Health & Personal Services · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a licensed clinician in the field or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it to make decisions about any patient or medication. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Esthetics / Spa
9 courses · 600 clock hours · 6 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
9courses
44lessons
600hours
31assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons44 of 44 lesson pages writtenPractice351 practice questionsResources120 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 44 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
HLT-ESTH34-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Science, Math, Communication & Career for Esthetics
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This course establishes the foundational knowledge and professional skills every esthetician needs before touching a client: infection control and OSHA-compliant safety practices, skin-science and product chemistry fundamentals, trade math and metric measurement, effective communication, and career readiness. Students build habits—sanitation discipline, record-keeping accuracy, professional conduct—that protect clients, protect their license, and support employability from day one. Lessons are mapped to the knowledge domains tested on state licensing exams and the CIDESCO examination where applicable.
Outcomes- Apply OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards and EPA-registered disinfection procedures to maintain a compliant esthetics workspace, demonstrating correct sanitation of tools and surfaces without prompting.
- Perform basic first-aid response and demonstrate current hands-only and full CPR technique, meeting the competency standard of an accepted first-aid/CPR training organization.
- Calculate dilution ratios, unit conversions between metric and US customary measurements, treatment timing, and retail pricing markups accurately, achieving at least 80% on trade-math assessments.
- Decode ingredient lists, safety data sheets (SDS), and technical product literature, correctly identifying key actives, contraindications, and handling precautions for common esthetics chemicals.
- Communicate consultation findings, treatment plans, and client-education information clearly using professional written, verbal, and digital formats appropriate to a spa or salon setting.
- Construct a career portfolio—including a resume, cover letter, completed mock client intake record, and a personal professional brand statement—ready for a live job-search or licensing application.
Course text
This course establishes the foundational knowledge and professional skills every esthetician needs before touching a client: infection control and OSHA-compliant safety practices, skin-science and product chemistry fundamentals, trade math and metric measurement, effective communication, and career readiness. Students build habits—sanitation discipline, record-keeping accuracy, professional conduct—that protect clients, protect their license, and support employability from day one. Lessons are mapped to the knowledge domains tested on state licensing exams and the CIDESCO examination where applicable.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Infection Control, Sanitation & OSHA Compliance in the Esthetics Workplace; First Aid, CPR & Emergency Response for the Spa Setting; Skin Science, Product Chemistry & Reading Technical Literature; Trade Math: Measurement, Dilutions, Timing & Retail Pricing; Client Communication, Consultation Records & Digital Tools; Professional Ethics, Scope of Practice & State Regulatory Framework; Career Readiness: Portfolio, Resume, Interview & Professional Brand.
What competent looks like. Apply OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards and EPA-registered disinfection procedures to maintain a compliant esthetics workspace, demonstrating correct sanitation of tools and surfaces without prompting. Perform basic first-aid response and demonstrate current hands-only and full CPR technique, meeting the competency standard of an accepted first-aid/CPR training organization. Calculate dilution ratios, unit conversions between metric and US customary measurements, treatment timing, and retail pricing markups accurately, achieving at least 80% on trade-math assessments. Decode ingredient lists, safety data sheets (SDS), and technical product literature, correctly identifying key actives, contraindications, and handling precautions for common esthetics chemicals. Communicate consultation findings, treatment plans, and client-education information clearly using professional written, verbal, and digital formats appropriate to a spa or salon setting. Construct a career portfolio—including a resume, cover letter, completed mock client intake record, and a personal professional brand statement—ready for a live job-search or licensing application.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Infection Control, Sanitation & OSHA Compliance in the Esthetics Workplace | 30 | lab | Students will correctly classify tools as single-use, disinfectable, or sterilizable and execute an EPA-registered disinfection procedure and a bloodborne-pathogens exposure-control protocol, meeting OSHA standards for the personal-care services industry. |
| EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant (e.g., Barbicide or equivalent), measuring cups and graduated cylinders, metal implements, single-use items (spatulas, gloves, gauze), sanitation log forms, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard summary poster, SDS binders, nitrile gloves, face masks, goggles, biohazard bags, incident-report blank forms, Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition) Chapters on infection control and safety. | Students complete a practical sanitation checklist—checked live by the instructor—with every step performed in correct sequence and correct PPE worn throughout; 100% of critical safety steps must be performed correctly to pass. A 20-question written quiz on OSHA definitions, exposure-control categories, and SDS sections must be passed at 80% or above. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR & Emergency Response for the Spa Setting | 16 | demo | Students will demonstrate hands-only CPR, full CPR with rescue breaths, and basic first-aid responses to common spa emergencies (allergic reaction, chemical splash, fainting) at a level that meets the competency criteria of an accredited first-aid/CPR training organization. |
| Adult CPR manikins (minimum one per two students), AED trainer unit, EpiAuto trainer pen (non-functional training device), eyewash station or portable eyewash bottle, first-aid kit, emergency scenario cards, American Red Cross or American Heart Association skills-check sheets, scenario documentation forms. | Each student must pass the practical skills check administered by the CPR/first-aid instructor, earning a valid course completion card from an accredited organization. Instructor also verifies correct identification of all three spa-specific emergency procedures on the scenario form (pass = all three scenarios handled without a critical error). |
| 3 | Skin Science, Product Chemistry & Reading Technical Literature | 28 | theory | Students will identify the layers of the skin and their functions, match common esthetic active ingredients to their skin-type indications and contraindications, and correctly interpret an SDS and a cosmetic ingredient list for client-safety purposes. |
| Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition) skin-science chapters, blank skin-cross-section diagrams, real product labels (three different product types), corresponding SDS sheets, key-ingredient reference card (instructor-prepared, listing INCI names and common effects), SDS section-by-section guide, highlighters, product-profile forms. | Product-profile forms are scored against an answer key: students must correctly identify all contraindicated conditions listed on the SDS (no misses permitted on contraindications) and achieve 80% overall on the form. A 15-question reading-comprehension quiz on the skin layers and active ingredients must also score 80% or above. |
| 4 | Trade Math: Measurement, Dilutions, Timing & Retail Pricing | 20 | theory | Students will accurately perform the four core esthetics math tasks—unit conversion between metric and US customary, chemical dilution calculation, treatment-time sequencing, and retail markup/profit margin calculation—achieving 80% or higher on timed problem sets. |
| Graduated cylinders (25 mL, 100 mL), measuring spoons, food coloring (stand-in for chemical), distilled water, calculators, trade-math worksheets (instructor-prepared), retail-pricing simulation price list, blank conversion reference cards, rulers. | Timed 20-problem math exam covering all four task categories; passing score is 80%. The dilution lab worksheet is graded separately: all three dilution ratios must be within acceptable measurement tolerance (± 5%) to pass. |
| 5 | Client Communication, Consultation Records & Digital Tools | 24 | practice | Students will conduct a structured client consultation using a standardized intake form, document findings accurately in a digital or paper client record, and demonstrate professional verbal communication—including active listening and contraindication screening—during a role-play evaluation. |
| Standardized client intake/consultation forms, three pre-made erroneous sample forms, client character cards, HIPAA/privacy-awareness one-page overview, laptop or tablet with spa-management software demo or Google Sheets template, email accounts, scanner or phone camera for digitizing forms, Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals consultation chapter. | Consultation role-play is scored on a rubric (instructor or peer evaluates): students must ask all required medical/contraindication questions, document responses accurately with no safety-critical omission, and demonstrate professional verbal tone—a score of 80% or higher on the rubric is required. Digital-entry task is checked for completeness and absence of client-name errors. |
| 6 | Professional Ethics, Scope of Practice & State Regulatory Framework | 16 | theory | Students will correctly distinguish between esthetic scope of practice and medical scope of practice in their state, identify at least five behaviors that constitute violations of professional ethics, and explain the consequences of practicing without a license. |
| Printed summary of the state cosmetology/esthetics statute and rules (instructor-curated), scope-of-practice card deck (instructor-prepared), ethics case-study handouts, access to state cosmetology board website, regulatory reference-sheet template, Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals professional ethics chapter. | Card-sort exercise: students must achieve 90% accuracy on scope-of-practice classification (medical-scope misclassifications are an automatic recheck). Regulatory reference sheet must contain all four required data points with correct source citations to pass. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Portfolio, Resume, Interview & Professional Brand | 14 | field | Students will assemble a job-ready career portfolio containing a formatted resume, a tailored cover letter, a completed sample client intake record, and a written personal professional brand statement, and will deliver a two-minute professional self-introduction suitable for an interview. |
| Trade-specific resume template (instructor-provided), sample job posting, cover letter format guide, portfolio binders or shared digital folder (e.g., Google Drive), printed blank client intake form, phone or laptop camera for self-recording, interview rubric, personal brand statement prompt sheet. | Portfolio is scored on a completeness and quality rubric: all five required documents must be present, the resume must be free of spelling errors and include at least one esthetics-relevant skill, and the cover letter must directly address the posted position—80% overall on the rubric is passing. Mock self-introduction is scored on professionalism, clarity, and time (within 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes); instructor pass/fail with written feedback provided. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midpoint Knowledge Exam: Safety, Science & Math | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (multiple-choice and short-answer combined score) | A 50-question written exam administered after Lessons 1–4, covering OSHA bloodborne-pathogens standards, EPA disinfection procedures, skin anatomy and active ingredients, SDS interpretation, and trade-math calculations including dilutions and unit conversions. Questions are written in the same format as state licensing written-exam items to build exam familiarity. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Final Knowledge Exam: Communication, Ethics, Scope & Career | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (multiple-choice and scenario-response combined score) | A 40-question written exam administered after Lessons 5–7, covering client consultation protocols, professional ethics, scope-of-practice boundaries, state regulatory requirements, and career-readiness concepts including professional communication and portfolio components. Scenario-based questions require students to select the correct professional or safety response, mirroring state and CIDESCO examination formats. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Integrated Safety & Consultation Lab Project | Project | 25% | All critical-safety steps performed correctly with no omissions; overall rubric score of 80% or higher | Students complete a timed, end-to-end practical project: set up and sanitize a mock esthetics station to OSHA-compliant standards, conduct a live client consultation with a volunteer using a full intake form, identify two contraindications embedded in the volunteer's character card, and produce a written care plan with product recommendations and correct dilution math. The project is scored on a multi-criteria rubric covering safety execution, documentation accuracy, communication quality, and math correctness; any critical safety error (e.g., wrong disinfectant contact time, missed contraindication) requires an immediate remediation and re-attempt. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Portfolio Defense (Oral) | Oral / panel | 25% | Rubric score of 80% or higher; no incomplete portfolio documents permitted | Students present their completed career portfolio to a two-person panel (instructor plus one industry or faculty guest) and deliver their two-minute professional self-introduction, then respond to three to five panel questions about their scope-of-practice knowledge, a chosen safety procedure from the course, and their career goals. The panel scores communication clarity, accuracy of professional and safety knowledge, and portfolio completeness using a published rubric shared with students in advance. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
HLT-ESTH34-02 Trade course
Skin Analysis
49 hr · $705 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to systematically examine and classify skin using visual inspection, tactile assessment, and client consultation to determine skin type, condition, and contraindications. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate treatment plans based on objective findings and documenting results accurately for continuity of care. Lesson content maps directly to the skin analysis and consultation competency areas tested on the State Esthetician licensing examination and the CIDESCO diploma assessment.
