How to Become an Esthetician in Texas

Becoming a licensed esthetician in Texas takes a 750-hour training program, a written and a practical exam through the state’s licensing process, and a license application submitted through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). COLLECTIV Academy’s Texas campuses offer a 750-hour esthetics program with classes that meet three days a week, covering facials, makeup application, hair removal, skincare theory, business and marketing, and safety and sanitation. Because these services affect skin health and safety, Texas requires estheticians to complete approved training hours and hold a license before working independently. Most students can complete training while continuing to work or manage a busy schedule, and Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

What does an esthetician do in Texas?

Estheticians work in spas, full-service salons, and health clinics, performing services focused on skin health.

• Facials
• Chemical peels
• Waxing and hair removal
• In some settings, laser treatments

Texas estheticians commonly help clients address sun damage, dryness, and other skin concerns.

How many training hours do you need to become an esthetician in Texas?

Because esthetics services affect skin health and safety, Texas requires estheticians to complete 750 hours of approved training and hold a license before working independently.

• Facials: Core hands-on training in cleansing, extractions, and treatment technique.
• Makeup application: Color theory and technique that carries over from skincare into makeup work.
• Hair removal and waxing: Technique and safety practices for waxing services.
• Skincare theory: The science behind skin conditions and how different treatments address them.
• Business and marketing: How to manage a client base, whether you work for a spa or on your own.
• Safety and sanitation: State-mandated protocols that protect both you and your clients.
• Professional ethics: Standards of conduct expected of a licensed esthetician.

COLLECTIV Academy’s Texas esthetics training program holds classes three days a week, which gives students room to keep a job or other commitments while training. Graduates receive a Student Permit Number, which makes them eligible to sit for the state exams.

What exams do you need to take to become licensed in Texas?

Texas requires two separate exams, a written exam and a practical exam, both scored against the same 70% passing standard.

• Written exam: Covers health and safety, esthetician responsibilities, disinfecting, physiology, facial treatments, and skincare products, with a $55 exam fee. It can be taken in person at a test center or online with live camera monitoring.
• Practical exam: A simulated client appointment covering setup and disinfection, cleansing, steaming, massage, mask and moisturizing application, and soft wax application, run in a set time window with a $76 exam fee.

These fees and formats are set by the state and can change, so it’s worth confirming the current amounts before your exam date.

How do you apply for your Texas esthetician license?

You can find current details and apply through the TDLR online license portal.

1. Complete your training. Finish your 750-hour esthetics program and receive your Student Permit Number.
2. Sit for your exams. Complete both the written and practical exams.
3. Apply through TDLR. Submit your application through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation online portal, under Cosmetologists, then New License Application, then Individual License, then Esthetician. The non-refundable application fee is $50.
4. Receive your license. Once approved, your license is issued both digitally and by mail.

What can you do after you’re a licensed esthetician in Texas?

A Texas esthetician license opens up a range of work settings and business models.

• Spas and health clubs
• Skincare clinics
• High-end salons and hotel resorts
• Wedding, hospitality, and entertainment industries

From there, you can decide what fits best, whether that’s working as an employee, renting a chair or suite, or building an independent practice.

How do you renew your Texas esthetician license?

Texas esthetician licenses renew every two years and require 4 hours of continuing education to keep your skills, safety knowledge, and industry knowledge current.

As of this writing, an on-time renewal costs $50. If your license has been expired for 90 days or less, the renewal fee is $75. If it has been expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months, the renewal fee is $100. Confirm current TDLR fees before you renew, since state fees can change. Keeping track of your renewal window ahead of time helps you avoid the higher late fee and any lapse in your ability to legally work.

Why train at COLLECTIV Academy for your Texas esthetics education?

COLLECTIV Academy’s Texas campuses combine hands-on esthetics training with exam and licensure guidance, so you know what to expect at each step from enrollment through your TDLR application.

• Classes meet three days a week to fit around work or family commitments
• Training happens in a spa-like environment using professional equipment
• Business and marketing instruction prepares you to work for a spa or build your own client base
• Students graduate with a Student Permit Number and a clear next step toward their state exams

What qualities make someone well suited to esthetics work?

Technical skill is only part of what makes an esthetician successful in Texas’s busy beauty market.

• Attention to detail: Skincare treatments depend on precision, from product selection to technique.
• People skills: Much of the job is listening to a client’s concerns and putting them at ease before and during a service.
• Curiosity: Skincare science and product formulations keep evolving, so a genuine interest in learning helps over the long run.
• Reliability: Clients come back to estheticians they trust to show up and deliver consistent results.

None of these traits require prior beauty industry experience. Most students build them through hands-on practice during their 750 hours of training, working alongside licensed instructors in a spa-like training environment.

Next step: Reach out to COLLECTIV Academy’s Dallas campus to review the esthetics training program, ask about Financial Aid, or apply to get started.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours is the esthetics program in Texas?

Texas requires 750 hours of approved esthetics training before you can sit for your licensing exams.

What exams do you need to sit for to become an esthetician in Texas?

You’ll need to sit for a written exam and a practical exam, both scored on a 70% passing standard, through the state’s testing process.

How much do the Texas esthetician licensing exams cost?

As of this writing, the written exam costs $55 and the practical exam costs $76, though it’s worth confirming current fees before your test date since they can change.

How do you apply for an esthetician license in Texas?

You apply through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation online portal, using your Student Permit Number and proof that you’ve completed both exams.

How often do you renew an esthetician license in Texas?

Texas esthetician licenses renew every two years and require 4 hours of continuing education.

What can you do with a Texas esthetician license?

You can work in spas, health clubs, skincare clinics, high-end salons and resorts, or in the wedding, hospitality, and entertainment industries, as an employee or in your own independent practice.

Can you go to esthetics school in Texas while working another job?

Many students do. COLLECTIV Academy’s Texas esthetics classes meet three days a week, which is designed to leave room for work or other commitments.