Are you preparing to take the IDFPR esthetician exam in Illinois? This exam opens doors to a vibrant career in the beauty industry, where licensed estheticians are highly sought after in spas, salons, and can pursue opportunities to start their own businesses. On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your exam, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check you’re prepared!
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The Process of Registering for Your Illinois Esthetician Exam
If you’re just about ready to graduate from your esthetics program, then congratulations! You’re almost ready to start your dream career as a skin-beautifying esthetician! The only thing left to do now is pass your esthetician exam set by the IDFPR. Then you can get your official Illinois esthetician license and start practicing!
But if you’re like a lot of people we talk to, the process sounds scarier than it actually is. Though the idea of scheduling and taking your exams might seem daunting, confusing, and exhausting, there’s no need for concern. We’ll guide you through the process step by step, starting with…
Step 1: Check You’re Eligible to Take the IDFPR Esthetician Exam
To be eligible to take the esthetics exam set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, you must:
Step 2: Apply for the IDFPR Esthetician Examination
To apply for the esthetician exams, you have to submit an application online through a company called Continental Testing. During the process, you’ll be asked to enter your name and email and create a password. It’s important to write these down because you’ll need them later for when you schedule your exam.
After you fill out all the necessary information and upload all the required documents, you’ll be required to pay the (non-refundable) $161 exam fee. They do offer credit card payment online at the time of application. It’s important to note that your application will not be considered complete until you’ve paid all the required fees, as well as provided a valid email address.
Once your application is complete, you should place support@psionline.com in your contacts. When your approval to test has been determined, you’ll get an email from them with instructions on how to move forward.
Step 3: Schedule Your Exam
Once your application is finished, you’ll get an Approval to Test email from PSI to let you know that you can go ahead and schedule your exam, which can be done either online or by phone.
It’s extremely important to schedule your exam as soon as possible because you only have 60 days from when you receive your Approval to Test email to take your exam. If you don’t, you will have to forfeit your exam fee.
Exams have to be scheduled at least two business days in advance. To schedule your exam by phone, you can use either their automated scheduling service or speak to a real person. Either way, all you have to do is call 1-800-733-9267 and follow the instructions.
Some things to note if you choose to use their automated scheduling service:
- Your ID number is your social security number
- You will automatically be scheduled at the location closest to your ZIP Code (you don’t get to pick which test center you want)
If you want to speak to a real person, just call the same number, press 5, and then press star (*). Their hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To schedule your test online, create an account, and follow the prompts. Just remember that you have to enter in your email, password, and your name exactly as they were on your application (which is why it’s helpful to have them written down!).
And if you get stuck, check out pages 6-9 of this guide that gives you step-by-step instructions (with pictures) on how to schedule your exam. Regardless of which method you choose, you’ll get an email from PSI confirming the date, time, and location of your test, as well as directions to the testing facility.
Step 4: Arrive at the Exam Center on Exam Day
You should arrive at the location of your exam at least 30 minutes early to make sure you have enough time to complete all the check-in procedures. If you’re late, you’ll have to forfeit all exam fees and have to reapply before you can be eligible to schedule a new test date.
The IDs to bring and items not to bring to the exam hall are listed below.
Some facilities may offer lockers for you to keep your belongings in while you take your test, but if not, you might have to leave some things (like purses or electronics) in your car or at home.
Step 5: Take the Exam
The exam covers both theory and practical skill topics. It is multiple choice and is done entirely on the computer at a PSI testing location. There is no hands-on, practical exam in Illinois.
Before your test actually begins, you’ll be given a brief tutorial to help you get acquainted with the computer’s software and testing program.
None of the questions asked during the tutorial count towards your score, and your time doesn’t begin until after your tutorial is complete. Once you start your exam, you will have 90 minutes to complete it. And that time does not stop, even if you take breaks.
During your test, 55% of the questions will be related to scientific concepts. The other 45% of the exam questions will be about esthetician practices. Here’s a breakdown of the major topics they’ll be asking you about:
If you want a more in-depth look at what each section entails, check out NIC’s National Esthetics Written Examination Candidate Information Bulletin.
Step 6: Get Your Results
Once you finish your test, you’ll get an unofficial score report that same day. You’ll receive your official score report from CTS in the mail one to two weeks after your test date.
If you pass, it will contain an application for licensure and instructions on how to fill it out and get your license. If you fail, it will contain a diagnostic report that indicates the areas that need improvement.
Get your Illinois Esthetician License!
If you pass your exam (congratulations!), you’ll receive an official CTS letter in the mail within two weeks of your exam. Along with your score report, it will also contain an application for licensure and instructions on how to fill it out. You’ll need to complete it, pay the $30 required fee, and send in any necessary documentation to the office.
Once that’s finished, then congrats! You’re officially licensed and can start your career as a skin-smoothing esthetician. If you didn’t pass your exam, your score report will also have instructions on how you can retake the test and what areas you should focus on.
While failing your written exam is hard news to hear, it’s not as uncommon as you might think: the national pass rate is only 50%! However, students who use our Esthetician Exam Preparation Package have a pass rate of 98.5%!
Begin Your Esthetician Career Today!
Starting your esthetician career in Illinois is an exciting opportunity. By preparing thoroughly for the IDFPR exam and understanding the application process, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Remember, the right preparation can make all the difference in your success. Utilize available resources, stay informed, and approach your studies with confidence. With dedication and the right tools, you’ll soon be ready to shine in the beauty industry!