Outcomes- Identify the four primary Fitzpatrick skin types and six phototypes and explain how each influences treatment selection and UV risk counseling
- Perform a systematic skin analysis using magnifying lamp, Wood's lamp, and tactile palpation and correctly classify skin as normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive
- Recognize common skin conditions and disorders—including acne grades, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and contact dermatitis—and distinguish those within esthetic scope of practice from those requiring medical referral
- Complete a compliant client consultation intake form, SOAP note, and contraindication checklist accurately and legibly for every client encounter
- Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the epidermis and dermis—including skin layers, appendages, and cell types—as they relate to observed skin characteristics
- Apply infection-control and OSHA standards during all analysis procedures, including proper draping, gloving, and tool disinfection
Course text
Students learn to systematically examine and classify skin using visual inspection, tactile assessment, and client consultation to determine skin type, condition, and contraindications. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate treatment plans based on objective findings and documenting results accurately for continuity of care. Lesson content maps directly to the skin analysis and consultation competency areas tested on the State Esthetician licensing examination and the CIDESCO diploma assessment.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Skin Anatomy and Physiology Foundations; Fitzpatrick Scale, Skin Types, and Conditions; Client Consultation and Documentation; Analysis Equipment and Hands-On Skin Assessment; Treatment Planning and Integration Review.
What competent looks like. Identify the four primary Fitzpatrick skin types and six phototypes and explain how each influences treatment selection and UV risk counseling. Perform a systematic skin analysis using magnifying lamp, Wood's lamp, and tactile palpation and correctly classify skin as normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Recognize common skin conditions and disorders—including acne grades, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and contact dermatitis—and distinguish those within esthetic scope of practice from those requiring medical referral. Complete a compliant client consultation intake form, SOAP note, and contraindication checklist accurately and legibly for every client encounter. Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the epidermis and dermis—including skin layers, appendages, and cell types—as they relate to observed skin characteristics. Apply infection-control and OSHA standards during all analysis procedures, including proper draping, gloving, and tool disinfection.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skin Anatomy and Physiology Foundations | 10 | theory | Students will correctly label the layers of the epidermis and dermis, identify their component cells, and explain how structural differences produce observable skin characteristics on a diagram with at least 80% accuracy. |
| Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition), full-color skin cross-section wall poster, printed blank skin-diagram worksheets, whiteboard and markers | Completed labeled diagram scored on a 20-point rubric; students must earn 16 or more points (80%) to proceed without remediation |
| 2 | Fitzpatrick Scale, Skin Types, and Conditions | 10 | theory | Students will correctly classify a client's Fitzpatrick phototype and primary skin type using standardized descriptors and explain the treatment or referral implications of each classification with at least 80% accuracy on a written quiz. |
| Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, laminated Fitzpatrick typing reference cards, printed condition-vs-disorder sorting handout, whiteboard | Twenty-question written quiz covering phototypes, skin types, and scope of practice decisions; passing score is 80% or higher |
| 3 | Client Consultation and Documentation | 9 | demo | Students will demonstrate a complete client consultation by conducting a structured intake interview, completing a SOAP note and contraindication checklist, and obtaining informed consent in a role-play scenario evaluated on a standardized checklist with a pass threshold of all critical steps met. |
| School-standard client intake and consultation forms, SOAP note templates, contraindication reference list from Milady, role-play client profile cards, red pens for critique activity | Instructor-scored role-play checklist with fifteen critical steps; all steps marked critical (contraindication identification, informed consent obtained, referral decision) must be met, and at least twelve of fifteen total steps must be correct to pass |
| 4 | Analysis Equipment and Hands-On Skin Assessment | 14 | lab | Students will perform a complete skin analysis on a live model using magnifying lamp, Wood's lamp, and palpation technique, correctly identifying skin type, at least two conditions present, and any contraindications, with findings documented in a SOAP note scored at 80% or higher. |
| Magnifying lamp with daylight bulb, Wood's lamp, facial bed, bolster, clean linens and draping, disposable gloves, gentle cleanser and cotton rounds, skin analysis observation grid worksheets, SOAP note forms, Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals | Completed SOAP note scored on a 25-point rubric (skin type classification 5 pts, conditions identified 8 pts, contraindications addressed 7 pts, professional legibility and format 5 pts); minimum passing score is 20 of 25 (80%); any missed contraindication requiring referral is an automatic retest |
| 5 | Treatment Planning and Integration Review | 6 | practice | Students will develop a written, evidence-based facial treatment plan for three distinct client case studies—each with a different Fitzpatrick type and presenting condition—that correctly selects product categories, application sequences, and any contraindicated steps, scored at 80% or higher. |
| Printed case-study packets with photographs, blank treatment-plan templates, state licensing exam content outline (current version from state board website), CIDESCO candidate handbook, whiteboard | Treatment plan scored on a 30-point rubric across three cases (10 points each: correct skin classification 3, appropriate product-category selection 3, contraindication management 3, home-care recommendation 1); minimum 24 of 30 points (80%) to pass |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Analysis Written Examination | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 points) | A 50-question written exam covering skin anatomy, Fitzpatrick phototyping, skin types and conditions, scope-of-practice decisions, and documentation requirements, aligned to the skin analysis and consultation domain of the State Esthetician licensing exam content outline and CIDESCO theory areas. Questions include multiple choice, matching, and short-answer formats; students must achieve 80% to pass and may attempt one retake after instructor review of errors. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Skin Analysis Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps met and at least 80% of total checklist items (24 of 30) correct | Students perform a complete skin analysis on an unfamiliar model (peer or school volunteer not previously analyzed by that student) within a set time, including client greeting, draping, equipment setup, disinfection, Wood's lamp and magnifying lamp use, palpation, verbal statement of findings, and SOAP note completion. An instructor evaluates performance using a 30-item standardized checklist; failure to identify a referral-required condition or failure to apply gloves is an automatic fail requiring a full retest. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Skin Analysis Lab Log | Log | 15% | Minimum of five complete entries, each scored at 80% or higher on the entry rubric | Students maintain a lab log documenting every practice skin analysis performed during the course, with each entry including date, client profile (de-identified), analysis findings by facial zone, skin type and Fitzpatrick classification, conditions identified, contraindications noted or ruled out, and a brief reflection on one thing learned or one technique refined. The instructor reviews and initials each entry at the next class meeting; incomplete or inaccurate entries are returned for correction before credit is granted. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Infection Control and Equipment Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of all starred critical steps; no partial credit on critical items | Before or during the skills demonstration, the instructor conducts a direct observation safety check using a short checklist that covers: correct Wood's lamp eye-protection protocol, proper magnifying lamp positioning to avoid heat exposure, single-use material disposal, multi-use tool disinfection sequence, hand hygiene before gloving, and correct draping for client modesty and safety. Every item on this checklist is critical; any single failure results in an immediate stop, remediation, and rescheduled retest of the full skills demonstration. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HLT-ESTH34-03 Trade course
Facials: Theory, Technique, and Client Care
49 hr · $705 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the science, equipment, and hands-on procedures behind professional facial treatments, including cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage, masking, and product application. Lessons connect skin physiology from the prerequisite Skin Analysis course to safe, effective treatment planning and execution. Content maps directly to the facial treatment competencies tested on the State Esthetician License practical and written examinations and to the CIDESCO facial therapy syllabus.
