How to become an esthetician in Nebraska
Nebraska estheticians are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit (with the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in Nebraska, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Nebraska law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become an esthetician in Nebraska?
- At least 17 years old by the exam date
- High school education or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Graduate of a school or licensed apprentice salon program
Nebraska esthetician license requirements
| Licensed by | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit (with the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art) |
|---|---|
| License name | Esthetician |
| Education or training | Minimum 600 hours at a school of esthetics or licensed apprentice salon. |
| Exam | NIC written examination only (no hands-on practical), computer-based through PSI after DHHS e-mails an approval-to-test letter; exam fee paid directly to PSI; 75% average required. |
| License term | Biennial; esthetician licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of continuing education in the 24 months before expiration, at least 4 in the license's scope of practice; not required for those first licensed during the current cycle. |
| Reciprocity | DHHS may license applicants currently licensed by examination in another jurisdiction who meet the age and education rules and the hour requirement (school/apprentice hours plus 100 hour-equivalents per month of full-time practice in the last five years); if no exam was required elsewhere, the Nebraska exam must be taken. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial license (issued Jan-Mar or Oct-Dec of even years, or any month of odd years) | $95 |
|---|---|
| Initial license (issued Apr-Sep of even years) | $25 |
| Reinstatement | $153 |
| Fee waiver | Initial and temporary license fees waived for applicants aged 17-25, low-income individuals and military families |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become an esthetician in Nebraska
- Complete at least 600 hours at a school of esthetics or a licensed apprentice salon and get your diploma
- Gather proof of lawful presence, high school diploma/GED and school diploma; have your school complete Attachment 1
- Mail the application by examination with the license fee (or fee waiver proof) to the DHHS Licensure Unit
- Wait for the e-mailed approval-to-test letter, then schedule and pay for the NIC written exam with PSI
- Pass the exam (75%); DHHS issues the license after receiving the official score
- Renew every two years and complete 8 hours of continuing education each cycle
Apply on the official Nebraska site
How do you check an esthetician's license in Nebraska?
- Search the name or license number on the official Nebraska esthetician license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.