Updated June 2026

North Dakota Advanced Esthetics Grandfather Provision: Who Qualifies and What You Need

North Dakota’s advanced esthetician license took effect in 2026. Eligible North Dakota estheticians and cosmetologists have a limited grandfather period to qualify through recent supervised experience or Board-approved education before the December 31, 2027 deadline.

Deadline: December 31, 2027 150 Training Hours or 300 Experience Hours North Dakota Board Pathway
Request North Dakota Course Information See the Application Checklist
Jan. 1, 2025 License eligibility date
90 Hours AML-approved didactic contribution
$50 Board application fee
Dec. 31, 2027 Final application deadline
North Dakota Licensing Guide

Key Takeaways for Current Estheticians and Cosmetologists

The North Dakota advanced esthetics grandfather provision recognizes qualifying professionals who were already licensed before the new framework took effect. Applicants must hold an active North Dakota esthetician or cosmetologist license issued on or before January 1, 2025, complete the supporting safety requirements, qualify through one of two pathways, and submit the completed application and fee by December 31, 2027.

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What Changed Who Qualifies Two Pathways Required Certifications AML’s Approved 90 Hours Laser Certification Applicant Checklist FAQs
What Changed in 2026

North Dakota Created a Separate Advanced Esthetician License

Beginning in 2026, North Dakota formally separated advanced esthetics from the standard esthetics license. The Board’s rules identify advanced procedures that require the advanced esthetician credential and, for certain services, additional procedure-specific certification.

The grandfather provision creates a temporary route for eligible North Dakota estheticians and cosmetologists to qualify using recent supervised experience or recent Board-approved training. It does not remove the requirement to obtain the advanced esthetician license or any separate certification required for a specific advanced procedure.

North Dakota Advanced Esthetics Grandfather Provision infographic showing eligibility dates, pathways and deadline
North Dakota Advanced Esthetics Grandfather Provision overview showing the license eligibility date, the two qualification pathways and the 2027 deadline.
Nonablative Laser and IPL Laser certification is separately required before performing these procedures.
Microneedling A separate Board-approved microneedling certification is required.
Advanced Chemical Peels A Board-approved hybrid certification and competency documentation are required.
Lancet Extractions Included within the advanced esthetics scope identified by the Board’s rules.
Modern North Dakota advanced esthetics laser treatment room with professional equipment
Grandfather Eligibility

Who Qualifies for the North Dakota Grandfather Provision?

Applicants must meet the Board’s license-date requirement, complete all four supporting requirements, qualify through supervised experience or approved education, and submit the application on time.

Core Eligibility

Active North Dakota License Hold a current North Dakota esthetician or cosmetologist license.
Licensed by January 1, 2025 The qualifying North Dakota license must have been issued on or before this date.
Complete All Supporting Requirements Safety and infection control, BBP, first aid and CPR, plus qualifying training or experience.
Apply by December 31, 2027 The completed application and required documentation must be submitted by the deadline.

Important Dates

  • January 1, 2025: The applicant’s North Dakota esthetician or cosmetologist license must have been issued on or before this date.
  • January 1, 2026: North Dakota’s advanced esthetics licensing framework took effect.
  • December 31, 2027: Final grandfather application deadline. The Board’s application states that no application will be accepted without the required fee.

Eligibility is determined by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. Applicants should confirm their license history and documentation directly with the Board before relying on the grandfather pathway.

Choose the Correct Route

Experience Path vs. Approved Training Path

Eligible professionals may qualify through either recent supervised clinical experience or recent Board-approved advanced esthetics education. Both pathways require the same supporting safety credentials and the same application deadline.

Pathway A
300

Supervised Clinical Experience Hours

This route is intended for applicants who can document at least 300 actual service hours performing advanced esthetic procedures under the direct supervision and control of a qualifying licensed healthcare provider.

  • Experience must fall within the five years immediately preceding the application.
  • A notarized affidavit from the supervising healthcare provider is required.
  • The affidavit must verify the direct supervision and the actual service hours completed.
  • This route may fit professionals already working in a medically supervised advanced aesthetics setting.
Pathway B
150

Board-Approved Advanced Esthetics Training Hours

This route allows eligible applicants to qualify through 150 hours of Board-approved advanced esthetics training completed within the previous five years.