Outcomes- Explain the physiological rationale for each step of a classic European facial and select products appropriate to the client's Fitzpatrick type and skin condition.
- Perform a complete five-step facial (cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, protect) on a live model, meeting state board sequencing and sanitation standards.
- Set up, operate, and disinfect high-frequency, steamer, and magnifying-lamp equipment in compliance with manufacturer guidelines and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen protocols.
- Perform manual extractions safely within esthetician scope of practice, recognizing contraindications that require physician referral.
- Customize a treatment plan and home-care recommendation using ingredients knowledge and a written consultation form.
- Maintain a lesson-by-lesson lab log documenting client consultations, products used, techniques applied, and outcomes observed.
Course text
Students learn the science, equipment, and hands-on procedures behind professional facial treatments, including cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage, masking, and product application. Lessons connect skin physiology from the prerequisite Skin Analysis course to safe, effective treatment planning and execution. Content maps directly to the facial treatment competencies tested on the State Esthetician License practical and written examinations and to the CIDESCO facial therapy syllabus.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Facial Anatomy, Physiology, and the Classic Facial Sequence; Equipment Operation, Sanitation, and Safety; Cleansing, Exfoliation, and Extractions; Facial Massage, Masking, and Treatment Completion; Treatment Planning, Client Communication, and Home-Care Recommendation.
What competent looks like. Explain the physiological rationale for each step of a classic European facial and select products appropriate to the client's Fitzpatrick type and skin condition. Perform a complete five-step facial (cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, protect) on a live model, meeting state board sequencing and sanitation standards. Set up, operate, and disinfect high-frequency, steamer, and magnifying-lamp equipment in compliance with manufacturer guidelines and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen protocols. Perform manual extractions safely within esthetician scope of practice, recognizing contraindications that require physician referral. Customize a treatment plan and home-care recommendation using ingredients knowledge and a written consultation form. Maintain a lesson-by-lesson lab log documenting client consultations, products used, techniques applied, and outcomes observed.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Facial Anatomy, Physiology, and the Classic Facial Sequence | 10 | theory | Students will accurately describe the layers of the skin relevant to facial treatment, name the 14 facial bones and major muscle groups palpated during massage, and recite the standard six-step European facial sequence in correct order. |
| Skin anatomy charts, facial bone/muscle charts, milady's standard esthetics fundamentals textbook (current edition), dry-erase facial maps, instructor-produced annotated video, client scenario cards | Completed and corrected anatomy diagrams score ≥ 80% on a 20-question oral or written identification quiz; students must correctly sequence all six facial steps without prompting. |
| 2 | Equipment Operation, Sanitation, and Safety | 9 | demo | Students will demonstrate safe setup, use, and post-service disinfection of the facial steamer, magnifying lamp, and high-frequency unit, verbally stating each contraindication before powering on any device. |
| Professional facial steamer, magnifying lamp, high-frequency unit with glass electrodes, EPA-registered disinfectant solution, manufacturer instruction sheets, OSHA bloodborne-pathogen quick-reference cards, lab log notebooks | Instructor uses a signed equipment safety checklist for each student; all contraindications must be verbally stated with zero omissions and disinfection steps completed in correct order — any missed contraindication or skipped disinfection step requires a full repeat demonstration before advancing. |
| 3 | Cleansing, Exfoliation, and Extractions | 12 | practice | Students will perform manual cleansing, mechanical and chemical exfoliation, and manual extractions on a classmate model, following correct pressure, direction, and sanitation technique while identifying at least two contraindications that would halt an extraction. |
| Cleansing milk and foaming cleanser, granular exfoliant, enzyme peel mask, comedone extractors (loop and spoon), sterile lancets (instructor-controlled), disposable gloves, pre-moistened gauze, silicone extraction practice pads, high-frequency unit, lab log notebooks, printed technique step cards | Instructor completes a 15-point skills rubric for each student covering hand position, pressure, direction of strokes, glove use, and post-extraction protocol; passing is ≥ 80% (12 of 15 points); students who score below repeat the extraction segment in the next scheduled lab session. |
| 4 | Facial Massage, Masking, and Treatment Completion | 10 | lab | Students will execute a complete 10-minute facial massage sequence using the five classical movements (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, vibration), then apply and remove a treatment mask matched to a written consultation, finishing with toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. |
| Massage cream or oil, selection of treatment masks (clay, cream, alginate), toner, serum, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF product, damp sponges, headbands, treatment table with linens, printed consultation forms, 15-point skills rubric sheets, lab log notebooks, timer | Combined instructor + peer rubric score of ≥ 80% on the 15-point sheet; all five massage movements must be performed in sequence with correct hand contact — any movement performed out of sequence requires a supervised repeat of the massage segment only. |
| 5 | Treatment Planning, Client Communication, and Home-Care Recommendation | 8 | field | Students will conduct an end-to-end client consultation, deliver a customized facial, document the service on a standard treatment record, and provide a written home-care plan with product recommendations the client can realistically follow. |
| State-board-style consultation and treatment record forms, home-care recommendation card template, full facial product kit (cleanser through SPF), treatment table with linens, volunteer client, five-point client-communication rubric, lab log | Instructor scores the treatment record for completeness (all fields filled, no blank contraindication sections) and scores the client-communication rubric; student must pass both at ≥ 80% and the volunteer client must confirm understanding of the home-care instructions — a failed communication rubric requires a repeat role-play with a classmate before the next clinical practicum session. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facials Theory Written Examination | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (38 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering skin anatomy relevant to facial treatment, product ingredient categories, equipment contraindications, extraction protocols, sanitation standards, and the physiological rationale for each facial step. Questions are drawn from the same content domains tested on the State Esthetician License written examination and the CIDESCO written paper for facial therapy. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Full Facial Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 80% or higher on the state-board-format rubric (24 of 30 points); any critical safety violation (e.g., extracting a pustule, failing to glove) results in automatic failure regardless of total score | Students perform a complete facial on a live model within a 60-minute window, scored by the instructor using a 30-point rubric modeled on the state practical examination criteria — covering draping, sanitation, product selection, sequence, technique, massage movements, mask selection, finishing, and client communication. This assessment directly rehearses the State Esthetician License practical examination format. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All five lesson lab-log entries submitted; average entry score of 80% or higher on the five-point entry rubric (documentation completeness, accuracy of product notation, self-reflection quality) | Students submit their cumulative lab log containing entries from all five lessons, including client consultation forms, product selections with ingredient justification, technique observations, equipment disinfection records, and self-directed improvement plans. The log demonstrates the progressive, documented practice record required by many state boards and valued by CIDESCO assessors as evidence of clinical hours. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Sanitation and Equipment Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% pass rate on all critical-item checkboxes; no retake limit but student may not advance to the Waxing course until all critical items are passed | A non-negotiable pass/fail station check performed by the instructor: student sets up a facial station, selects and operates one assigned piece of equipment (assigned by random draw from steamer, magnifying lamp, or high-frequency unit), states all contraindications for that device from memory, performs a mock service segment, then disinfects and breaks down the station according to OSHA and state board sanitation standards. Any critical error — missing a contraindication, skipping disinfection, or improper sharps handling — triggers an immediate stop and a scheduled re-check. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HLT-ESTH34-04 Trade course
Waxing: Hair Removal Theory and Technique
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
This course covers the science of hair growth, skin anatomy relevant to hair removal, and the safe, effective application of soft wax, hard wax, and specialty waxing techniques on all body areas within the esthetician scope of practice. Students develop proficiency in client consultation, contraindication screening, product selection, and sanitation protocols that meet state board and CIDESCO standards. Emphasis is placed on minimizing adverse reactions, preventing cross-contamination, and delivering consistent, professional results across diverse skin and hair types.
Outcomes- Identify the three phases of the hair growth cycle and explain how each phase affects waxing efficacy and timing.
- Screen clients for absolute and relative contraindications to waxing, including medication use, skin conditions, and recent cosmetic procedures, and document findings accurately.
- Perform soft-wax and hard-wax hair removal on the face, underarms, arms, legs, and bikini line using correct temperature testing, application angle, and removal technique while maintaining aseptic procedure.
- Demonstrate proper sanitation and disinfection of tools, equipment, and treatment areas in compliance with state board infection-control rules and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen standards.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to adverse waxing reactions—including skin lifting, burns, folliculitis, and allergic contact dermatitis—and provide accurate post-care instructions.
- Document waxing services accurately on intake and service records, supporting both legal compliance and portfolio evidence required for CIDESCO practical assessment.
