Thinking about building a career in skincare, wellness, and advanced beauty treatments?
Becoming a licensed esthetician opens the door to a rewarding profession where science meets
artistry—and clients are eager for your expertise.
At the Esthetics Program combines traditional training with advanced clinical aesthetics, preparing you to excel in spas, medspas, and beyond ![]()
newagespainstitute.com.
Too long to read?
Then scroll down to the Q&A section at the end for the most frequently asked questions about becoming an esthetician in Chicago.
The Process of Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Chicago
Once you’ve completed your 750 hours of esthetics training at an Illinois-approved school like
The New Age Spa Institute (NASI), you’re ready to move on to the next exciting step—State
Licensure.
Step 1: Complete Your 750 Hours of Approved Training
Illinois requires a minimum of 750 clock hours in an accredited esthetics program. NASI’s
CIDESCO-accredited curriculum meets and exceeds these Illinois esthetics licensure guidelines,
ensuring you’re fully prepared for both theory and practical state exams.
Fun fact: NASI graduates consistently hold one of the highest first-time pass rates
for the Illinois State Board Exam—proof that our education goes
beyond the basics and builds real confidence for exam and career success.
Step 2: Apply for the Illinois State Board Exam
After graduation, students apply through ![]()
Continental Testing Services (CTS)—the official testing vendor for the ![]()
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Visit www.continentaltesting.net to create your account.
- Submit your Application for Examination along with your school completion documents like transcripts.
- Once approved, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your Illinois Esthetics State Board Exam, which includes both theory and practical components.
Step 3: Pass the State Board Exam
The exam evaluates your knowledge in skin science, safety and sanitation, infection control, product chemistry, anatomy, and treatment techniques. Our graduates consistently share that NASI provides the most thorough state board preparation—because our esthetics program
doesn’t just teach the basics; it dives deep into every subject you’ll see on the exam and
beyond.
Passing both sections confirms that you’ve met the professional standards required to safely and effectively perform esthetic services; however, it does not authorize you to work until you
have officially received your esthetics license from the Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Step 4: Obtain Your Illinois Esthetician License through IDFPR
After successfully passing the exam, your results are automatically sent to ![]()
IDFPR. You’ll then
complete your application for licensure, pay the required fees, and receive your official Illinois
Esthetician License—your gateway to working legally as a licensed skin care professional in
Chicago and throughout the state.
Step 5: Stay Compliant and Plan Your Career Path
Continuing Education (CE) to maintain active status. NASI offers approved CE classes—both in-
person and live webinar—to keep your knowledge current and your license in good standing.
If you plan to open your own studio, spa suite, or solo practice, make sure you:
- Verify local zoning and business licensing requirements through your city or municipality (i.e., Community and Economic Development Department).
- Maintain appropriate liability insurance.
- Display your valid IDFPR license at your place of business.
Following these steps ensures that you’re fully licensed, compliant, and ready to begin your
professional journey as an esthetician in Chicago or the greater Chicagoland area.
Why Choose NASI for Esthetics?
✔️CIDESCO Accreditation: The gold standard in global esthetics education.
✔️ 750 Hours of Training: Graduate in as little as 6 months (full-time) or 11–12 months (part-time).
✔️ Multiple Certifications Included: Professional Makeup, Clinical Aesthetics, Nanochanneling, Advanced Chemical Peels, and more.
✔️ Lifetime Perks: Graduates receive a lifetime discount on products and classes.
What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Highlights
Our program blends theory, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice to ensure you graduate
with confidence.
- Theory: Students study skin physiology, infection control, product chemistry, and treatment protocols—foundations that prepare you for both state board exams and real-world practice.
- Demonstrations: Educators perform live demos of advanced services like dermaplaning, hydro facials, chemical peels, and body treatments, showing proper technique before you practice.
- Hands-On Practice: In the Classroom: Students perform treatments on one another, gaining comfort and technique.
- Friends & Family Days: Invite loved ones to experience complimentary services as part of your training.
- Clinic Hours: Treat real clients under supervision—your first taste of professional esthetics.
Treatments You’ll Master in Esthetician School
- Customized facials (including galvanic, vitamin-enriched, and deep detox facials)
- Microdermabrasion & epidermal leveling (dermaplaning)
- Hydro facial technology
- Acne and anti-aging protocols with LED red light therapy
- Body wraps, mud therapy, and exfoliating treatments
- Professional makeup artistry
- Facial and Body Waxing with Soft Wax & Hard Wax Techniques
Graduates leave not only with a diploma but with multiple industry-recognized
certificates that set them apart in today’s competitive field.
Every esthetics group celebrates achievements with graduation ceremonies—a proud milestone
marking your transformation from student to licensed professional. Along the way, you’ll be
part of a supportive community dedicated to excellence.
Ready to talk details and tour the campus? Call 847-759-0900 or visit New Age Spa Institute to get started.
Q&A: Most Asked Questions About Becoming an Esthetician
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: Full-time students can graduate in 6 months, while part-time students typically finish in
11–12 months.
Q: Do I need prior experience in beauty or skincare?
A: No prior experience is required! NASI welcomes beginners and provides step-by-step training.
Q: Will I get real client experience?
A: Yes. Between classroom practice, Friends & Family Days, and clinic hours, you’ll gain
confidence with real-world treatments.
Q: What certifications will I graduate with?
A: Along with your Esthetics Diploma, you’ll receive certifications in Professional Makeup
Artistry, Clinical Aesthetics, Nanochanneling, Advanced Chemical Exfoliation, and more.
Q: What’s the career outlook?
A: Estheticians in Chicago and nationwide are in high demand, with opportunities in spas,
medspas, dermatology practices, or even entrepreneurship. Advanced certifications mean
higher earning potential and career flexibility.
Q: Is your diploma or transcript valid in other states in the U.S.?
A: Yes! New Age Spa Institute (NASI) diplomas and transcripts are valid across the United States.
However, each state has its own licensing board and specific requirements for transferring or
obtaining an esthetics license. We always recommend checking with your state board of
cosmetology or licensing authority to ensure you meet all necessary guidelines before applying.
Take the Next Step! The path to becoming an esthetician in Chicago starts here.
At NASI, you’ll find:
- Expert instructors with decades of experience
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Hands-on training that prepares you for real clients
- An inclusive, supportive community
Hickory Hills, Bedford Park, Bensenville, Fox Lake, and Broadview.
Ready to transform your future?
Bottom Line: Becoming an esthetician is more than earning a
license—it’s discovering your passion, mastering your craft, and
stepping into a career that changes lives (including your own). At NASI,
we’ve curated the best esthetics experience in Illinois to help you
succeed.
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