1. Is the school licensed?
Your hours only count at a school licensed by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR). Check before you pay anything.
A guide for future estheticians
How to Choose an Esthetics School in Virginia
Four things to check before you pay a deposit anywhere.
Quick answer: To become a licensed esthetician in Virginia you need 600 hours at a licensed school, at least 220 hands-on practices, and to pass the state exams. A master esthetician needs 600 more hours and at least 215 hands-on practices.
Four things to check before you enroll
2. How are your hands-on practices tracked?
This is the most important question. Ask how each one is recorded, who signs it, and whether you can see your record at any time. Read more about hands-on practices.
3. What will you really be taught, and by whom?
Basic and master are two separate licenses, each with its own hours and hands-on practices. Be careful with a low-priced bundle of both.
4. What is the full cost?
Get tuition, fees, books, and the kit in writing. Ask about payment plans, and read the refund policy before you sign.
Red flags
- No record you can see. The school cannot show you how it tracks your hands-on practices along the way.
- One form to sign at the end. You are asked to confirm that everything was completed only when you are ready to graduate, so you have little room to question it.
- Pay in full today for a big discount. Offers like “register now and save $2,000” make it hard to get your money back later.
How Lillique answers
- Licensed. We are a DPOR licensed school in Fairfax, Virginia.
- Supervised hands-on practices. Done in our student clinic with a licensed instructor supervising.
- Small classes. A maximum of 12 students, taught by specialist instructors.
- Payment plans. From $220 a week for Basic and Master Esthetics. Our Basic, Master, and Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing programs are approved for GI Bill® benefits.
Questions
How many hours and hands-on practices does an esthetician need in Virginia?
Virginia requires 600 hours at a licensed school, at least 220 hands-on practices (the state calls them practical performances), and passing the state written and practical exams.
What about a master esthetician?
A master esthetician license is separate. It needs another 600 hours and at least 215 hands-on practices.
Is it a red flag if a school offers a discount to pay in full today?
It is worth being careful. Once you have paid everything, it can be hard to get your money back if the training is not what you were promised. Read the enrollment agreement and refund policy first, and ask about payment plans.
How do I check that a school is licensed?
Esthetics schools are licensed by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, part of DPOR. You can reach the Board at (804) 367-8509.
Sources: Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC41-70-200 and 18VAC41-70-190, and the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. Last updated October 2026.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.