Course text
This course covers the science of hair growth, skin anatomy relevant to hair removal, and the safe, effective application of soft wax, hard wax, and specialty waxing techniques on all body areas within the esthetician scope of practice. Students develop proficiency in client consultation, contraindication screening, product selection, and sanitation protocols that meet state board and CIDESCO standards. Emphasis is placed on minimizing adverse reactions, preventing cross-contamination, and delivering consistent, professional results across diverse skin and hair types.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Hair and Skin Science for Waxing; Waxing Products, Equipment, and Sanitation Protocols; Facial and Body Waxing Techniques — Soft Wax; Hard Wax Techniques and Specialty Areas; Client Communication, Post-Care, and Professional Practice.
What competent looks like. Identify the three phases of the hair growth cycle and explain how each phase affects waxing efficacy and timing. Screen clients for absolute and relative contraindications to waxing, including medication use, skin conditions, and recent cosmetic procedures, and document findings accurately. Perform soft-wax and hard-wax hair removal on the face, underarms, arms, legs, and bikini line using correct temperature testing, application angle, and removal technique while maintaining aseptic procedure. Demonstrate proper sanitation and disinfection of tools, equipment, and treatment areas in compliance with state board infection-control rules and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen standards. Recognize and respond appropriately to adverse waxing reactions—including skin lifting, burns, folliculitis, and allergic contact dermatitis—and provide accurate post-care instructions. Document waxing services accurately on intake and service records, supporting both legal compliance and portfolio evidence required for CIDESCO practical assessment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hair and Skin Science for Waxing | 8 | theory | Students will accurately describe hair follicle anatomy, the anagen–catagen–telogen growth cycle, and skin structures most affected by waxing, as demonstrated by a minimum score of 80% on a written knowledge check. |
| Milady Standard Esthetics textbook (current edition), hair-follicle cross-section diagrams, laminated growth-cycle cards, contraindication reference chart, whiteboard | Written 20-question multiple-choice and short-answer quiz on hair and skin anatomy and contraindications; pass mark 80% correct |
| 2 | Waxing Products, Equipment, and Sanitation Protocols | 8 | demo | Students will distinguish the properties, appropriate uses, and safe application temperatures of soft wax, hard wax, and sugar paste, and demonstrate correct equipment sanitation steps before and after a service. |
| Soft-wax and hard-wax warmers, soft wax, hard wax, sugar paste, wooden applicator sticks, muslin strips, disposable gloves, thermometer or temperature test strips, state board sanitation checklist, OSHA bloodborne-pathogen reference card, lab journals | Instructor observation using a 10-point sanitation checklist; student must correctly perform all critical steps (no double-dipping, correct disinfectant contact time, proper sharps/disposable disposal) with zero critical errors to pass |
| 3 | Facial and Body Waxing Techniques — Soft Wax | 14 | practice | Students will perform soft-wax hair removal on the eyebrows, upper lip, underarms, lower legs, and arms using correct application direction, strip placement, and removal angle, achieving complete hair removal in each zone with no skin lifting or bruising. |
| Wax warmers, soft wax, muslin strips, wooden applicators, pre-wax cleanser, post-wax soothing lotion, disposable gloves, protective paper, before-and-after photo cards, service record forms, handheld mirror | Instructor rates each completed zone on a rubric (application angle, removal technique, skin condition, time, client communication) scored 1–4; student must score 3 or higher on every criterion and zero critical safety errors to pass |
| 4 | Hard Wax Techniques and Specialty Areas | 12 | lab | Students will apply and remove hard wax on the face, bikini line, and small sensitive areas, demonstrating correct bead formation, edge-building, and removal without strips while maintaining skin integrity and client comfort. |
| Hard-wax warmer, hard wax (appropriate resin formulation), wooden or metal applicators, pre-wax oil, post-wax finishing oil, disposable gloves, draping linens, intake/consent forms, lab logs, patch-test protocol reference card | Lab log reviewed for completeness (intake documentation, patch-test result, step-by-step notation, post-care given); live-service rubric scored by instructor on bead formation, removal technique, skin condition, and time management; pass requires complete log entries and rubric score of 3 or higher on all criteria |
| 5 | Client Communication, Post-Care, and Professional Practice | 6 | field | Students will conduct a complete waxing service from consultation through post-care instruction, demonstrating professional communication, accurate record-keeping, and retail recommendation skills consistent with state licensing and CIDESCO competency requirements. |
| Intake and consent forms, post-care instruction handouts, retail product samples, professional-communication checklist, before-and-after photo cards, self-evaluation rubric, portfolio binders | Instructor and peer observer score the consultation and post-care communication checklist (10 criteria, each pass/fail); student must pass 9 of 10 criteria and submit a complete, legible service record with no missing required fields |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waxing Theory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice exam covering hair and skin anatomy, the hair growth cycle, product chemistry, contraindications, infection-control regulations, and adverse-reaction identification, mapped to state board written exam content areas and CIDESCO theory competencies. Students who do not meet the passing score receive targeted remediation and one retake opportunity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Waxing Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Score of 3 or higher on every rubric criterion (no criterion may be rated below 3); zero tolerance for critical safety errors | Students perform a complete eyebrow shaping with soft wax and a bikini or underarm service with hard wax on a live model under timed conditions, evaluated by a second instructor using the program's standardized rubric covering preparation, application technique, removal technique, skin condition outcome, sanitation, and professional communication. This assessment mirrors the practical component of state board examinations and CIDESCO hands-on evaluation criteria. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log and Service Record Portfolio | Log | 15% | All required entries present and accurate; no critical documentation errors; instructor sign-off on every service page | Students submit their cumulative lab log covering all practice sessions in Lessons 3, 4, and 5, including intake forms, patch-test records, step-by-step service notes, adverse-reaction documentation if applicable, and post-care records. Completeness and accuracy of documentation are assessed against a 20-point checklist; this log constitutes part of the practical evidence portfolio required for CIDESCO diploma candidacy. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Sanitation and Safety Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass all 12 critical items on the checklist; a single critical failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may work on live clients | A surprise, unannounced station inspection conducted by the program director or a designated instructor verifies that the student's waxing station meets state board sanitation standards and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen requirements, including correct wax temperature, absence of double-dipping, proper disinfectant concentration and contact time, appropriate personal protective equipment, and correct disposal of single-use items. This check may occur at any point during Lessons 3 through 5. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HLT-ESTH34-05 Trade course
Makeup Artistry for Esthetics
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop foundational and applied makeup artistry skills, including color theory, skin-tone analysis, product knowledge, and technique for a range of client needs and service settings. Emphasis is placed on client safety, sanitation, and scope-of-practice boundaries consistent with state esthetician licensing requirements. Lessons align with CIDESCO examination content on makeup application, color science, and professional consultation.
Outcomes- Apply color theory and undertone analysis to select and blend foundation, concealer, and corrector shades for at least four distinct skin tones with a visible, even match confirmed by instructor.
- Demonstrate correct sanitation and single-use protocols for all makeup tools and products, achieving zero critical sanitation errors on the safety check.
- Execute a complete daytime and a complete evening makeup application on a live model, meeting the structured rubric criteria at a passing score of 75 percent or above.
- Conduct a client intake and makeup consultation, identifying contraindications such as active skin conditions or known allergies, and adapting product choices accordingly.
- Identify and correctly use core makeup tools and cosmetic product categories—including primers, foundations, setting products, eye products, lip products, and blush—selecting formulations appropriate to client skin type.
- Document each lab service in a client record with product names, shades, technique notes, and any client reactions, producing a complete lab log across all practice sessions.
Course text
Students develop foundational and applied makeup artistry skills, including color theory, skin-tone analysis, product knowledge, and technique for a range of client needs and service settings. Emphasis is placed on client safety, sanitation, and scope-of-practice boundaries consistent with state esthetician licensing requirements. Lessons align with CIDESCO examination content on makeup application, color science, and professional consultation.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Color Theory, Skin Tone Analysis, and Product Families; Sanitation, Safety, and Scope of Practice for Makeup Services; Client Consultation and Foundation Application Techniques; Eye, Cheek, and Lip Design: Technique and Facial Feature Mapping; Special Populations, Occasion Makeup, and Portfolio Build.
