5 Esthetician Certifications You Should Know About

Facials, peels, waxing, body wraps – there’s a lot you can do as a licensed esthetician. But, there’s no reason you should stop developing your skills once you complete your schooling and exams. In order to further grow your beauty career, you may want to consider looking into extra certifications for estheticians. 

Esthetician certifications can provide a number of benefits for your business. This article will explore the different esthetician certifications you can earn, plus how they differ from licenses, and a guide to choosing the right ones. 

About Esthetician Certifications

Esthetician certifications are additional credentials you can earn on top of your license. While esthetician licenses require attending an approved training program and passing a state-issued exam, certifications require individuals to complete separate courses that focus on different areas of expertise. Esthetician certifications cost less than attending a beauty school, usually only a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. They also take much less time to complete compared to esthetician school – anywhere from a single day to three months (depending on the focus). 

Nearly all states mandate estheticians to have their license before they can legally offer services, and most certification programs will require estheticians to earn their license before they can even enroll. So in many cases, an esthetician license will be necessary. However, certifications are typically voluntary (unless specifically mandated by the state). Earning different esthetician certifications can help to not just expand your offerings, but attract new clientele. 

5 Best Certifications for Estheticians

Navigating through all the available esthetician certifications out there can take up a lot of time, but luckily, we’ve done the research too. Here, we outline some of the best extra certifications for estheticians. 

1. Chemical Peel Certification

Chemical peels are an advanced exfoliation process that involves applying a mixture of acids to the face in order to remove the top layer of skin. When performed correctly, chemical peels can enhance skin texture, improve tone, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and treat acne. However, due to their ingredients, chemical peels require extra precautions to reduce the risk of injury or skin damage, and a certification can ensure you have the knowledge and skills to apply them safely. 

The Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine (ABAM) offer chemical peel certification courses which will teach estheticians about the various types of chemical peels and how to choose the right one for different skin types. Plus, estheticians will learn about safe application and aftercare, which is critical for a successful process.  

2. Microdermabrasion Certification

Microdermabrasion is another type of exfoliating process which needs a special tool – a microdermabrasion machine – to gently buff away the top layer of skin. This handheld device uses a diamond tip or fine crystal spray to physically exfoliate the epidermis, sloughing away dead skin cells and stimulating fresh, new growth. Microdermabrasion can even tone, improve texture, and brighten skin, resulting in a smoother, youthful glow. 

The International Dermal Institute (IDI) and the New York Institute of Beauty (NYIB) offer microdermabrasion certification programs. These programs will teach licensed estheticians everything they need to know about microdermabrasion, such as safe practices and techniques, as well as how to assess skin types and properly prep clients for their session and after. 

3. Eyelash Extension Certification

Lash tech certifications are programs that prove your expertise in eyelash extension services. To earn a lash tech certification, you’ll have to learn all about lash anatomy and the different lash types. You’ll also receive specialized training in lash applications, fills, and removals, plus proper safety and hygiene procedures to minimize the risk of infection. 

Currently, NovaLash is the only physician-developed course in the lash industry, making it a highly reputable program for aspiring lash professionals. NovaLash offers several training courses depending on your skill level, and can help teach lash artists the best way to apply and maintain lashes to make them last longer.

4. Laser Certification

A laser tech certification will thoroughly educate estheticians on how to correctly use intense pulsed light (IPL) devices to tackle a variety of skin concerns such as uneven texture, age spots, hair removal, stretch marks, cellulite, and more. However, it’s important to note that laser tech requirements vary by state, and some may require physician oversight in addition to earning your esthetician license and certifications. 

The National Laser Institute (NLI) offers a comprehensive program that will cover everything estheticians need to know about proper laser use and techniques, opening you up to career opportunities in dermatologists offices, plastic surgery clinics, med spas, and fitness centers. 

5. National Esthetician Certification (NCEA)

Aside from earning individual certifications, one of the highest voluntary credentials you can earn in the United States is from the NCEA. This certification is the ultimate proof of your esthetician expertise, and can show clients that you have a strong dedication to your craft. The NCEA assessment ensures that after 1200 hours of training, all estheticians are confidently knowledgeable regarding topics like anatomy and physiology, skin sciences, alternative medicines, and laser procedures, and that they’ve also had adequate training in professional interactions, business operations, as well as safety and compliance. 

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How to Choose the Best Esthetician Certification

There are plenty of beauty certifications that pay well, but there are a few other factors you should consider before deciding on the best ones for you. 

Identify your desired area of specialization

Before you decide on your certification, take some time to explore where your true passions lie. Do you want to perform advanced facials and peels? Or would you prefer to focus your efforts on anti-aging procedures like wrinkle reductions and rejuvenations? You may also want to consider client demand in terms of which certifications are worth earning first. 

Ensure the certification program is accredited

Do your research when it comes to choosing a certification program. Ensure any esthetician certification programs you consider have been approved by a recognized authority in the beauty industry, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). There are plenty of scams out there looking to take advantage of ambitious beauty hopefuls, so always perform your due diligence before investing any of your money in a program. 

Choose a program with hands-on training

Online courses are highly convenient, but every esthetician needs hands-on training to help master their techniques. Hands-on training will not only provide you with the practical experience you need, but also build your confidence when dealing with clients and administering treatments. 

Evaluate your budget and availability

Only going after beauty certifications that pay well is a risky choice – there’s no guarantee business will come, regardless of your training or marketing tactics. Be mindful with your investments and your time, and only choose certifications that currently make sense for your business. 

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3 Benefits of Esthetician Certifications

So, what’s the point of getting a certification if you’ve already gotten your license? Below, we list the benefits of earning additional certifications as an esthetician. 

1. They demonstrate commitment 

Certifications demonstrate commitment to mastering specific skills, whether it be hair removal, skin rejuvenation, or advanced facials. They can also show dedication to high quality safety and application practices, as well as hygiene and patient care, which can boost your market credibility. 

2. You can charge premium rates

The more training you have, the more you can justify charging premium service rates. Your skill set is worth every penny you’ve invested into it, and it’s okay for your rates to reflect that (as long as they remain competitive enough to avoid driving away business). Higher rates means increased revenue, which you can then use to invest back into your business to continue growing your brand.  

3. They set you apart

Extra certifications for estheticians can set them apart from other beauty practitioners who may not have the same specialized education. Think about it: Would you rather get your skin peeled by an esthetician, or an esthetician with over a dozen extra hours of advanced exfoliation training? That can make the difference between you and the competition. 

Expand Your Esthetician Career with GlossGenius

Choosing the right esthetician certification comes down to a few key factors: time, money, and practicality. While it can be impressive to collect as many certifications as you can, each one will take anywhere from several hours to several months to obtain, and come with their own associated costs. You’ll also want to make sure you take this education seriously, as it can significantly impact your client relationships and professional reputation. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one platform that can aid estheticians in their professional journeys. With features like Online Booking, clients can schedule an appointment in seconds from any device, no app download or sign-up required. Client Management can make it easy to track new clients and communicate with existing ones, improving your relationships and informing your outreach strategies. And with Finances, you can track expenses, save receipts, and manage your payroll all from one convenient platform. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!