Massage & Beauty Licensure, Exams & State Boards

Profession
Details

License Required in most states

Training Hours Required

Exam Required

Aromatherapist
Aromatherapy usually supplements an existing practice in massage therapy or another licensed profession.

No

n/a

n/a

Barber
For more info on barbering licensure, exams and state boards, see the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology.

Yes (Barber or Cosmetologist)

1200 - 2100

Yes

Colonic Therapist
Though it is not specifically regulated in most states, there are federal and state laws that limit the practice of colon hydrotherapy. Medical supervision may be required.

No

n/a

n/a

Cosmetologist
For more info on cosmetology licensure, exams and state boards, see the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology.

Yes

1200 - 2100

Yes

Electrologist
For more info on electrology licensure, exams and state boards, see the American Electrology Association – State Licensing Requirements.

Yes

300 - 1100

Yes

Esthetician
For more info on esthetician licensure, exams and state boards, see the Associated Skin Care Professionals – State Board Requirements.

Yes

250 - 1500

Yes

Hair Stylist
For more info on hair stylist licensure, exams and state boards, see the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology.

Yes (Cosmetologist)

1200 - 2100

Yes

Make-Up Artist
To work in a spa or salon as a make-up artist, you will need a cosmetologist or esthetician license. No license is required to do make-up in the entertainment industry.

Yes (Esthetician or Cosmetologist)

600 - 2100

Yes

Massage Therapist
For more info on massage therapist licensure, exams and state boards, see the Massage Therapist State Boards and Requirements.

Yes

500 - 1000

Yes

Nail Technician
For more info on nail technician licensure or exams, see the Nails Magazine – State Board Directory.

Yes

300 - 600

Yes

Permanent Make-Up Artist
In most states, you will need to be an esthetician, cosmetologist, electrologist or other licensed professional to perform the additional service of permanent cosmetics.

Varies

n/a

n/a

Personal Fitness Trainer
There is no specific licensure or state boards, however, personal fitness trainers do have certified courses they must pass before they become effective trainers.

No

n/a

n/a

Spa Therapist
In most cases, spa therapists are licensed as massage therapists or estheticians. Some types of spa therapy that do not involve physical touch (such as hydrotherapy) may be practiced without a license in most states.

Varies

n/a

n/a

Hot Stone Therapist
In most states, you must be a massage therapist or other licensed professional to practice hot stone therapy legally.

Varies

n/a

n/a

Reiki Therapist
In both Florida and Utah, you must be a massage therapist to legally practice Reiki.

No

n/a

n/a

Reflexologist
Some states only permit licensed massage therapists to perform reflexology. Others regulate reflexology under the cosmetology law, and some have no regulations. For more info, see the Reflexology Association of America – Summary of State Reflexology Laws.

Varies

n/a

n/a