Why Colorado Requires 450 In-Person Hours for Esthetician Training
Protecting Students in Denver and Across Colorado
When choosing an esthetics school, it’s important to understand what the state of Colorado legally requires for esthetician training. Unfortunately, not all schools follow the law — and this can have serious consequences for students.
At Elite Aesthetics Academy in Denver, we are committed to transparency and compliance. Here’s what you need to know:
📚 Colorado’s Legal Requirements for Esthetician Training
The state of Colorado mandates that all 600-hour esthetician programs must include:
At least 450 hours completed in-person at a licensed facility
A maximum of 150 hours completed through distance education (online learning)
This means that no esthetics school in Colorado is legally allowed to provide more than 150 hours online. If a school is offering more distance education than allowed — or not requiring students to be in a facility for 450 hours — they are not in compliance with state law.
🚨 Why Prospective Students Should Be Aware
If you attend a school that does not follow these rules, you may:
Be denied licensure by the Colorado state board of cosmetology.
Waste tuition money and time on hours that don’t legally count.
Be required to retake training at a compliant school before sitting for your exams.
Graduate without the real-world, hands-on experience necessary to succeed in esthetics.
The bottom line: enrolling in a school that cuts corners can jeopardize your future career.
🌟 How Elite Aesthetics Academy Protects Students
At Elite Aesthetics Academy in Denver, we strictly follow state requirements. Our esthetician students:
Complete 450 in-person training hours in our professional clinic environment.
Receive up to 150 hours of approved distance education for flexibility and learning reinforcement.
Work directly with live models and guests to gain real-world skills.
Graduate fully prepared — legally, technically, and professionally — to take the state board exam.
🔑 What to Ask Before Enrolling
When researching Denver esthetician training or Colorado esthetician training, ask every school:
How many hours are completed on-site versus online?
Do you guarantee at least 450 in-person hours?
Will my hours qualify me for state board licensure?
If the answer isn’t clear, walk away. Protect your investment and your career by choosing a school that follows the law.
✅ The Takeaway
Colorado esthetics students are required to complete a 600-hour program, with 450 in-person hours and a maximum of 150 online hours. Anything less is not legal — and could cost you your career.
At Elite Aesthetics Academy, we meet and exceed these standards, ensuring that our graduates are fully qualified, licensed, and ready to thrive in the beauty industry.
👉 Ready to begin your Denver esthetician training the right way? Contact us today to learn more about our Colorado state-approved program.
📞 Report Non-Compliant Schools
If you discover or suspect that a school in Colorado is not requiring 450 in-person hours, you should report them to the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS). This protects future students from being misled and ensures schools stay accountable to state standards.
👉 Contact DPOS here to file a report or learn more about Colorado esthetics school requirements.