NVLET Esthetics Training FAQs: Your Guide to Enrollment & Careers

Frequently asked questions

Answers about our programs, costs, schedules, and Virginia licensing. If you don't find what you need, call 540-720-1444 or send us a message.

Programs & licensing

What programs does NVLET offer?

Three licensure programs: Fundamental Esthetics (600 hours, Virginia esthetician license), Advanced Esthetics (600 hours, Virginia master esthetician license), and Wax Technician (115 hours, Virginia wax technician license). We also offer injection training and a state board prep course.

How many hours does Virginia require?

600 hours for an esthetician license and another 600 for a master esthetician license — 1,200 hours total if you earn both. Wax technician is a separate 115-hour credential. These minimums are set under 18VAC41-70.

What's the difference between an esthetician and a master esthetician?

They're two separate licenses. An esthetician performs facials, skin analysis, makeup, body treatments, and hair removal. A master esthetician adds microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical exfoliation, LED and IPL light treatments, microcurrent and ultrasound, and lymphatic drainage. See our full side-by-side comparison.

Do I have to complete Fundamental before Advanced?

Yes. Advanced Esthetics requires either a current esthetician license or current enrollment in an esthetics program. You can enroll in Advanced while still finishing Fundamental, so the two run back to back — but you can't skip the fundamental program.

Which chemical peels can a master esthetician perform in Virginia?

Jessner and Modified Jessner solution, trichloroacetic acid below 20%, nonprescriptive alpha and beta hydroxy acids, vitamin-based acids, enzymes, herbal exfoliators, and nonprescriptive commercial products used per the manufacturer's written instructions. These limits are defined in 18VAC41-70-250.

What are practical performances?

Supervised services on real clients that Virginia requires you to complete and document: 220 for the esthetician license, 215 for master esthetician, and 36 for wax technician. They're tracked by the school and completed in our teaching spa.

How big are classes?

NVLET can accommodate up to 14 students at any given time. If a course reaches that maximum, prospective students wait until the next available course where the number of students is reduced. We don't begin a new course with fewer than three students enrolled.

Is a "medical esthetician" a Virginia license?

No. Medical esthetician is a job description, not a license. It usually refers to a licensed esthetician or master esthetician working in a medical setting such as a med spa or physician's office. The advanced modalities those roles involve fall under the master esthetician scope.

Do I need a license just to wax?

Yes. Hair removal by waxing is regulated in Virginia and requires either a wax technician license or a broader esthetics license.

Do I still have to pass a state exam?

Yes. Completing an approved program makes you eligible to sit for the board-approved examination. You'll also submit an application to DPOR, disclose any prior disciplinary action or felony convictions within 10 years, and provide a physical address. Full detail is in our Virginia licensing guide.

Cost & payment

How much does each program cost?

Fundamental Esthetics and Advanced Esthetics are $11,995 each — $10,395 tuition, $1,500 books and supplies, and a $100 fee. Wax Technician is $3,500 — $3,000 tuition, $400 books and kit, and a $100 registration fee. Full breakdown on our tuition page.

What does tuition include?

Your textbooks, CIMA digital course access, student kit, and training mannequin head. Fundamental Esthetics also includes the Virginia State Board kit. Wax Technician includes the waxing student kit and CIMA access.

What isn't included?

The Virginia state board examination fee and your initial license application fee are paid directly to the Commonwealth and its testing vendor.

Is there a discount for paying up front?

Yes. When full tuition is received 30 days before the course begins, you receive $500 off.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Contact admissions for current terms and down payment requirements.

Can I use G.I. Bill® benefits?

G.I. Bill® benefits are accepted for the in-person Fundamental Esthetics cohort. You'll need your Certificate of Eligibility, date of birth, Social Security or filing number, and full name — and you should enroll at least two months before your start date so benefits are approved in time.

Do you accept MyCAA?

Yes. NVLET is an approved MyCAA institution, and MyCAA applies to every course we offer. The scholarship provides up to $4,000 for eligible military spouses.

Is there a referral program?

Yes. Alumni receive a $100 gift card once a referred student begins classes. Gift cards are picked up in person.

Schedule & format

Can I complete a program online?

Not entirely. Theory, assignments, and tests are completed online through CIMA and our student portal. The hands-on performances Virginia requires are completed in person at our Stafford teaching spa.

How does the online portion work?

Each online course is assigned with a start date and an end date, and you complete it at home during that window. It's self-paced within those dates, not open-ended.

What days would I be on campus?

The Fundamental Esthetics day course meets Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Wax Technician meets Thursdays, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact admissions for the Advanced Esthetics schedule.

Can I work while attending?

Many students do. The theory portion flexes around your week, though the in-person days are fixed. Wax Technician requires one day a week for 10 weeks.

When do programs start?

Cohorts start throughout the year in both hybrid and in-person formats. Contact admissions for upcoming dates.

Admissions

What do I need to enroll in Advanced Esthetics?

A current esthetician license or enrollment in an esthetics program, plus DPOR license requirements, a valid Virginia ID or Social Security card, and you must be 18 or older or have parental consent. A non-refundable $100 registration fee holds your seat and is valid for one year.

How do I apply?

Call 540-720-1444 or use our contact form to request information. You can also book a tour before applying.

Can I transfer credits from another esthetics school?

Yes, if the credits are no older than 36 months. You'll need to provide the class name, description, and hours on an official school transcript, plus your previous school's name, address, email, and phone number. The Principal makes the final decision on transferability and adjusts your file and tuition accordingly, then notifies you.

