer depends on your schedule and the program format you choose. Many students actually complete their training in as little as 6 to 12 months.
So, if you want to finish your training as fast as possible, we recommend that you opt for a full-time course. However, if you are trying to balance another job or other responsibilities, we offer flexible part-time options that let you learn at your own pace.
Plus, with the help of our experienced instructors and our practical curriculum, you’ll gain the right skills and confidence to pass your esthetician licensing exam the first time.
Step 3: Prepare and Pass the Illinois State Licensing Exam
Once you’ve graduated from an approved program, you’ll need to pass the Illinois esthetician license exam. This includes:
- A written test covering sanitation, safety, skin conditions and esthetics theory.
- A practical exam where you demonstrate key esthetic techniques.
Preparing thoroughly is essential. At Cosmetology & Spa Academy we plan ahead of time. We provide exam prep classes, practice tests and one-on-one support from our instructors to ensure that you are 100% ready.
All of our students find that our hands-on training approach gives them a significant advantage in passing the practical exam, as they’ve already tested their skills in real-life salon settings.
Step 4: Apply for Your Chicago Esthetician License
Once you’ve passed the exam (the “stressful” part is over), the next step is to apply for your Chicago esthetician license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
This process is quite straightforward. It involves submitting your application, official transcripts from your esthetician school, proof of passing your licensing exam and paying the licensing fee.
Graduates of Cosmetology & Spa Academy receive ongoing guidance and support throughout your entire application process, so you never have to navigate it alone!
❓ Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team or book a tour at any of our campuses.
How to Get an Esthetician License Fast?
If you’re looking to get your esthetician license as quickly as possible, make sure to consider these tips:
- Enroll in a full-time or intensive esthetician school program
- Dedicate time to study and practice both in and outside of class
- Take advantage of exam prep resources and practice exams
- Stay organized to ensure all application materials are submitted promptly
What Is the Cost Of Getting an Esthetician License?
Now, understanding the financial investment you’re making is also very important. Costs associated with getting an esthetician license typically include:
- Tuition for your esthetics program
- Exam fees for the state board
- Licensing application fees
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy we believe quality education and the opportunity to build a reading career should be accessible to everyone who is dedicated towards their goal. That’s why we offer some of the most competitive tuition rates and financial aid options for qualifying students.
Investing in your education at our esthetician school means you get access to top-quality training and valuable career resources from well-known professionals with years of experience in the field.
What Skills Will You Learn in Esthetician School?
Our esthetics program teaches you a variety of essential and advanced skills such as:
- Comprehensive skin analysis and consultation
- Facial treatments, advanced chemical peels and exfoliation techniques
- Skincare treatments for all ethnicities and conditions
- Hair removal methods including waxing and threading
- Product knowledge and best-in-practice business skills
- Client safety, sanitation and state compliance
- Peer-to-peer learning and hands-on with key industry leaders
Graduates leave fully prepared to meet client needs and excel in even the most competitive markets.
What Can You Do After Getting Your Esthetician License in Chicago?
An esthetician license in Chicago opens many doors beyond working in salons and spas. Some of the most popular career paths that aspiring estheticians strive for include:
- Professional esthetician in salons or spas
- Medical esthetician working alongside dermatologists
- Spa or salon management
- Makeup artistry and special effects
- Educator or trainer in esthetics
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we also offer advanced programs designed to prepare you for work in the beauty education field. If you are aspiring to become an instructor, our beauty instructor program is guaranteed to expand both your skills and career options.
Why Choose Cosmetology & Spa Academy?
Cosmetology & Spa Academy is not just an esthetician school. You won’t just enroll in a program, but instead you’ll be joining a supportive and encouraging community where both your instructors and peers want to see you succeed.
With over 30 years of experience, we’ve shaped the future generations of estheticians, witnessing endless success stories. That is what we’re really proud of. Our goal is to provide our students with the best resources so that they can excel and start a truly rewarding career. Here you will find:
- Personalized attention from industry-expert instructors
- Modern training facilities and up-to-date tools and equipments
- A welcoming & inclusive atmosphere that fosters creativity and growth
- Career placement assistance to help you find your dream job
- Multiple campus locations: Crystal Lake, Elgin, Rockford and Schaumburg
We understand that your journey doesn’t end with your license, instead it’s just the beginning!
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Your Esthetics Career?
If you’re ready to graduate from esthetician school and start a rewarding career, now is the time to act. Explore our esthetician programs.
👉 Contact us today at info@csa.edu or call 815-455-5900 to schedule a tour or speak with an admissions advisor at any of our campuses.
