Who is responsible for examinations, licensing, and standards in esthetics practice?

The responsibility for examinations, licensing, and standards in esthetics practice primarily falls on state board members. These appointed or elected individuals oversee the regulatory framework that governs the practice of esthetics, ensuring that practitioners meet specific qualifications and adhere to state laws and regulations. The state board is tasked with maintaining the integrity of the profession, protecting public health and safety, and setting educational and practical benchmarks that estheticians must meet to obtain and maintain their licenses.

In contrast, licensed estheticians directly apply their skills and knowledge in practice, but they do not have the authority to regulate or establish licensing standards. Cosmetology schools focus on educating students in the field of esthetics and preparing them for licensing exams but do not have regulatory power. Beauty industry associations advocate for professionals in the field and may set best practice guidelines, but they are not responsible for the formal licensing and examination processes established by the state board. Therefore, it is the state board members who hold the primary responsibility in this context.