  • Training may come from more than one approved course.
  • Board rules allow qualifying education through hands-on or distance-learning formats from approved providers.
  • Certificates must show the course hours and completion date.
  • AML Laser Academy’s approved 90 didactic hours may form part of this 150-hour pathway.
Required for Both Pathways

Four Requirements Every Grandfather Applicant Must Document

The official North Dakota application requires proof of all four categories below. Completing only the training or experience pathway is not enough.

4-Hour Safety & Infection Control Completion of a Board-approved four-hour course.
Active OSHA BBP Certification A current bloodborne pathogens certification is required.
Active First Aid and CPR Both first aid and CPR must be current and from a Board-approved recognized certifying body.
Training or Supervised Experience Proof of the selected 150-hour training path or 300-hour supervised experience path.
Where AML Laser Academy Fits

Approved for 90 Didactic Hours Toward the 150-Hour Grandfather Training Pathway

The North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology lists AML Laser Academy’s Advanced Laser Aesthetics Certification as approved for 90 hours toward the 150-hour grandfather education requirement.

The approved AML curriculum provides online didactic education in cosmetic laser and IPL principles, laser physics, skin and hair biology, Fitzpatrick skin typing, indications and contraindications, consultations, safety, infection control, device concepts, documentation and post-treatment care.

Board-Listed Approval The Board specifies that AML’s program is approved for 90 hours toward the 150-hour requirement and does not fully qualify a student for North Dakota laser certification.

AML’s 90 approved hours do not replace the remaining approved hours, required supporting certifications, application, advanced esthetician license, supervised hands-on laser training, or examination required for a separate North Dakota laser certification.

Critical Licensing Distinction

Advanced Esthetician License vs. North Dakota Laser Certification

The grandfather provision is a pathway to the North Dakota advanced esthetician license. It is not, by itself, a complete laser-operator certification. An advanced esthetician seeking to perform nonablative laser or IPL procedures must also complete the separate Board requirements for cosmetic laser certification.

1
Hold the Advanced Esthetician License The license is the foundation for the separate nonablative laser certification process.
2
Complete 40 Didactic Hours Board-approved instruction may be completed in person or through distance learning.
3
Complete 48 Hands-On Hours Supervised live-model or patient training with required procedure experience and competency documentation.
4
Pass the Approved Examination Submit proof of didactic training, clinical training, competency and the Board-approved laser safety examination.

The Board’s rules specify at least 10 laser hair removal procedures, 10 photorejuvenation or IPL skin-rejuvenation procedures, and 10 procedures addressing benign pigmented or vascular lesions within the supervised clinical training. The Board website currently identifies the National Council on Laser Certification examination as required for aesthetic laser operator certifications.

Procedure-Specific Credentials

Additional Certifications for Advanced Procedures

Holding the advanced esthetician license does not automatically authorize every advanced procedure. North Dakota separately identifies certification requirements for laser, microneedling and advanced chemical peels.

Nonablative Laser and IPL Requires the advanced esthetician license plus approved didactic education, supervised hands-on clinical training, competency verification and a Board-approved examination.
Microneedling Requires an active advanced esthetician license and a Board-approved 12-hour certification program that includes didactic and supervised hands-on training.
Advanced Chemical Peels Requires an active advanced esthetician license and a Board-approved eight-hour hybrid certification with supervised hands-on competency.
Prepare Before Applying

North Dakota Grandfather Application Checklist

  • Confirm that your active North Dakota esthetician or cosmetologist license was issued on or before January 1, 2025.
  • Select either the 300-hour supervised experience pathway or the 150-hour Board-approved training pathway.
  • Gather certificates showing the provider, course hours and completion dates for each approved training course.
  • If using Pathway A, obtain the required notarized affidavit from the supervising licensed healthcare provider.
  • Complete a Board-approved four-hour safety and infection control course.
  • Maintain an active OSHA bloodborne pathogens certification.
  • Maintain active first aid and CPR certification from a recognized Board-approved certifying body.
  • Complete the North Dakota Advanced Esthetician Grandfather Provision Application.
  • Include the required $50 application fee and all supporting documentation.
  • Submit the complete application by December 31, 2027.

