June 22, 2026

Esthetics School in Northern Virginia | AVI Career Training

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Esthetics School in Northern Virginia | AVI Career Training

AVI Career Training in Vienna, Virginia is a COE-accredited esthetics (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) school in Northern Virginia that trains students to earn their Virginia esthetician license — with hands-on clinical hours, inclusive skincare techniques, and flexible payment plans that make it accessible to start now.

If you’ve been thinking about a career in skincare, this guide covers everything you need to know: what estheticians actually do, Virginia’s exact licensing requirements, what AVI’s program looks like, what it costs, and where the career can take you in the DC metro market.

Key Takeaways

Virginia requires 600 clock hours of esthetics training to sit for the state licensing exam

AVI Career Training is COE-accredited and SCHEV-certified, and located in Vienna, VA (Fairfax County)

Federal financial aid (FAFSA/Title IV) is NOT available for this program as it does not meet the minimum 600-hour requirement. AVI offers flexible payment plans and private financing options.

Northern Virginia estheticians typically earn 15–25% above the national median due to the concentration of med spas and luxury wellness facilities in the DC metro area

Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow approximately 16% through 2032 — faster than average (BLS)

What Does an Esthetician Actually Do?

An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional trained to analyze, treat, and improve the health and appearance of the skin. In Virginia, the scope of practice for a licensed esthetician (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) includes:

Facials and skin analysis — assessing skin type, tone, and condition, then selecting appropriate treatments
Chemical exfoliation — applying peels and exfoliants to improve texture, clarity, and tone
Hair removal — waxing, threading, and other temporary hair removal methods
Lash and brow services — tinting, shaping, and lash applications
Makeup application — corrective and special occasion techniques
Product knowledge and client consultations — recommending home care routines and professional-grade skincare

This is hands-on, relationship-driven work. Your clients trust you with their skin — and many return to you for years. That’s what makes this career so rewarding for people who genuinely love skincare and helping others feel confident.

Esthetics (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) is also one of the most flexible careers in the beauty industry. You can work in a day spa, a hotel, a dermatology clinic, or a medical spa. You can work for yourself. The Northern Virginia and DC metro area is home to one of the densest concentrations of med spas and luxury wellness facilities on the East Coast — which matters a lot when we talk about earning potential later in this guide.

Ready to get started? Apply to AVI’s esthetics program today and take the first step toward your Virginia esthetician license.

Virginia Esthetician License Requirements

Before you can practice as a licensed esthetician in Virginia, you need to meet the requirements set by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) through the Virginia Board of Cosmetology.

Here’s exactly what Virginia requires:

Minimum Age and Education

You must be at least 17 years old
You must hold a high school diploma or GED

Clock Hours of Training

Virginia requires 600 clock hours of esthetics training from a state-approved or accredited school. These hours cover both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical work with real clients.

⚠️ Always verify current hour requirements with the Virginia DPOR at dpor.virginia.gov before enrolling, as the Board of Cosmetology can update requirements.

The Licensing Exams

After completing your 600 hours and graduating from an approved program, you must pass two exams administered by PSI Exams:

Written (Theory) Exam — covers skin anatomy, physiology, sanitation, safety, and Virginia state laws
Practical Exam — a hands-on assessment where you demonstrate core esthetics techniques

Both exams must be passed before you can apply for your Virginia esthetician license.

License Renewal

Virginia esthetician licenses are renewed biennially — every two years. Continuing education requirements apply at renewal. Your school should prepare you for both the exams and the professional standards you’ll need to maintain throughout your career.

What About Master Esthetics?

Virginia also offers a Master Esthetician license, which requires additional training hours beyond the standard esthetician credential. Master estheticians can perform more advanced treatments, including certain laser and light-based services in approved settings. If that’s your long-term goal, starting with your Basic Esthetics license is still the right first step — and AVI can help you map that path.

AVI’s Esthetics Program: What You’ll Learn

AVI Career Training’s Basic Esthetics (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) program is built to meet Virginia’s 600-hour requirement while preparing you to do more than just pass your boards — it prepares you to actually work.

AVI is COE-accredited and SCHEV-certified, which matters for program quality and professional standards. Not every esthetics school in Northern Virginia carries both credentials.