It continues to be a thriving career in Illinois with the employment of skincare specialists, including skincare therapists, and estheticians. In Illinois, from 2015 to 2025, skincare specialist (including estheticians) employment has seen a growth of 24.6%, with Cook County experiencing a 33.2% increase. There is never a wrong time to focus on your future, but where do you even start? Here are some golden rules to follow to become a licensed Esthetician in Illinois.
Step 1: Understand What an Esthetician Does
An esthetician is like a skin guru, they are service providers that specialize in all kinds of skin services. This includes commonly known services like Facials (including steaming, cleansing, and exfoliation), waxing, body treatments, body wraps, and hydrotherapy. They can also do services related to makeup application, lash extensions, and the color lightening of body hair.
So, what is the difference between estheticians and cosmetologists? While both share many qualities there are some distinct differences in service. In its broadest strokes, Esthiology is the science of skin with Cosmetology is the art of hair.
While Cosmetology students will also study some skin, nails, and makeup applications their core focus will be on the hair-cutting, coloring, and styling process. Meanwhile, Esthiology students are dedicated to the skin, learning about the anatomy and physiology of the skin, its conditions, and how chemicals affect it.
Some careers you could pursue as an esthetician may include, but are not limited to:
- Spa esthetician
- Spa manager
- Medical esthetician
- Eyelash and brow specialist
- Makeup artist
- Hair removal and waxing specialist
- Cruise ship esthetician
Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements
Have you decided to become a Licensed Esthetician in Illinois? Great, now let us make sure you qualify. Do not worry, it is not that scary. The state of Illinois requires all Esthiology students to meet the minimum age of 16 and have an education up to or equivalent to a High School Diploma. Do not meet those requirements right now? There is no need for concern, the Aveda Institute Chicago is starting new full and part-time training courses throughout the year. We will be here when you are ready to get started. Until then, experience the services we offer by attending open houses, fashion shows, or booking your own service with our team.
Enrollment at Aveda Institute Chicago is made easy with the support of our dedicated Admissions Department. When you request more information on our website you are instantly connected with a knowledgeable team member who will walk you through the steps needed to get to that Orientation Day.
First, you will take a personal tour to see the Insitute. Then you will sit down for an admissions interview, a brief discussion about the different departments and course lengths as well as tell us a little more about yourself. Finally, you will discuss the application, which will be printed out and ready for you to fill out. Along with the filled-out application form you will need to submit proof of age and education.
If you need financial assistance, Aveda Institute Chicago offers financial aid services and payment plan options. You are also able to apply for Beauty school scholarships, both the ones we offer but also national options that are on offer. Once you have received your written notice of acceptance you can schedule a final meeting with your admissions rep where you will review and sign your enrollment contract.
Step 3: Enroll in a State-Approved Esthetics Program
The State of Illinois takes the Licensing of Esthetic practitioners very seriously. They require at least 750 hours (about 1 month) dedicated to the education and practice of spa quality services. For that reason, higher education is one of the best, sustainable, options for preparing to become a licensed Esthetician. Picking the right school is just as important as picking the right career path.
Tucked away in the shell of the 1925 Century Theater, once a heaving theater that was a raucous carnival of vaudeville and movies is a staple of the Lakeview area. Aveda Institute Chicago has been a community partner in the area for the last 30 years. Formerly owned by Douglas J, it is now operated by The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, they maintain the Aveda dedication to beauty and sustainability.
At Aveda Institute Chicago, you will get a robust education on Esthiology, completing the state-required 750 with knowledge in safety, sanitation, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, machine usage, color analysis, makeup application, business management and so much more. Split between classroom theory and on-the-floor practical training, every student that graduates with the confidence to perform services guests.
You will be prepared to take the State of Illinois Licensing Examination in Esthiology. Leaving not only with knowledge but also the support and community of the Aveda spa network.
Step 4: Complete Your Training
So, you might be asking yourself, well if it takes 750 hours to be licensed then what is the difference between which school I go to? Those differences are in the details. At the Aveda Institute Chicago we work, live, and breathe the Aveda Mission.
“Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.”
– Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda
We believe this is not just a mission our students and staff embody but one that we share with every guest through the door. We want to instill professionalism and grace into every new student and prepare them for an exciting future in Beauty. We blend classroom theory with on-the-floor training. Letting students perform services on the spa floor as early as 6 weeks. While they ramp up their education, we open their books to more complicated services. Allowing them to become comfortable not with just the ideals of Esthiology but also the look, feel, and smell of giving services to guests.
Not only will you learn Aveda’s dedication to nature and wellness you will also be introduced to the science-backed world of Cosmeceuticals. We at Aveda Institute Chicago are partnered with the premiere cosmeceutical brand Ultraceuticals, a leading professional skincare brand known for its science-backed formulas, delivering real, visible results through a constructive collaboration of potent active ingredients and innovative technology. Partnering with Ultraceuticals is an incredible opportunity for our students, giving them hands-on experience with high-performance products that are trusted by professionals worldwide.
Step 5: Submit Your Exam Application
Now you have the skills, and you have the knowledge, and time to test them before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Board. The test is broken up into two parts, a practical and a multiple-choice theory test.
The practical portion of your test will be completed at Aveda Institute Chicago and will be a fully hands-on evaluation of your knowledge and techniques. Then, after completing all 750 hours of your training, you will be eligible to register for their written exam at a state testing facility. To register you will go to the Continental Testing Services website where you will pay the exam fee and complete your registration. Once you have paid and register, Aveda Institue Chicago, will release your transcripts to the testing facility. The facility will review your transcripts and finally contact you to schedule a date/time/location to complete your testing.
Step 6: Pass the Required Exams
While we obviously cannot show you all the answers, we can offer some insight into what the test potentially covers.
Practical Portion:
- Set up
- Cleansing and disinfecting
- Eyelash Application
- Exfoliation and Microdermabrasion
- Facial Massage
- Hair Removal
- Makeup Application
Theory Portion:
- Microbiology and basic science
- Infection control
- Skin Analysis
- Facial treatments
- Hair removal
- Makeup Application
You are required to score at least 75% to pass. A test like that can be a big undertaking but with talented instructors and hands on training Aveda Institute Chicago will assist you in preparing for this important exam.
You can see our full course catalog for all three of our locations (Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee) as well as information on our graduation rates.
Step 7: Apply for Your License
With the test out of the way all that is left to do is register for your license.
The quickest way to do so is through the IDFRP’s online portal.
In the right-hand window, you will be able to scroll down and select the New Applicant option. Simply register as an Individual with the IDFRP. Fees and Processing times will apply so be patient and start researching potential locations you would like to work at.
If you submit your license application via the online portal, check your portal account for updates to your application status.
Your Future will Always be in Style!
Congratulations! You have achieved becoming a Licensed Esthiologist for the State of Illinois with an Esthiology diploma in hand. With that license a world of opportunities can open for your future. Whether you want to be a full-time spa employee, freelance, or even in your own practice, you now have the permission of the state to conduct services with the confidence of dedicated training. While immediate job placement for Esthiology graduates is never guaranteed, you do not have to be completely on your own. At Aveda Institute Chicago, our team is there to assist you as you start your job search, connecting you to the Aveda network, ready to cheer you on as you graduate.
Beauty has always been a part of human history. From the earliest cosmetics crafted by ancient Egyptians and Chinese to today’s rapidly technologically advanced procedures, humans have always been dedicated to the pursuit of beauty. We find it fulfilling both as the guests and as the service provider. There is nothing like seeing a person’s face light up when they see what your skills in skin care have done for them. It is a career path that is not only personally enriching but will always be in style. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your Potential today.