What Happens If You Miss the December 31, 2027 Deadline?

A North Dakota-licensed cosmetologist or esthetician who does not meet the grandfather requirements or does not apply by the deadline must complete 500 hours of advanced esthetics training in a Board-approved program to obtain the advanced esthetician license.

North Dakota Advanced Esthetics Grandfather Provision timeline with 2025 eligibility date, 2026 rule start, and 2027 deadline
Statewide North Dakota Resource

Advanced Esthetics Requirements Across North Dakota

The same North Dakota Board pathway applies statewide. This guide is intended for eligible estheticians and cosmetologists working in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown and surrounding North Dakota communities.

Fargo Bismarck Grand Forks Minot Williston Dickinson Jamestown
Primary Regulatory Sources

Verify the Current North Dakota Requirements

Forms, approved providers and Board interpretations may change. Use these official sources when preparing an application or planning procedure-specific certification.

Advanced Esthetician Grandfather Provision Application Eligibility date, deadline, application fee, supporting certifications and the two qualification pathways. Open official application → North Dakota Board Rules and Regulations Advanced esthetician scope, grandfather process, 500-hour post-deadline route and procedure-specific certification requirements. Review official rules → North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology Current approved-course listings, Board announcements, application resources and contact information. Visit Board website →
Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota Advanced Esthetics Grandfather Provision FAQ

These answers summarize the current Board application and rules. Applicants should verify their individual eligibility directly with the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.

Who can apply under the North Dakota grandfather provision?

A current North Dakota-licensed esthetician or cosmetologist whose qualifying license was issued on or before January 1, 2025 may apply if all training or experience, safety credentials, documentation and application requirements are completed by December 31, 2027.

What are the two grandfather qualification pathways?

Pathway A requires at least 300 actual service hours under the direct supervision and control of a qualifying licensed healthcare provider within the previous five years. Pathway B requires 150 hours of Board-approved advanced esthetics training completed within the previous five years.

Can the 150 education hours come from more than one course?

Yes. The Board application states that training hours may consist of more than one approved course to reach the full 150 hours. Certificates should show the course hours and completion date.

How does AML Laser Academy fit into the 150-hour pathway?

The Board lists AML Laser Academy’s Advanced Laser Aesthetics Certification as approved for 90 hours toward the 150-hour grandfather requirement. Eligible applicants must still complete the remaining Board-approved hours and every other required licensing step.

Does AML’s 90-hour approval fully qualify me for North Dakota laser certification?

No. The Board specifically notes that AML’s approved 90 didactic hours do not fully qualify a student for North Dakota laser certification. Separate laser requirements include the advanced esthetician license, approved didactic education, supervised hands-on training, competency documentation and an approved examination.

Are first aid and CPR both required?

Yes. The official application requires an active Board-approved first aid and CPR certification, along with an active OSHA bloodborne pathogens certification and a Board-approved four-hour safety and infection control course.

Is there an official application fee?

Yes. The current Board application states that no application will be accepted without the $50 fee. Applicants should verify the amount again when submitting in case the Board updates its fee schedule.

Does the advanced esthetician license automatically authorize laser procedures?

No. North Dakota requires a separate laser certification for nonablative laser and IPL procedures. The Board also has separate certification requirements for microneedling and advanced chemical peels.

What happens after the grandfather deadline?

Applicants who do not meet the grandfather requirements or do not apply by December 31, 2027 must complete 500 hours of advanced esthetics training in a Board-approved program to obtain the advanced esthetician license.

Where should I confirm the latest approved courses and forms?

Confirm current forms, approved providers, examinations and Board interpretations directly through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology website before submitting an application.

Licensing and certification requirements may be amended or interpreted by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. This educational guide does not replace legal advice or an individual eligibility determination from the Board.

Plan Your North Dakota Training Path Before the 2027 Deadline

AML Laser Academy can provide 90 Board-approved didactic hours toward the 150-hour grandfather education pathway. Review your existing hours, supporting certifications and remaining requirements early so you have time to prepare a complete application.

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