LICENSING GUIDE

Colorado — Esthetician

Colorado’s esthetician license covers nonmedical skin-care services including facials and skin care, facial makeup, and permitted hair-removal services within the state-defined scope. The credential does not independently authorize medical practice.

Last Verified: September 17, 2026

PATHWAYS TO LICENSURE

School Pathway

Training Hours: 600

Complete an approved program totaling 20 credit hours or 600 contact hours. Required subjects include facials and skin care, facial makeup, hair removal, laws and rules, professional practices, and disinfection, cleaning, and safe work practices; applicants must also meet the state’s examination requirements.

Apprenticeship Pathway

Colorado accepts qualifying apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and approved by the Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools or Colorado Community College System. The regulation does not state one universal apprenticeship-hour total.

SOURCES & VERIFICATION

License Sources

Colorado Barber and Cosmetology Licensure Rules — 4 CCR 731-1

Colorado Secretary of State

Colorado Barber and Cosmetology Licensing Office

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

No treatment scope rules have been published for this license type yet.