What competent looks like. Apply color theory and undertone analysis to select and blend foundation, concealer, and corrector shades for at least four distinct skin tones with a visible, even match confirmed by instructor. Demonstrate correct sanitation and single-use protocols for all makeup tools and products, achieving zero critical sanitation errors on the safety check. Execute a complete daytime and a complete evening makeup application on a live model, meeting the structured rubric criteria at a passing score of 75 percent or above. Conduct a client intake and makeup consultation, identifying contraindications such as active skin conditions or known allergies, and adapting product choices accordingly. Identify and correctly use core makeup tools and cosmetic product categories—including primers, foundations, setting products, eye products, lip products, and blush—selecting formulations appropriate to client skin type. Document each lab service in a client record with product names, shades, technique notes, and any client reactions, producing a complete lab log across all practice sessions.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Color Theory, Skin Tone Analysis, and Product Families | 10 | theory | Students will explain the color wheel, warm and cool undertones, and the function of each cosmetic product family well enough to answer application scenario questions at 75 percent accuracy. |
| Color wheel poster and handout, fabric swatches in gold and silver, collection of tester foundations in at least 10 shades, cosmetic sample kit, CIDESCO Study Guide (makeup chapter), state board-approved textbook (e.g., Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, current edition), student notebooks, structured undertone worksheet | 10-question written quiz on color theory and product families; pass mark 75 percent (8/10 correct). Instructor also reviews completed undertone worksheet for accuracy of tone classification. |
| 2 | Sanitation, Safety, and Scope of Practice for Makeup Services | 6 | theory | Students will demonstrate correct sanitizing, disinfecting, and single-use procedures for makeup tools and identify at least five contraindications that require service modification or referral, scoring 100 percent on the safety check. |
| State board regulation booklet (current edition), disinfectant solution approved to state board standard, metal spatulas, disposable mascara wands, lip brushes and eye shadow applicators, clean palette tiles, brush cleaning solution, printed contraindication case-study handout, sanitation checklist | Sanitation checklist observation: all steps performed correctly with zero critical errors (using unclean tool on client, double-dipping, applying product directly from container to face) = pass; any critical error = automatic fail requiring repeat before lab access is granted. |
| 3 | Client Consultation and Foundation Application Techniques | 12 | demo | Students will complete a structured client consultation and apply foundation and concealer to achieve an even, matched, and blended finish on a live model that the instructor scores at 75 percent or above on the application rubric. |
| Client intake/consultation forms, skin-type reference card, foundation kit (at least 12 shades, range of undertones and depths), concealers, color-correcting concealers, primer assortment, foundation brushes, beauty blenders/sponges, setting powder, hand mirrors, cape/drape, completed state-board-style service record cards, Milady textbook chapters on makeup | Instructor scores foundation and concealer application on the 10-point rubric; pass is 75 percent (8/10). Consultation form must be fully completed with no blank required fields; incomplete form = redo before credit is recorded. |
| 4 | Eye, Cheek, and Lip Design: Technique and Facial Feature Mapping | 14 | practice | Students will execute eye, cheek, and lip applications appropriate to the client's facial features, demonstrating balanced color placement and blending that scores at or above 75 percent on the integrated technique rubric. |
| Eye shadow palettes (neutral and color), blending brushes (flat shader, fluffy blending, liner), brow products (pencil and powder), blush, bronzer, highlighter, lip liner and lipstick assortment, face chart printed diagrams, mannequin heads, live models (classmates), service record cards, timer, 20-point integrated technique rubric, CIDESCO makeup competency outline | Integrated technique rubric score: pass is 75 percent (15/20 points). Instructor checks symmetry, blending, proportion, and appropriate product choice. Service record card must be complete and match products actually used; discrepancies require correction before the grade is recorded. |
| 5 | Special Populations, Occasion Makeup, and Portfolio Build | 6 | lab | Students will adapt makeup applications for mature skin, hyperpigmentation, and a formal occasion look, documenting each service in a lab log entry that earns a complete rating from the instructor. |
| Lightweight luminous foundations, hydrating primers, satin and cream finishes, minimal-fallout setting sprays, bridal and evening makeup reference images, digital camera or phone for before/after photos, lab log binders, printed log entry templates, tape or glue sticks for photo attachment, Milady textbook chapter on specialized makeup | Lab log completeness check: each of at least six service entries must include date, client scenario, products and shades used, technique notes, before/after photo, and self-evaluation paragraph. Entries missing any required field are rated incomplete and must be corrected before the course assessment is submitted. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makeup Theory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75 percent (38 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question written exam covering color theory, undertone identification, product families and ingredients, contraindications, sanitation rules, client consultation process, and facial feature mapping, aligned to state esthetician licensing written exam content areas and CIDESCO makeup theory objectives. Students receive a question-by-question topic breakdown so any failing area can be targeted before the certification exam preparation course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Full-Face Makeup Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 75 percent on the 40-point rubric, with zero critical sanitation errors | Students complete a timed 50-minute full-face makeup service on a live model, beginning with a verbal client consultation and ending with client release, documenting the service record throughout. The instructor scores the application on a 40-point rubric assessing shade match, blending, symmetry, product selection for skin type, and professional client interaction; any critical sanitation breach (e.g., applying product directly from container, reusing a single-use applicator) results in automatic failure of this assessment regardless of the rubric score. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All required entries rated Complete; at least 75 percent of self-evaluations rated Substantive by instructor | Students submit their accumulated lab log containing a minimum of six dated service entries from lessons 3 through 5, each including client scenario or model name, all products and shades used, technique notes, before/after photographs, and a written self-evaluation. The instructor rates each entry as Complete or Incomplete and each self-evaluation as Substantive (identifies a specific strength and a specific improvement action) or General (vague); students may revise and resubmit Incomplete or General entries once within five business days. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Makeup Station Sanitation Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100 percent; zero critical errors permitted | Before being cleared to perform live-model services, each student must demonstrate a full station setup and takedown including product decanting, applicator selection, disinfectant use, and disposal of single-use items while an instructor observes against a printed critical-step checklist. Any single critical error—defined as a procedure that would create a realistic risk of cross-contamination or infection for a client—results in immediate failure; the student must receive remedial instruction and pass a repeat check before proceeding to graded live-model work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HLT-ESTH34-06 Trade course
Spa Protocols: Body Treatments, Hydrotherapy & Wellness Services
48 hr · $690 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the theory, setup, and hands-on execution of professional spa body treatments including wraps, scrubs, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy services, integrating client consultation, draping, and sanitation throughout. Lessons address the physiological effects of heat, cold, and botanical ingredients on the skin and body, with emphasis on contraindication screening and scope-of-practice boundaries. Course outcomes map directly to the CIDESCO examination domains covering body treatments and wellness, and reinforce the sanitation and client-safety standards tested on the state esthetician licensing exam.
Outcomes- Perform a complete client intake and contraindication screening for spa body services, documenting findings accurately on a consultation form.
- Execute at least three distinct body treatment protocols—including a dry body scrub, a body wrap, and a basic hydrotherapy application—using correct draping, product application, and timing.
- Explain the physiological rationale for heat, cold, and osmotic effects used in body treatments and correlate them to expected client responses.
- Set up, sanitize, and break down a spa treatment room and all equipment in compliance with state board infection-control rules and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards.
- Identify contraindications that require referral to a licensed healthcare provider and communicate those limits within esthetician scope of practice.
- Document each treatment service in a client record, noting products, timing, client response, and any adverse reactions, meeting the record-keeping standard expected by the state licensing board.
Course text
Students learn the theory, setup, and hands-on execution of professional spa body treatments including wraps, scrubs, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy services, integrating client consultation, draping, and sanitation throughout. Lessons address the physiological effects of heat, cold, and botanical ingredients on the skin and body, with emphasis on contraindication screening and scope-of-practice boundaries. Course outcomes map directly to the CIDESCO examination domains covering body treatments and wellness, and reinforce the sanitation and client-safety standards tested on the state esthetician licensing exam.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Spa Science: Skin Physiology, Ingredient Families, and Contraindication Screening; Room Setup, Sanitation, and Draping for Spa Body Services; Exfoliation Protocols: Dry Brush, Salt/Sugar Scrubs, and Enzyme Treatments; Body Wraps, Masks, and Hydrotherapy Applications; Aromatherapy Integration, Retail Recommendation, and Spa Service Sequence Planning.
