How to Get Licensed for Esthetics in Michigan (Esthetician License Required)
If you want to practice esthetics in Michigan, an esthetician license is required by law. Here is what the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing) requires, step by step.
Michigan licenses esthetics practitioners through the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing). Required training: 400 hours of training for individuals who began training before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for individuals beginning training on or after July 1, 2024, completed either at a licensed school of cosmetology or via a minimum 6-month apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment where skin care services are rendered. Must pass both a written and a practical exam, administered by PSI Services.
Compare schools below, read the step-by-step guide, and see how our Esthetics course for Michigan fits your licensing path.
Michigan Esthetics licensing requirements at a glance
| Required hours | 400 hours of training for individuals who began training before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for individuals beginning training on or after July 1, 2024, completed either at a licensed school of cosmetology or via a minimum 6-month apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment where skin care services are rendered |
| License type | Esthetician License |
| Licensing board | Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing) |
| Exams | Written and practical exams required |
| Estimated fees | $63.00 (application fee plus 2-year initial license fee, esthetician by exam or reciprocity) |
| Typical timeline | 3-6 months |
| Renewal | License renews every 2 years |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| State notes | 400 hours for training that began before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for training beginning on or after that date, completed either at a licensed school or through a minimum 6 month apprenticeship at a licensed establishment. Must pass both a written and a practical exam, administered by PSI Services. License renews every 2 years. |
Requirements verified against official board sources. Rules change - confirm with the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing) before you enroll.
Step by Step: How to Get Licensed in Michigan
Prepare with our online Esthetics course
Because Michigan requires in-person training hours, our online course builds theory before or during your school program - it does not replace board-required clinical hours.
Four enrollment plans from $1,380. 12-module program taught by Aida Khazieva with lifetime access on Advanced plans and above.
Also see Find Esthetics Schools in Michigan for real, accredited programs.
Want us to guide you through Michigan licensing?
Figuring out hours, approved schools, paperwork, and exam timing on your own takes real time. Aida's team offers hands-on licensing support - guidance and coordination, never a shortcut. Only your state board issues the license.
- 60-90 minute 1:1 strategy session
- Written roadmap for Michigan esthetics licensing
- Shortlist of approved schools near you
- Exam and timeline overview
- Everything in the Licensing Roadmap
- School application and board paperwork prep
- Document review before you submit
- 90 days of email and WhatsApp support
- Everything in Guided Application Support
- Regular check-ins until your license is issued
- Mock practical exam prep with Aida
- Priority same-day support
Not sure which package fits Michigan?
Contact Us →Licensed schools & studios in Michigan
Compare accredited beauty schools on record for Michigan, or browse practicing electrologists where applicable.
Schools in Michigan
Michigan requires 400 hours of training for individuals who began training before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for individuals beginning training on or after July 1, 2024, completed either at a licensed school of cosmetology or via a minimum 6-month apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment where skin care services are rendered through a path approved by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing).
Yes: Must pass both a written and a practical exam, administered by PSI Services.
Our online course can prepare you for the material, but Michigan requires in-person hours through the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing). Online study does not replace those hours.
Reciprocity rules vary by state and are not automatic. Contact the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing) directly to ask about transferring an existing license.
You will need to complete 400 hours of training for individuals who began training before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for individuals beginning training on or after July 1, 2024, completed either at a licensed school of cosmetology or via a minimum 6-month apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment where skin care services are rendered through an approved path, plus time to prepare for and pass the required exam. Total timelines vary based on your school's schedule.
Budget $63.00 (application fee plus 2-year initial license fee, esthetician by exam or reciprocity) for Michigan, which the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing) states covers exam and licensing costs. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the board before you apply.
License renews every 2 years. Confirm your state's exact renewal cycle and continuing education requirements with the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing).
Michigan lists an apprenticeship path, where supervised work can count toward your required hours. Outside of an approved apprenticeship, you generally need to finish your program and pass your exam before working independently. Confirm the exact rules with the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing).
Michigan Esthetics Licensing Requirements. Planning to get licensed for esthetics in Michigan? As of the most recent update, this state requires 400 hours of training for individuals who began training before July 1, 2024, or 750 hours for individuals beginning training on or after July 1, 2024, completed either at a licensed school of cosmetology or via a minimum 6-month apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment where skin care services are rendered, licensing handled by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing), a licensing fee of $63.00 (application fee plus 2-year initial license fee, esthetician by exam or reciprocity). This page tracks the current board, required hours, minimum age, and renewal rules for Michigan, cross-linked with our online esthetics course for the theory portion of your training and our school directory for approved in-person programs near Michigan. Rules change, so always confirm the latest requirement directly with the Michigan licensing board before enrolling.
Financial Aid and Government Support
Several real federal and state programs can help cover the cost of beauty education. Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are available to eligible students at accredited schools through the FAFSA. Veterans and their families may be able to use GI Bill benefits at VA-approved programs. Some states also offer workforce funding through WIOA, administered by local American Job Centers, though eligibility for cosmetology and esthetics programs varies by region.
Important: these programs apply to your accredited in-person school, where you complete your required hours, not to our online preparation course directly. Contact your chosen school's financial aid office or your local American Job Center to find out what you qualify for.
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Sourced from the Michigan Board of Cosmetology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing). Verified July 2026. Licensing rules can change - always confirm current requirements with the board before enrolling or applying.