Online Esthetician Courses & Certificates

Esthetics is one of the fastest-growing fields in the beauty and skincare industry, with more people turning to trained professionals for facials, hair removal, and advanced skin treatments. If you’re considering this career, you may be wondering whether esthetician certification online is possible and how flexible the training can be.

While licensing requirements vary by state, online esthetics programs and certificate courses are becoming more common. You can often complete theory courses online before moving into the hands-on training required by law. Below, we’ll go over what estheticians do, what licensing really involves, and how to find the best accredited online esthetician school or certificate to start building your career.

What Do Estheticians Do?

Estheticians are licensed beauty professionals who focus on improving and maintaining skin health. They perform services such as facials, chemical peels, hair removal, and makeup application. 

Many estheticians also provide guidance on skincare routines and product use. While they are not medical providers, they play an important role in the beauty industry by helping clients feel more confident and comfortable in their skin.

Can You Get Your Cosmetology License Online?

You cannot earn a cosmetology license fully online because hands-on training is required. State boards mandate that practical skills such as hair cutting, coloring, and skincare treatments be performed under supervision in person. However, many cosmetology schools allow students to complete some theory classes online, such as safety, sanitation, or anatomy, before transitioning into in-person training at an approved facility.

Can You Get Your Esthetician License Online?

Like cosmetology, esthetician licenses require in-person training and testing to meet state requirements. Online esthetics programs may let you complete lecture-based coursework, including topics like skin anatomy or safety procedures, from home. 

However, every state board requires supervised practical hours to ensure you are competent in facials, waxing, and other hands-on services. Hybrid programs that combine online theory with in-person labs are becoming increasingly popular, giving students more flexibility without skipping the practical training required by law.

Online Esthetician Courses With Certificates

Even though you cannot earn an esthetician license entirely online, you can still benefit from taking an esthetician course online with certificates. Options range from advanced skincare treatments to business-focused esthetics training. Here are some schools that offer online courses.

1. Florida Academy of Medical Aesthetics

At the Florida Academy of Medical Aesthetics (FAMA), you can start an esthetician career with a program designed for flexibility and support. Based in Pembroke Pines, FL, this fully online esthetics program combines self-paced online learning with guidance from experienced professionals. 

You’ll cover both fundamental skincare techniques and business practices, with access to interactive, multimedia lessons around the clock. The program also draws on the academy’s real-world background in running medical aesthetics facilities, ensuring your training reflects current industry practices. Job placement assistance is included, so you’ll have support from enrollment through career launch.

• Cost: $5,000 to $15,000
• Course length: Six to nine months

2. Honolulu Nails and Aesthetics Academy

Honolulu Nails and Aesthetics Academy makes it possible to pursue your esthetician license even if you can’t attend full-time classes. Located in Honolulu, this hybrid online program blends theory through the Milady CIMA platform with practical training in facials, waxing, body treatments, and electrical machines. 

You can complete theory and practice skills at home using their interactive checkpoint system, then schedule live, supervised practice on campus when required. The course offers flexibility for busy schedules or students living on neighboring islands, while still preparing you to meet Hawaii’s licensing requirements.

• Cost: $5,900
• Course length: 600 hours

3. KC Beauty Academy 

In the heart of Los Angeles, KC Beauty Academy offers an esthetician program that combines classroom learning with real client experience. Their hybrid program allows you to complete up to 50% of your training online. You’ll cover everything from skin analysis and facials to board-approved safety and sanitation practices. 

To help you stand out, the academy also introduces advanced treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, and lash extensions. Flexible pacing means you can finish in as little as 4.5 months or take up to a year if you need more time.

• Cost: $10,000 
• Course length: 600 hours (4.5 months to 12 months)

4. Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics

Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics has been a leader in New York City’s esthetics education scene for more than 40 years. Its 600-hour esthetician program online and in person blends about 40% theory and lecture with 60% hands-on training. 

You’ll study skin anatomy, chemistry, facials, body treatments, makeup, and multiple hair removal techniques while also learning the business skills needed to thrive in salons and spas. Hands-on training happens in professional classrooms and labs designed to simulate a real spa environment, so you leave with both technical skill and practical experience. Flexible scheduling options, including fast-track and part-time formats are available. 

• Cost: $10,400
• Course length: 600 hours (16 weeks)

5. Penrose Academy

Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Penrose Academy offers a hybrid esthetics program that includes clinical training with professional development. The curriculum includes advanced treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, and chemical peels, all taught in a fully equipped student spa. The schedule also includes four hours per week of online learning, which adds flexibility while reinforcing theory outside the classroom. 

Penrose partners with SkinMedica to give students experience with professional-grade products and treatments. Beyond technical skills, you’ll also work through the school’s proprietary 6 R’s curriculum, which builds strengths in retailing, guest retention, and career growth.

• Cost: $12,675 for the program
• Course length: 600 hours (20 weeks)

6. Avenue Five Institute

Avenue Five Institute in Austin, TX, takes a hybrid approach to esthetics training, including 10 hours per week of online coursework along with focused on-campus sessions. The curriculum covers everything from facials and skin analysis to chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and waxing, plus lash extension training for added career options. 

You’ll also gain professional insight through partnerships with Dermalogica and the Beauty As A Business program, which teaches marketing and client engagement skills. With small class sizes and strong industry connections, Avenue Five ensures its graduates are ready to take their State Board exam for licensure and succeed in a rewarding, hands-on career.