What competent looks like. Perform a complete client intake and contraindication screening for spa body services, documenting findings accurately on a consultation form. Execute at least three distinct body treatment protocols—including a dry body scrub, a body wrap, and a basic hydrotherapy application—using correct draping, product application, and timing. Explain the physiological rationale for heat, cold, and osmotic effects used in body treatments and correlate them to expected client responses. Set up, sanitize, and break down a spa treatment room and all equipment in compliance with state board infection-control rules and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards. Identify contraindications that require referral to a licensed healthcare provider and communicate those limits within esthetician scope of practice. Document each treatment service in a client record, noting products, timing, client response, and any adverse reactions, meeting the record-keeping standard expected by the state licensing board.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spa Science: Skin Physiology, Ingredient Families, and Contraindication Screening | 10 | theory | Given a client intake scenario, the student will correctly identify the physiological mechanism of at least four treatment categories (exfoliation, heat, cold, osmosis/herbal) and screen for contraindications with 100% accuracy on two case studies. |
| Whiteboard and markers, printed skin-anatomy diagrams, ingredient-card deck (instructor-prepared), blank client intake/consultation forms, Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition), CIDESCO study guide body-treatments chapter, state board infection-control rules printout | Students complete a 20-question written quiz on physiology, ingredient mechanisms, and contraindication screening; pass mark is 75%. The instructor also reviews each student's annotated intake form from the role-play for correct contraindication flagging—all absolute contraindications must be correctly identified to pass. |
| 2 | Room Setup, Sanitation, and Draping for Spa Body Services | 8 | demo | The student will set up a spa treatment room, select and sanitize all required equipment, and demonstrate proper full-body draping for a body wrap protocol, meeting state board infection-control standards with no critical errors. |
| Spa treatment table, fitted and flat linens, large wrap sheets or Mylar blankets, product bowls, natural-bristle body brushes, EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant solution, disposable gloves and mask, sanitation log sheets, state board infection-control guidelines, Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals | Instructor uses a 15-point setup-and-sanitation checklist (from the state board practical rubric); students must score 13/15 or higher, with zero critical errors in the sanitation steps, to pass. |
| 3 | Exfoliation Protocols: Dry Brush, Salt/Sugar Scrubs, and Enzyme Treatments | 12 | practice | The student will perform a complete back and limb exfoliation service—including consultation, dry brushing, manual scrub application, and product removal—using correct pressure, directional strokes, and timing, achieving a passing score on the skills rubric. |
| Spa treatment table, linens, natural-bristle dry brushes (one per student), pre-mixed sea-salt and sugar scrubs, carrier oils, warm towel cabbie, measuring scale and cups, disposable gloves, post-service client record forms, Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, CIDESCO body-treatment study materials | Instructor evaluates each student's service using a 20-point skills rubric covering consultation, setup, stroke technique, timing, and removal; pass mark is 15/20. The completed client record must include all required fields to be marked complete. |
| 4 | Body Wraps, Masks, and Hydrotherapy Applications | 12 | lab | The student will independently design and perform a targeted body wrap or mask service—including a seaweed, clay, or herbal wrap—and, where equipment is available, demonstrate safe operation of a hydrotherapy element such as a Vichy shower or warm foot bath, documenting the full service in a client record. |
| Spa treatment table, Mylar or thermal wrap blankets, linens, seaweed powder and clay products, mixing bowls and spatulas, body-treatment brushes, warm towel cabbie, digital thermometer, foot bath basin or Vichy shower (if available), measuring tools, client record forms, CIDESCO body-treatment chapter, Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals | Instructor scores each full wrap service on a 25-point rubric (consultation, product prep, application, timing, removal, draping/client comfort, and documentation); pass mark is 19/25. The protocol card and client record must both be submitted and complete. |
| 5 | Aromatherapy Integration, Retail Recommendation, and Spa Service Sequence Planning | 6 | practice | The student will build a two-service spa treatment plan for a given client profile—selecting aromatherapy blends within esthetician scope, sequencing services logically, and making documented retail product recommendations—earning a passing score on the treatment-plan rubric. |
| Printed essential oil reference chart (instructor-prepared, citing National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy safety guidelines), printed client profile cards, blank treatment-plan forms, retail product brochures or ingredient labels from spa product lines used in the program, whiteboard for group debrief, CIDESCO study materials | Instructor evaluates each written treatment plan on a 15-point rubric (service rationale, correct sequencing, aromatherapy selection within scope, retail recommendation quality, and client communication language); pass mark is 11/15. Any plan that recommends a service or oil application outside esthetician scope of practice automatically requires revision before a passing mark is awarded. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Protocols Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (15/20 questions correct) | A 20-question closed-book exam covering the physiological effects of body treatment modalities, ingredient category functions, contraindication identification, infection-control rules, and aromatherapy basics as tested on the state esthetician licensing written exam and mapped to CIDESCO body-treatment content domains. Questions include multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer items drawn from course lessons and Milady's Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Full Spa Service Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 19/25 points on the rubric; zero critical safety or scope-of-practice errors | Each student performs a complete 50-minute spa body service on a peer model, selected by the instructor from the protocols practiced in the course (scrub, wrap, or mask); the student conducts the intake, sets up the room, executes the full service with correct draping and product application, and breaks down the room to sanitation standards. The instructor scores the service using the 25-point practical rubric aligned to state board practical exam criteria and CIDESCO body-treatment competencies. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Spa Service Lab Log | Log | 15% | All five required service records submitted and complete; no missing required fields | Students maintain a cumulative lab log containing a completed client record for each of the five core service types practiced during the course (dry scrub, full-body wrap or mask, hydrotherapy application, aromatherapy-integrated service, and the skills-demo service); each record must document client profile, products and measurements used, service timing, observed skin response, retail recommendations made, and any contraindications or adverse reactions noted. The log is reviewed by the instructor at the end of the course and must be fully complete to pass. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Infection Control and Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 13/15 checklist points; zero critical errors in disinfection steps | Without advance notice, the instructor observes the student set up and break down a treatment station, including mixing and applying disinfectant solution at correct concentration, disposing of single-use items, storing clean tools, and completing the sanitation log; the observation uses the 15-point state-board-aligned sanitation checklist. Any failure to disinfect a surface or tool that contacts the client, or any omission of personal protective equipment where required, counts as a critical error and requires an immediate remediation repeat. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
HLT-ESTH34-07 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated Esthetics Portfolio and Client Service Defense
72 hr · $720 COMPLIMENTARY
Students synthesize every prior course by designing, executing, and documenting a complete multi-service client experience that meets professional and regulatory standards. Each student produces a written treatment plan, performs the live services on a model, compiles a professional portfolio, and defends their clinical and business decisions before a panel. This course prepares students for the real-world demands evaluated by state licensing boards and reinforces the international standards assessed by CIDESCO.
Outcomes- Design a complete, individualized client treatment plan—including intake, skin analysis, facial, waxing, spa body protocol, and makeup application—that complies with state scope-of-practice rules and contraindication screening standards.
- Execute the planned multi-service sequence on a live model within a realistic timed framework, demonstrating correct sanitation, draping, product selection, and technique for each service.
- Produce a professional written portfolio containing a client consultation card, skin analysis documentation, service rationale, product ingredient justifications, before-and-after photographs, and a self-evaluation using industry rubrics.
- Apply trade math skills—including product dilution calculations, timing schedules, and retail markup—within the project documentation to demonstrate professional business readiness.
- Identify and verbally explain at least three decision points during the services where safety, contraindications, or scope-of-practice concerns influenced the treatment plan, citing applicable professional standards.
- Receive a passing evaluator score on a standardized practical rubric and successfully defend the project in an oral examination, demonstrating readiness for state board practical and CIDESCO examination criteria.
Course text
Students synthesize every prior course by designing, executing, and documenting a complete multi-service client experience that meets professional and regulatory standards. Each student produces a written treatment plan, performs the live services on a model, compiles a professional portfolio, and defends their clinical and business decisions before a panel. This course prepares students for the real-world demands evaluated by state licensing boards and reinforces the international standards assessed by CIDESCO.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Capstone Planning: Client Intake, Skin Analysis, and Integrated Treatment Design; Capstone Execution: Live Multi-Service Performance on Model; Portfolio Assembly: Documentation, Reflection, and Professional Presentation; Capstone Defense: Oral Examination and Professional Q&A Panel.