I hold an out-of-state esthetics license. What do I do?

Out-of-state licenses must be submitted to the Commonwealth for approval and transfer.

I trained outside Virginia. Can I get licensed here?

There are two routes. If your training is substantially equivalent to Virginia's, you submit documentation of completion to the board. If it isn't, you can instead document three years of work experience as a licensed esthetician or master esthetician in another U.S. jurisdiction. Degrees earned outside the United States must be translated, authenticated, and evaluated by an education evaluation service.

Facilities & student resources

What equipment will I train on?

NVLET is a single classroom with an esthetics lab furnished with modern equipment — facial beds, trolleys, esthetics tools, professional skin care products, and esthetic machines. Everything needed to perform the functions of an esthetician is available to students.

Do I need to buy my own supplies?

No. Students are provided with supplies and equipment in addition to classroom equipment needed to complete each course, and you'll receive a list of student supplies and equipment at orientation. Supplies, equipment, textbooks, and the online learning system are all included in tuition. Note that NVLET is not responsible for student equipment, textbooks, or supplies — broken, malfunctioning, or missing items must be fixed or replaced at the student's expense.

Where do I complete my practical performances?

Practical performances are completed in the school clinic, working on clients under instructor supervision.

What's available in the classroom?

Reference books, textbooks, and esthetics magazines are available in the classroom — these remain on school property. Lockers are provided for storage, though locks are the student's responsibility. A refrigerator and microwave are provided for student use, and students are responsible for keeping those appliances clean. Material Safety Data Sheets and fire safety references are also available.

Can I reach instructors outside class hours?

Yes. All students have email access to instructors outside scheduled class hours, and faculty can be met during lunch or before and after class as arranged.

Do you offer housing?

No. NVLET does not offer room and board. Students traveling for injection training can find nearby options on our hotel accommodations page.

How is the curriculum kept current?

Curriculum developed by NVLET is self- and student-reviewed and evaluated yearly, so programs stay current with trends and practices in the field. We use comments and suggestions from students as well as instructors to improve it.

Policies & refunds

What if I'm not accepted?

An applicant not accepted by the school is entitled to a refund of any monies paid.

Can I cancel after enrolling?

Yes. If you provide written notice within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement, you receive a refund of all money paid, excluding the $100 non-refundable fee.

What if I cancel later, but before classes start?

An applicant requesting cancellation more than three days after signing the enrollment agreement and making an initial payment, but before the first day of class, is entitled to a refund of all monies paid, less a maximum tuition fee of 15% of the stated cost of the course or $100 — whichever is less.

What happens if I withdraw after classes begin?

Refunds are based on how much of the program you completed by your withdrawal date:

Portion of program completed	Tuition refund
Less than 25% (149 hours or less)	75% of program cost
25% to under 50% (150–299 hours)	50% of program cost
50% to under 75% (300–449 hours)	25% of program cost
75% or more (450–600 hours)	No refund

How do I formally withdraw?

Provide written notice to the school's director. It must include your expected last date of attendance and be signed and dated by you. All refunds are submitted within 45 days of the determination of your withdrawal date.

What happens if I stop attending without withdrawing?

A student is determined to be withdrawn from the institution after missing seven consecutive instructional days where all days are unexcused. If something has come up, contact the Principal before it reaches that point — a leave of absence is almost always the better option.

Can I take a leave of absence?

Yes. Submit a written request that includes the dates you anticipate the leave beginning and ending. Your withdrawal date becomes the date you were scheduled to return but did not, if you fail to return without notifying NVLET.

How does a leave of absence work for non-veteran students?

Submit the request in writing with anticipated start and end dates. If you don't return on the expected date without notifying NVLET, that date becomes your withdrawal date. Under this policy a student is determined to be withdrawn after missing five consecutive instructional days where all days are unexcused.

What if I have a grievance?

Students are always encouraged to find mutually appropriate solutions — to address problems head-on and work them out with others directly. If those efforts don't result in a resolution, you may request a meeting with our Principal, without prejudice.

After you graduate

Do you help with job placement?

We don't actively place graduates, and we'd rather be straight about that than imply otherwise. What we do: when businesses call looking for our graduates, we post the opening on social media. We write letters of recommendation for students who met or exceeded expectations in class and clinic. And assistance assembling a resume is available on request from the Principal.

Where do graduates work?

Day spas, medical spas, dermatology and physicians' offices, resorts and salons, product and equipment sales, makeup artistry, and independent practice.

What do estheticians earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median hourly wage of $19.98 for skincare specialists as of May 2024, with the lowest 10% under $13.06 and the highest 10% above $37.18. Those working in offices of physicians had a median of $23.40. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034.

How often do I renew my license?

Virginia esthetics licenses are renewed on a schedule set by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. Check current renewal requirements with DPOR.

Can I come back for the Advanced program later?

Yes. Many graduates return to add the master esthetician credential after working for a while.

Visiting & contact

Can I tour the school before enrolling?

Yes, and we recommend it. Book a tour or call 540-720-1444.

Where are you located?

2785 Richmond Hwy, Suite 113 & 115, Stafford, VA 22554 — off I-95 between Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

What are your office hours?

Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I book a treatment at the student spa?

Yes. Services are performed by students under instructor supervision. Book a spa appointment.

Licensing requirements are set by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under 18VAC41-70. NVLET is a Virginia-licensed esthetics school, DPOR School License #1267000099.