• Cost: $13,012 per year
• Course length: 7 months

7. Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College in the Seattle area offers an esthetics program that blends hands-on learning with a hybrid schedule. Students attend four hours per day of in-person training while also completing 10 hours of convenient online coursework each week. 

The curriculum covers foundations such as skin physiology, product chemistry, and professional practices, then moves into facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, and makeup. Lash extensions are also part of the training, preparing you for in-demand services. Beyond technical skills, Evergreen focuses on professional development in communication, client care, and time management.

• Cost: $13,125
• Course length: 750 hours

8. PRO+ Skin Academy

PRO+ Skin Academy in Hunt Valley, MD, delivers a hybrid esthetics program designed for students balancing school with work or family responsibilities. Online courses cover both core esthetics techniques and advanced skills, including product chemistry, business practices, and marketing. 

Instructor-led lectures are combined with virtual discussions and multimedia learning, so students stay engaged while studying from home. A distinctive feature of the program is its preceptor model, which connects you with licensed estheticians in the field for supervised hands-on practice.

• Cost: $14,000 for the program
• Course length: 6 months (full-time)

9. NIMA Institute

NIMA Institute, with campuses in Salt Lake City, UT, and Las Vegas, NV, offers a master aesthetician program that includes online theory and advanced on-campus training. The curriculum focuses on medical aesthetics, covering laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and cosmetic procedures not typically included in standard esthetics programs. 

Training is organized into “cores,” where students complete both lecture material and certification on treatments such as chemical peels, tattoo removal, and injection assisting. Students also gain hands-on experience in a professional spa setting, giving them exposure to real clients and industry equipment.

• Cost: $19,000 for the program
• Course length: 1,200 hours (8.5 months)

10. Morgantown Beauty College 

Morgantown Beauty College in West Virginia offers an esthetics program that includes both theory and practical experience. As a Dermalogica Partner School, students receive training in skin mapping, microdermabrasion, facials, waxing, and product knowledge aligned with professional skincare standards. 

The hybrid schedule alternates between one week of online theory and one week of on-campus training, providing structure while accommodating distance learners. Once theory hours are complete, students transition to daily in-person classes to focus on supervised practical skills. Instruction also incorporates anatomy, nutrition, and makeup application, giving students a well-rounded foundation for state licensure.

• Cost: $19,202 for the program
• Course length: 600 hours 

How To Get an Esthetician License Online

While you can’t complete the entire esthetician license process online, many programs let you start with theory courses at home. After that, you’ll need to meet state requirements that include in-person training, exams, and a formal application. Below are the general steps most states require.

Step 1: Enroll in an Accredited Esthetics Program

You’ll need to choose a program that’s approved by your state’s cosmetology or esthetics board. Accreditation ensures the training hours and coursework you complete count toward licensure. Without this approval, you may not be eligible to sit for the licensing exam or practice legally in your state.

Step 2: Complete Required Training Hours

States typically require between 600 and 1,500 hours of esthetics training. These hours must be supervised and include both theory and hands-on practice with real clients. The exact number of hours varies by state, so it’s important to check local requirements before enrolling.

Step 3: Take the Written and Practical Exams

Licensing exams test your knowledge of skin science, safety, and state regulations, as well as your ability to perform services like facials or waxing. Both written and practical exams are required. Passing scores demonstrate that you can safely and effectively perform esthetic services in a professional setting.

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve finished training and passed exams, you’ll submit your documents to the state board. This includes proof of hours, exam results, and an application fee. After approval, you’ll receive your esthetician license and be legally cleared to begin working with clients.

FAQs About Online Esthetician Courses

Online esthetics programs raise common questions about flexibility, licensing, and costs. Below, you’ll find answers that can help you decide if pursuing an esthetician degree online or certificate is right for you.

Can I Take Esthetician Classes Fully Online?

You can take theory-based esthetician classes online, but hands-on hours must be completed in person. State boards require supervised training for services like facials, waxing, and makeup. Many schools now offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with on-campus labs, which makes it easier to balance personal schedules with training requirements.

What’s the Difference Between a Certificate and a License?

An esthetician license is required by every state if you want to practice professionally, while certificates are optional add-ons. Certificates let you specialize in areas like lash extensions or chemical peels, but they don’t replace licensing requirements. In other words, certificates expand your skills, while a license grants the legal authority to work as an esthetician.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed Esthetician?

The timeline varies depending on state requirements and whether you study full time or part time. Most esthetics programs last six months to two years, with training hours ranging from 600 to 1,500. Full-time students usually finish faster, while part-time learners may spread out the coursework to fit around jobs or family responsibilities.

How Much Do Online Esthetician Courses Cost?

Costs vary widely between certificates and full esthetics programs. Online esthetician certificate courses often cost between $300 and $3,000, depending on specialization. 

Accredited esthetics programs that prepare you for licensure are more expensive, averaging $4,000 to $15,000 for tuition alone. Many schools accept financial aid or offer payment plans to make programs more affordable.

Are Online Esthetician Certificates Worth It?

Online esthetician certificates can be a great way to sharpen your skills, explore new specialties, or boost your resume once you’re licensed. They may cover topics like advanced skincare or business practices that aren’t included in a basic program. While they don’t replace a license, certificates can give you an edge in the job market and help you expand services for future clients.

Explore Esthetician Programs

Starting an esthetics career begins with choosing an accredited program that meets your state’s requirements. Hybrid and online esthetician courses make it easier to balance study with everyday life, while certificates let you expand your skills after licensure. You can explore accredited esthetics programs on Learn.org to compare options and find the right path for your skincare career.