How To Become An Esthetician In California

When you’re tired of moving from one job to the next, you begin to consider possible careers. A love of beauty and skincare can lead to consider the opportunities available and the steps needed to become an esthetician. As an esthetician, you’ll be joining the more than 48,000 people already working in the skincare industry. You might worry that it’s an overcrowded field. However, the skincare and beauty industries are looking at a revenue of $580 billion by the year 2027. 

With amazing prospects, working as an esthetician deserves a little more research and thought. You’ll also need to know more about how to become an esthetician if you live in California. We’ve condensed all this information and work into six easy steps for you and provide you with the resources you need to make an informed decision. 

Step 1: Research the Role of an Esthetician

You don’t want to spend the time and money to attend school and pass your licensing exam only to discover being an esthetician isn’t what you want to do. This means that you need to research the role of an esthetician. How much training does it take? How difficult is the licensing exam? What does an esthetician do all day? 

An esthetician plays a role in the beauty industry that’s closely aligned with skincare. They can perform a variety of procedures, such as facials, skincare treatments, and makeup applications, to help their clients look and feel their best. Some of the skills required to be a successful esthetician include enjoying working with people, a deep love of skincare, and a desire to learn and keep up with industry trends. 

Step 2: Complete Required Education and Training

Your route to becoming a licensed esthetician requires going to school and training for your new career. You’ll need to attend a state-approved esthetician program and complete it before testing for your license.  To begin, you need to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma. You need to complete 600 hours of training before you can get your license. 

Some of the courses you’ll attend during your 600 hours of training cover subjects, such as skincare theory, practical applications, and business skills. These are also topics that are covered on the exam, so learn as much as you can. It’s important that you attend a school or program with a stellar reputation, such as Career Academy of Beauty. It allows you to find your first job more easily and garner respect. 

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience

When you enroll in a reputable school, you’ll find many opportunities to get hands-on experience. It might be through a student salon or clinical setting. It might seem a little frightening at first but it’s the best way to learn the practical skills you need. Your instructors will be there with you, and they’ll ensure that you take all the appropriate steps and correct any technique issues. 

The more hands-on experience you gain; the more confident you’ll feel about performing these procedures once you have your license. Also, there’s a practical part to the exam, and you want to ace it. You should take as much hands-on as you can get. 

Step 4: Prepare for the State Board Exam

The California state licensing exam for estheticians is only available on specific dates. You be able to select a specific date and time that works for you and submit all the necessary paperwork, such as proof of the 600 hours of prep work. At the time you apply, you’ll need to submit $115 for the cost of the exam. 

You can take the exam in a variety of languages and request a translator if your language isn’t available. The exam lasts for 90 minutes. During the exam, you’ll have to answer 10 pre-test questions and 75 exam questions. The exam covers the subjects and concepts that you learned about in school. You should study before taking the exam so the answers are fresh. You might consider forming a study group with friends from school and researching any practice tests. After you pass your exam, you get your Esthetician License and are ready to launch your career. 

Step 5: Continued Education

As you embark on your career, you want to keep up with the latest trends and improve your skills. Continuing education is a great way to do this. Every two years, you need to renew your esthetician license. The fee for renewing your license is $50. 

Step 6: Start Your Career in Esthetics

Once you have your license in hand, it’s time to find the ideal position. You have your choice of locations. You might consider working in a luxury day spa or decide that a dermatologist’s office might offer you the chance to help others. If you prefer working by yourself, you can build up a clientele as a freelance esthetician. 

You can advance your career by establishing loyal clients who always ask for you. You can also ensure that you’re in high demand by specializing in specific areas, such as skincare treatments, makeup artistry, or holistic approaches.

Jump Start Your Career as an Esthetician at Career Academy of Beauty

Are you ready to start your career in a field you love? At Career Academy of Beauty, our team members strive to provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to pass the state licensing exam and thrive in your new field. We want you to leave our program with the training and confidence you deserve and need to build a successful career as an esthetician. Contact us today to begin your journey.