What competent looks like. Design a complete, individualized client treatment plan—including intake, skin analysis, facial, waxing, spa body protocol, and makeup application—that complies with state scope-of-practice rules and contraindication screening standards. Execute the planned multi-service sequence on a live model within a realistic timed framework, demonstrating correct sanitation, draping, product selection, and technique for each service. Produce a professional written portfolio containing a client consultation card, skin analysis documentation, service rationale, product ingredient justifications, before-and-after photographs, and a self-evaluation using industry rubrics. Apply trade math skills—including product dilution calculations, timing schedules, and retail markup—within the project documentation to demonstrate professional business readiness. Identify and verbally explain at least three decision points during the services where safety, contraindications, or scope-of-practice concerns influenced the treatment plan, citing applicable professional standards. Receive a passing evaluator score on a standardized practical rubric and successfully defend the project in an oral examination, demonstrating readiness for state board practical and CIDESCO examination criteria.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capstone Planning: Client Intake, Skin Analysis, and Integrated Treatment Design | 18 | lab | Students construct a complete, written multi-service treatment plan for a real model, integrating skin analysis findings, contraindication screening, and sequencing logic that reflects all prior coursework. |
| Client intake and health-history forms, skin analysis worksheet, Fitzpatrick scale reference chart, magnifying lamp with ring light, Woods lamp, product ingredient datasheets, MSDS/SDS binder, state board practical skills checklist, approved esthetics textbook (e.g., Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals or equivalent), calculator, laptop or tablet for typed documentation. | Instructor reviews the written treatment plan against a 20-point rubric covering completeness of intake, accuracy of skin analysis classification, contraindication identification, logical service sequencing, ingredient rationale, and math accuracy. Pass mark: 75/100 on rubric; all contraindications correctly identified and documented; math calculations within 5% of correct answer. |
| 2 | Capstone Execution: Live Multi-Service Performance on Model | 30 | practice | Students perform the full planned service sequence—facial, waxing, spa protocol, and makeup application—on a live model with correct sanitation, technique, timing, and client communication throughout. |
| Fully stocked esthetics treatment table with clean linens; facial steamer; magnifying lamp; professional-grade facial, waxing, body, and makeup product lines used in prior coursework; single-use applicators, waxing strips, muslin rolls, spatulas; disinfectant solution and wet sanitizer; hand sanitizer; disposable gloves; state board practical evaluation form; timing device; camera or smartphone with consent form; homecare recommendation handout template. | Instructor and a second evaluator score the live performance on the program's standardized practical rubric (100 points), which mirrors state board practical exam categories: sanitation and safety (25 pts), client communication and draping (10 pts), facial technique (25 pts), waxing technique (15 pts), spa/finishing treatment (10 pts), makeup application (10 pts), station breakdown (5 pts). Pass mark: 75/100 with no critical safety failures; any single critical safety failure (e.g., product applied to contraindicated area, cross-contamination) requires repeat of that service segment. |
| 3 | Portfolio Assembly: Documentation, Reflection, and Professional Presentation | 12 | theory | Students compile a complete professional portfolio that organizes all capstone documentation and includes a written self-evaluation benchmarked against state board and CIDESCO competency areas. |
| Portfolio checklist, program portfolio rubric, binder or digital portfolio platform (as specified by program), sample professional portfolio examples, state board candidate information bulletin (applicable state), CIDESCO curriculum competency list, word-processing software, printer or PDF export tool. | Instructor grades the portfolio on a 50-point rubric: completeness of required sections (20 pts), accuracy and depth of product/ingredient rationale (10 pts), correctness of trade-math work (10 pts), quality and insight of self-evaluation including credential-domain mapping (10 pts). Pass mark: 38/50; all required sections present; self-evaluation explicitly references at least three state licensing exam competency areas and at least one CIDESCO domain. |
| 4 | Capstone Defense: Oral Examination and Professional Q&A Panel | 12 | field | Students verbally defend their treatment decisions, safety reasoning, and professional knowledge before a two-person panel, demonstrating oral communication skills and readiness for credentialing examinations. |
| Completed capstone portfolio (student's own copy), panel scoring rubric, standardized question bank (held by instructors), timer, professional attire per program dress code. | Each panelist scores the defense independently on a 50-point rubric: verbal overview clarity and completeness (10 pts), sanitation and infection-control response (10 pts), skin science and product chemistry response (10 pts), scope-of-practice and ethics response (10 pts), business/math response (10 pts); scores are averaged. Pass mark: 38/50 averaged across both panelists; any response that includes an unsafe recommendation (e.g., performing a service beyond esthetics scope) requires a remediation session and repeat of that question domain before the student advances. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Capstone Project (Live Service + Documentation) | Project | 60% | 75/100 on the practical performance rubric with no critical safety failures; 38/50 on the portfolio rubric; trade-math calculations within 5% of correct answers. | The student performs a complete, documented multi-service sequence on a live model and submits the accompanying written treatment plan, service record, product rationale, math work, consent forms, and photographs as a unified project package. Evaluators assess both the quality of clinical execution and the depth and accuracy of the supporting documentation, mirroring the integrated competency standards expected for state licensure and CIDESCO examination. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Professional Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | 38/50 on the portfolio rubric; all required sections present and complete; self-evaluation explicitly maps to at least three state licensing exam competency domains and at least one CIDESCO curriculum area. | The portfolio compiles every required document from the capstone project into a professionally organized submission that demonstrates the student's ability to maintain accurate client records, justify clinical decisions in writing, perform trade math, and reflect critically on their own competency development. It serves as evidence of readiness for both the state board examination and CIDESCO's documentation standards, and as a career artifact the student may present to future employers. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense Examination | Oral / panel | 20% | Average score of 38/50 across both panelists; no unsafe clinical recommendations in any response; required remediation and re-examination of any domain containing an unsafe answer before program advancement. | In a 20-to-30-minute structured panel examination, the student delivers a verbal overview of the capstone project and answers standardized questions across four professional domains—sanitation and infection control, skin science and product chemistry, scope of practice and ethics, and business math. The defense assesses the verbal communication skills and depth of integrated knowledge that state board oral and written examinations and CIDESCO oral assessments require. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
HLT-ESTH34-08 Externship / clinical
Clinical Practicum: Supervised Esthetics Externship
108 hr · $430 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 108 supervised hours at an approved spa, salon, or clinical skin-care facility, applying all program competencies—skin analysis, facials, waxing, makeup, and spa protocols—on real paying clients under a licensed esthetician preceptor. Hours and documented client encounters fulfill the practical-experience component required by most state licensing boards before candidates may sit the state esthetician licensure examination. Performance is evaluated against both state board practical standards and CIDESCO client-care competencies.
Outcomes- Perform a complete client intake, contraindication screening, and written skin analysis on a minimum of 20 clients with no critical safety errors, meeting state board practical standards.
- Execute facials, chemical exfoliation, waxing, makeup application, and at least one spa body protocol on real clients, demonstrating correct product selection, sanitation, and draping throughout each service.
- Apply infection-control, OSHA bloodborne-pathogen, and facility emergency procedures correctly on every shift, as confirmed by preceptor observation.
- Document each client service in a professional record including intake form, treatment plan, retail recommendations, and SOAP-style progress notes, maintaining confidentiality consistent with applicable privacy standards.
- Receive a satisfactory or above rating on all six domains of the employer evaluation rubric, demonstrating professional conduct, time management, client communication, and technical skill.
- Accumulate the minimum clock hours required by the state licensing board for externship or practical experience, as recorded on official facility time logs countersigned by the supervising licensed esthetician.
Course text
Students complete 108 supervised hours at an approved spa, salon, or clinical skin-care facility, applying all program competencies—skin analysis, facials, waxing, makeup, and spa protocols—on real paying clients under a licensed esthetician preceptor. Hours and documented client encounters fulfill the practical-experience component required by most state licensing boards before candidates may sit the state esthetician licensure examination. Performance is evaluated against both state board practical standards and CIDESCO client-care competencies.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Externship Orientation: Site Protocols, Safety Compliance, and Professional Conduct Standards; Supervised Client Services: Skin Analysis, Facials, and Chemical Exfoliation; Supervised Client Services: Waxing, Makeup, and Spa Body Protocols; Hour Verification, Employer Evaluation, and Practicum Portfolio Completion.
What competent looks like. Perform a complete client intake, contraindication screening, and written skin analysis on a minimum of 20 clients with no critical safety errors, meeting state board practical standards. Execute facials, chemical exfoliation, waxing, makeup application, and at least one spa body protocol on real clients, demonstrating correct product selection, sanitation, and draping throughout each service. Apply infection-control, OSHA bloodborne-pathogen, and facility emergency procedures correctly on every shift, as confirmed by preceptor observation. Document each client service in a professional record including intake form, treatment plan, retail recommendations, and SOAP-style progress notes, maintaining confidentiality consistent with applicable privacy standards. Receive a satisfactory or above rating on all six domains of the employer evaluation rubric, demonstrating professional conduct, time management, client communication, and technical skill. Accumulate the minimum clock hours required by the state licensing board for externship or practical experience, as recorded on official facility time logs countersigned by the supervising licensed esthetician.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Externship Orientation: Site Protocols, Safety Compliance, and Professional Conduct Standards | 12 | field | Given the externship facility's policies and applicable state board rules, the student will correctly complete all required onboarding documentation, demonstrate the facility's infection-control and emergency procedures, and articulate scope-of-practice boundaries with no critical omissions. |
| State board externship agreement form, facility policy manual, SDS binder, student practicum journal, official hour-log forms, facility's client intake/consent forms, state esthetician scope-of-practice reference card | Preceptor signs off that all onboarding documents are complete and accurate; student scores 100% on the 10-item site-safety checklist; any critical safety omission requires repeat of the orientation day before client contact is permitted. |
| 2 | Supervised Client Services: Skin Analysis, Facials, and Chemical Exfoliation | 42 | field | Under direct preceptor supervision, the student will perform client intake, Fitzpatrick-scale skin analysis, and a customized facial or enzyme/light chemical exfoliation treatment on a minimum of 14 clients, meeting facility service-time standards and receiving no adverse-event reports. |
| Facial steamer, magnifying lamp, Woods lamp, galvanic/high-frequency units (if available on site), approved enzyme and chemical exfoliant products, treatment table with proper draping linens, client intake and SOAP note forms, preceptor observation rubric | Preceptor rates each observed facial service using the 6-domain rubric (safety/sanitation, skin analysis accuracy, technique, client communication, time management, documentation); student must score Satisfactory or above on all domains for at least 80% of observed services; zero tolerance for unaddressed contraindications. |
| 3 | Supervised Client Services: Waxing, Makeup, and Spa Body Protocols | 42 | field | Under preceptor supervision, the student will perform waxing, makeup application, and at least one spa body treatment on a minimum of 14 clients, applying correct sanitation, draping, and client-communication techniques with no double-dipping violations and no client injury reports. |
| Hard and soft wax warmers, non-woven strips, wooden applicators, post-wax soothing products, professional makeup kit with disposable applicators, foundation shade-matching swatches, spa body treatment products (scrubs, wraps, or facility-specific protocols), treatment table, linens, preceptor observation rubric | Preceptor documents at least two direct observations per service category (waxing, makeup, body protocol) using the 6-domain rubric; student must achieve Satisfactory or above on all domains in at least 80% of observed services; zero tolerance for double-dipping or failure to screen contraindications before waxing. |
| 4 | Hour Verification, Employer Evaluation, and Practicum Portfolio Completion | 12 | field | By the final externship day, the student will compile a complete practicum portfolio—including all countersigned hour logs, a minimum of 20 client service records, the completed employer evaluation form, and a written self-reflection—and confirm that total documented hours meet the state board's externship requirement. |
| Official state board hour-log forms, employer evaluation rubric (6-domain), redacted client record samples, practicum portfolio binder or digital folder, program coordinator submission checklist, state board externship documentation requirements reference | Program coordinator verifies: total logged hours meet or exceed state board externship minimum, all logs are countersigned, employer evaluation is complete with preceptor signature, at least 20 client service records are present and properly documented, self-reflection meets the 300-word minimum; any missing element must be resolved before the student advances to Course 9. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Clinical Evaluation | Clinical evaluation | 70% | Satisfactory or above on all six domains (Safety & Sanitation, Skin Analysis & Contraindication Screening, Technical Skill & Service Execution, Client Communication & Professionalism, Time Management, Documentation Quality); a rating of Unsatisfactory on any single domain requires a documented remediation plan and re-evaluation before credit is awarded. | The supervising licensed esthetician at the externship site completes the program's standardized 6-domain rubric at the midpoint and again at the conclusion of the externship, rating the student's performance across every service category delivered during the placement. Scores from both evaluations are averaged, and the final completed form with the preceptor's signature is submitted as the primary clinical_eval record confirming workplace competency. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Practicum Hour Log and Service Record Portfolio | Log | 30% | 100% of required hour logs countersigned by the supervising licensed esthetician, total hours meeting the state board externship minimum, a minimum of 20 complete and properly documented client service records (with client names redacted for privacy), completed employer evaluation form, and a self-reflection essay of at least 300 words; any missing or unsigned document results in an Incomplete until corrected. | The student compiles a practicum portfolio containing all official time logs, a representative sample of client SOAP-format service records demonstrating documentation quality across all service categories, the signed employer evaluation, and a written self-reflection addressing technical development and scope-of-practice decisions. The portfolio serves as the lab_log evidence of hours and competencies and is reviewed by the program coordinator before the student is cleared to enroll in Course 9. Complete · Verified |
HLT-ESTH34-09 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: State Esthetics License & CIDESCO
30 hr · $300 COMPLIMENTARY
This course systematically reviews every domain tested on the state esthetician licensing examination and the CIDESCO international diploma assessment, using spaced repetition, timed drills, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps, practice both written and practical performance components under exam conditions, and build the test-taking confidence and professional poise needed to pass on the first attempt.