Related Reads:
2026 Florida Esthetician License: Everything You Need to Know
Georgia State Board Esthetician Exam 2026: Everything You Need To Know
Frequently asked questions about the Illinois Esthetician exam
How do I apply for the Illinois Esthetician examination?
You can apply for the Illinois esthetician exam through the testing service CTS by filling out an application, paying the $161 exam fee, and submitting the required documents. Once approved, you’ll receive an email from PSI to schedule your exam.
I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?
If you need to reschedule your exam, contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267. To reach a representative, press 5 and then *. You must reschedule at least two business days before your test date. PSI’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Which examination program does Illinois use?
The Illinois esthetician exam uses the NIC National Esthetics Written Examination.
How much does it cost to take the Illinois esthetician exam?
To take the Illinois esthetician exam, it costs $161, and the fee is non-refundable.
Where does the examination take place?
The exam takes place at one of the many PSI testing facilities.
It’s important to note that some of those testing facilities are proctored by people on-site, and others are remotely proctored.
What that means is that, at some locations, the proctor will be monitoring you with video cameras, microphones, and a chat window from a remote location, instead of being there in-person.
How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Illinois esthetician examination?
Estheticians in Illinois need 750 hours of schooling to qualify for the exam and be eligible for immediate licensure.
If you’ve completed 600 hours of schooling, then you are eligible to take the early examination. However, you won’t get your license until after you’ve completed the full number of hours required.
Can I take the Illinois esthetician examination before I’ve completed the required hours?
Yes, you can take a Pre-Graduate Licensed Esthetician exam after you’ve completed 600 hours of schooling.
How long is the esthetician written examination in Illinois?
The Illinois esthetician exam is 90 minutes long.
What’s the format of the written examination?
The written examination is done entirely on the computer, and it consists of multiple choice questions..
To get a breakdown of the topics you’ll be questioned on, check out this guide from the NIC’s Candidate Information Bulletin.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test.
How long is the esthetician practical examination?
There is no practical examination in Illinois.
What’s the format of the practical examination?
Illinois doesn’t have a practical exam. Instead, it was replaced by a set of procedural skill questions in the written exam.
What scores do I need to pass the esthetician exam in Illinois?
In Illinois, to pass your exam, you must get a score of 75 or higher.
You’ll get the (unofficial) results the same day, but you won’t receive your official score report until one to two weeks after the exam.
What’s the pass rate for the Illinois Esthetician exam?
Illinois doesn’t publish an individual pass rate for the esthetician exam, but the national average pass rate for the written portion of the cosmetology exam (which is Illinois’ only portion) is only about 50%.
How many times can I re-take the Illinois esthetician examination if I fail?
In Illinois, you can retake the esthetician exam up to three times without additional schooling. After each failure, you must wait 30 days to reschedule, reapply, and pay the fee. If you fail three times, you need to complete at least 80 additional hours of schooling before the fourth attempt. Failing the exam four times requires you to complete the full 750 hours of instruction in an accredited program before retaking the exam.
How long does esthetician school take in Illinois?
In Illinois, esthetician school (or an esthetics program) must take at least 18 weeks to complete. If you go to school full-time, it can generally take anywhere from five to seven months to complete the required hours.
If you can’t go to school full-time, though, it can take a bit longer. However, Illinois states that it cannot take longer than 4 years to complete your schooling hours.
How do I transfer my esthetician license to Illinois?
To transfer your esthetician license to Illinois via Licensure by Endorsement, complete the following steps:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Pay the $45 non-refundable fee.
- Submit official Certifications of Licensure from both your current state and the state where you were originally licensed.
You must hold a valid, unexpired license from a U.S. state or territory. The Department will review your application and may require additional schooling hours based on your work experience, granting 150 hours of credit for each 12-month period of lawful employment as an esthetician. You’ll be notified if further training is necessary.
How do I get my esthetician license in Illinois?
To get your esthetician license in Illinois, you have to first complete 750 hours of instruction in a licensed school of esthetics or an accredited esthetics program in a cosmetology school.
Then, you’ll be required to pass a written examination at a PSI testing facility.
Once you pass, you’ll be mailed an application of licensure and instructions on how to fill it out. You’ll just need to follow the instructions, pay the fees, and send in any additional documentation they might require!
How many questions are on the Esthetician State Board exam in NC?
The North Carolina Esthetician State Board exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 70 correctly to pass and earn your esthetician license.
Is the California Esthetician exam hard?
Many candidates find the California Esthetician exam challenging due to its comprehensive nature. It covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills, so thorough preparation and practice are essential for success.
How do I get my esthetician license in Florida?
To obtain your esthetician license in Florida, complete a 260-hour training program at a licensed school, pass the state exam, and submit your application along with the required fees.
How do I renew my esthetician license in Illinois?
Esthetician licenses expire on September 30th of odd-numbered years. You are allowed to renew it at any point during the 30 days leading up to the expiration date.
You’ll be mailed a renewal application form, so it’s important to keep your address updated!
Once you fill out the form, you’ll need to also certify that you’ve completed 10 hours of continued education within the previous two years. You’ll also need to pay the $25 per year fee.
How should I study for the Illinois esthetician written exam?
Utilize our Esthetician Exam Preparation Package to learn what you need to pass the written exam efficiently. The structured study guide focuses on the essential information, reducing your preparation time. Practice with our simulated exams under test conditions, as this is crucial for your success.