June 17, 2026

Master Esthetics License in Virginia: Requirements, Hours & How to Get Started

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Master Esthetics License in Virginia: Requirements, Hours & How to Get Started

To earn a master esthetics license (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) in Virginia, you need 1,200 total training hours, a current standard esthetics license, and must pass both the written and practical exams administered through PSI Exams under the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. That’s the short answer — but understanding what those requirements actually mean for your career path makes all the difference.

Whether you’re a working esthetician ready to level up or someone mapping out your beauty career from scratch, this guide covers everything you need to know: the exact licensing requirements, what the training covers, what you can earn, and how to find the right program in Northern Virginia.

Apply now to get started at AVI Career Training, or read on for the full breakdown.

Key Takeaways
– Virginia requires 1,200 total training hours to qualify for the Master Esthetician license
– A standard esthetics license (600 hours) is a prerequisite before pursuing master-level credentials
– Licensing exams are administered by PSI Exams — written and practical components
– The governing body is the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under DPOR
– Master Estheticians can work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, and clinical settings — expanding both scope and earning potential
– Virginia licenses renew every 2 years

Esthetician vs. Master Esthetician in Virginia: What’s the Difference?

In Virginia, there are two distinct esthetics license tiers — and the difference between them is significant, both in what you’re allowed to do and in how far your career can go.

A standard esthetics license (600 hours) covers the foundational services most people associate with a day spa or salon: facials, basic chemical exfoliation, waxing, eyebrow shaping, and skincare consulting. It’s a solid credential that opens real doors — but its scope of practice has defined limits.

A Master Esthetician license (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) expands that scope considerably. Under Virginia DPOR guidelines, master-level license holders are trained and credentialed to perform advanced skin services that go well beyond what a standard esthetician can offer. These include:

Advanced chemical peels and multi-acid treatments
Microdermabrasion
Light therapy and certain light-based treatments
Electrolysis theory and related modalities
Lymphatic drainage and advanced massage techniques
Clinical-level skin analysis and treatment planning

The distinction matters because employers — especially medical spas, dermatology practices, and aesthetic clinics — specifically seek out master-level credentials when hiring for their more advanced service menus. A standard license won’t get you in the door at many of those settings.

Think of it this way: A standard esthetics license qualifies you to work. A master esthetics license qualifies you to advance.

Virginia Master Esthetician Licensing Requirements

The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, operating under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), governs all esthetics licensing in the state. Here’s exactly what you need to qualify for the Master Esthetician license (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM).

Prerequisites

Before you can pursue a Master Esthetician license, you must already hold an active, valid standard esthetics license in Virginia. You cannot skip the foundational 600-hour credential and go straight to master-level training — the standard license is a required stepping stone.

If you’re starting from zero, that means your full path looks like this:

Complete a 600-hour esthetics program and pass the Virginia State Board exam
Obtain your standard esthetics license
Enroll in an advanced/master esthetics program to complete your additional training hours
Pass the master-level written and practical exams through PSI Exams
Apply to DPOR for your Master Esthetician license

Training Hours

Virginia currently requires 1,200 total training hours to qualify for the Master Esthetician license. If you already hold a standard license, the additional training needed will depend on where you received your foundational education and how your hours are counted. Confirm the exact breakdown directly with Virginia DPOR before enrolling, as hour requirements are subject to legislative updates.

Licensing Exams

Both the written (theory) and practical exams are administered through PSI Exams. You’ll need to:

Pass the written examination, which tests your knowledge of advanced skin science, safety, sanitation, and Virginia state law
Pass the practical examination, which evaluates hands-on technique

Scheduling is done directly through PSI Exams after your school submits verification of your completed training hours to DPOR.

Application Fees and Renewal

Application fees are set by DPOR and subject to change — visit the DPOR website for the current fee schedule before applying. Once issued, your Virginia Master Esthetician license renews every 2 years. Continuing education requirements may apply at renewal; confirm current CE obligations with DPOR.

What Does Master Esthetics Training Cover? (Curriculum Overview)

A Master Esthetics (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) program builds directly on your foundational skills and pushes your knowledge into clinical and advanced territory. Here’s what you can expect to study.