Outcomes- Correctly answer state licensing written exam practice questions across all tested domains—including skin science, sanitation, safety, and services—at a rate of 75% or higher on timed mock exams.
- Demonstrate practical skills in facial, waxing, and makeup services to the performance standard required by the state practical examination, receiving a passing evaluator score on a full mock practical.
- Accurately recall and apply infection-control, OSHA, and chemical-safety regulations as tested on both the state and CIDESCO written assessments.
- Map the CIDESCO diploma subject areas—anatomy and physiology, cosmetic science, business management, and international protocols—to coursework completed and answer CIDESCO-style questions at a passing benchmark.
- Construct and execute a personal study plan that allocates review time by domain weight, incorporates practice testing, and addresses individually identified weak areas before the credential exam date.
- Manage examination logistics—application deadlines, identification requirements, permitted materials, and time allocation per section—so that no procedural error prevents licensure.
Course text
This course systematically reviews every domain tested on the state esthetician licensing examination and the CIDESCO international diploma assessment, using spaced repetition, timed drills, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps, practice both written and practical performance components under exam conditions, and build the test-taking confidence and professional poise needed to pass on the first attempt.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Exam Landscape, Study Planning & Infection-Control / Safety Domain Review; Written Exam Review: Skin Science, Facials, Waxing, Makeup & Spa Protocols; Practical Exam Simulation: Facial, Waxing & Makeup Performance Under Exam Conditions; Full-Length Mock Certification Exam: Written & Practical.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer state licensing written exam practice questions across all tested domains—including skin science, sanitation, safety, and services—at a rate of 75% or higher on timed mock exams. Demonstrate practical skills in facial, waxing, and makeup services to the performance standard required by the state practical examination, receiving a passing evaluator score on a full mock practical. Accurately recall and apply infection-control, OSHA, and chemical-safety regulations as tested on both the state and CIDESCO written assessments. Map the CIDESCO diploma subject areas—anatomy and physiology, cosmetic science, business management, and international protocols—to coursework completed and answer CIDESCO-style questions at a passing benchmark. Construct and execute a personal study plan that allocates review time by domain weight, incorporates practice testing, and addresses individually identified weak areas before the credential exam date. Manage examination logistics—application deadlines, identification requirements, permitted materials, and time allocation per section—so that no procedural error prevents licensure.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exam Landscape, Study Planning & Infection-Control / Safety Domain Review | 7 | theory | Students will accurately describe the structure, format, and domain weights of both the state esthetician written examination and the CIDESCO written assessment, and will answer infection-control, OSHA, and chemical-safety practice questions at 75% or higher on a domain quiz. |
| State cosmetology/esthetics board candidate information bulletin (current edition); CIDESCO examination syllabus; Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition) chapters on infection control and safety; Pivot Point Esthetics reference text; printed SDS samples; domain-drill question bank (instructor-prepared, 40 questions); personal study-plan template; highlighters. | Students score 75% or higher on the 40-question infection-control and safety domain drill; study plan reviewed by instructor and signed off as complete and realistic before lesson ends. Students scoring below 75% complete a targeted 15-question remediation set and must reach 75% before advancing. |
| 2 | Written Exam Review: Skin Science, Facials, Waxing, Makeup & Spa Protocols | 8 | theory | Students will answer written practice questions across the skin science, facial, waxing, makeup, and spa-protocol content domains at 75% or higher per domain on a cumulative timed quiz, demonstrating readiness for the state written examination. |
| Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (current edition); CIDESCO study guide; domain-specific question banks for each of the five service areas (15 questions each, instructor-prepared); anatomy and cosmetic-chemistry worksheet; error-analysis journal booklet; whiteboard and markers for group debrief. | Each of the five 15-question station quizzes is scored individually; passing benchmark is 75% per domain (11/15 correct). Students below 75% in any domain are flagged for targeted review during the study-plan time outside class. Instructor reviews error-analysis journals for conceptual accuracy and provides written feedback within 48 hours. |
| 3 | Practical Exam Simulation: Facial, Waxing & Makeup Performance Under Exam Conditions | 9 | practice | Students will perform a complete state practical examination sequence—including pre-service sanitation setup, a facial service, a waxing application and removal, and a makeup application—within the time limits and to the performance criteria specified in the state examination rubric, earning a passing score from a peer evaluator using that rubric. |
| State practical examination performance rubric (current edition, one copy per student pair); facial bed or treatment chair; clean linens and draping supplies; disinfected implements (tweezers, comedone extractor, fan brush, spatula); hard or soft wax unit and appropriate wax; strip cloth or muslin; facial products appropriate to demonstrated skin type; makeup brushes and palettes; mannequin heads or live models (with signed release); stopwatch or exam-condition timer; disposable gloves; peer-evaluator rubric packets. | Peer evaluator marks each step on the state practical rubric; passing standard is no critical-fail items and at least 75% of scored steps marked satisfactory. Instructor independently evaluates the same performance and reconciles any discrepancy. Students with any critical-fail item must repeat that procedure to standard before the mock exam in Lesson 4. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Certification Exam: Written & Practical | 6 | lab | Students will complete a timed, full-length simulated written examination followed by a practical performance examination administered under conditions replicating the actual state esthetician licensing exam, earning a passing score of 75% or higher on the written component and no critical-fail items on the practical, and will articulate a personal remediation plan for any domain scored below passing. |
| Full-length written mock examination (instructor-prepared, current-edition content outline mapped, minimum 100 questions); answer sheets; answer key with domain-tagged explanations; official state practical examination rubric; treatment room set to state board specification; all practical supplies from Lesson 3; CIDESCO practical-component checklist; score-report template; individual conference scoring summary form; candidate logistics checklist (application status, approved ID, permitted materials list from board bulletin). | Passing standard for the written mock exam is 75% overall with domain subscores recorded for advisement. Passing standard for the practical mock is no critical-fail items and 75% of scored steps marked satisfactory. Students meeting both standards are documented as mock-exam ready. Students below either threshold receive a written remediation plan with specific resources and are encouraged to schedule an additional practice session with the instructor before their board date. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Mock Certification Exam (Written & Practical) | Mock certification exam | 100% | 75% or higher on the written component (overall score) and no critical-fail items with 75% or more of scored steps satisfactory on the practical component; both components must be passed in the same administration to be considered fully mock-exam ready. | Administered in Lesson 4 under simulated board-exam conditions, this two-part assessment mirrors the actual state esthetician licensing examination in format, timing, and scoring criteria, and incorporates CIDESCO practical and written elements where applicable. Written scores are reported by domain so students and instructor can target any remaining gaps, and practical performance is evaluated against the official state rubric; results drive each student's individualized final study plan before the credentialing exam date. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: CIDESCO; State Esthetician License
Students sit the state esthetician licensing examination required by their state cosmetology or esthetics board, which typically includes a written theory component and a practical skills component. Students also pursue the CIDESCO international diploma examination, administered under the standards of Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Esthetics / Spa · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
