What you need to do to bring your esthetician license into Illinois
Illinois does not issue reciprocal licenses for estheticians. That means you cannot straightforward transfer a license you hold in another state — you must take the Illinois esthetician exam and meet Illinois training requirements, even if you are already licensed elsewhere. The state's Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) sets these rules and administers the exam.
The path forward depends on where you currently hold your license and how much training you completed. Some states' programs count toward Illinois requirements; others do not. You will need to submit your out-of-state training records for review before you can sit for the exam.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois requires all estheticians to pass the state exam; no reciprocal transfer exists regardless of your current license.
- You must have completed at least 600 hours of esthetician training in a state-approved school to sit for the Illinois exam.
- Submit official transcripts from your training program directly to IDFPR, along with proof of your current license, before registering for the exam.
- The Illinois esthetician exam costs money and is administered by a third-party testing vendor; passing scores are set by the state.
- Once you pass the exam, you pay the license fee to IDFPR and can begin working as a licensed esthetician in Illinois.
Illinois training hour requirements and how your out-of-state hours count
Illinois requires 600 hours of esthetician training completed at a state-approved school. If your current license is from a state that requires 600 hours or more, your training hours may count toward Illinois' requirement. If your state required fewer than 600 hours, you may need to complete additional coursework in Illinois before you can sit for the exam.
The IDFPR will review your official training transcript to determine whether your out-of-state program meets Illinois standards. Some states' curricula align closely with Illinois; others do not. You cannot assume your hours will transfer — the review is case-by-case. Submit your transcript early so you know whether you need additional training before you register for the exam.
How to submit your training records to IDFPR
Contact your original training school and request an official transcript sent directly to the IDFPR. Do not send a copy yourself; IDFPR requires the transcript to come sealed from the school. Include your name, date of birth, and the address of the IDFPR office so the school knows where to send it.
While you wait for the transcript, gather a copy of your current esthetician license from your home state. You will need this to prove you are already licensed and in good standing. If your license has expired, you may still use it as proof of training, but IDFPR may ask for additional documentation. Contact IDFPR directly if you are unsure whether an expired license will be accepted.
Mail or deliver these documents to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so they can contact you about the review.
Registering for and taking the Illinois esthetician exam
Once IDFPR confirms that your training hours meet Illinois requirements, you can register for the esthetician exam. The exam is administered by PSI (Professional Services Industries), a third-party testing company. You will register through PSI's website, not directly through IDFPR.
The exam covers Illinois esthetics law, sanitation and safety, skin care theory, and practical techniques. You can study using the IDFPR's published exam outline, which lists all topics covered. The exam fee varies and is paid to PSI at the time of registration. You will receive your exam results when ready after you finish; PSI reports your score to IDFPR within a few business days.
Illinois does not publish a specific passing score, but PSI uses a standard-setting method to may support the exam measures competency. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after paying the fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.
What happens after you pass the exam
After you pass the Illinois exam, PSI notifies IDFPR of your passing score. You then pay the Illinois esthetician license fee to IDFPR and submit a completed process form. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed with IDFPR before you pay, as fees can change.
IDFPR will issue your Illinois esthetician license once your payment is received and processed. You can begin working as a licensed esthetician in Illinois when ready upon receiving your license number. Your license is valid for two years from the date of issuance; you will need to renew it before it expires if you want to continue working in the state.
Renewal requirements after you are licensed in Illinois
Illinois esthetician licenses expire every two years. To renew, you must complete 14 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle. At least 4 of those hours must be in Illinois esthetics law and professional standards; the remaining 10 hours can be in any esthetics-related topic approved by IDFPR.
Continuing education must be completed through providers approved by IDFPR. You can find the list of approved providers on the IDFPR website. Renewal is done online through IDFPR's licensing portal. You will need your license number and the dates of your continuing education courses to complete the renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Illinois while I wait for my exam results?
No. You must hold a valid Illinois esthetician license to work as an esthetician in the state. Working without a license is illegal and can result in fines and legal action. You can work in another state on your current license while you complete the Illinois process.
What if my out-of-state training was fewer than 600 hours?
You will need to complete additional esthetics training in Illinois to reach 600 hours before you can sit for the exam. Contact IDFPR to find out exactly how many additional hours you need. You can enroll in an Illinois-approved esthetics school to complete the remaining hours.
Do I have to retake the exam if I move to Illinois with an active license from another state?
Yes. Illinois does not recognize out-of-state licenses, even if you are currently licensed and practicing. You must pass the Illinois exam to work legally in Illinois, regardless of your status in your home state.
How long does the whole process usually take?
The timeline depends on how quickly your training school sends your transcript and how soon you schedule your exam. Transcript review typically takes two to four weeks. After that, you can register for the exam within days. The exam itself is usually available within one to two weeks of registration. Plan for two to three months total from start to finish.
What if I let my out-of-state license expire before I move to Illinois?
An expired license can still be used as proof of training, but contact IDFPR first to confirm they will accept it. You will still need your official training transcript from your school. The expiration of your license does not affect your ability to sit for the Illinois exam.