Recommended Certifications for Entry-Level Skincare Specialists

For entry level skincare roles, extra certifications usually matter less than people think. Most places train you on their products and their process anyway, so stacking random certs doesn’t always move the needle.

If you’re going to spend time or money, I’d keep it simple and focus on whatever your state requires and anything basic that signals you’re professional and safe to put in front of clients. Past that, most hiring managers care more about reliability and how you communicate than a long list of add-ons.

What kind of place are you trying to work in: spa, retail skincare, or a medical office? The best “next thing” depends on that.

For entry-level skincare/esthetician roles, the #1 “must-have” is usually your state esthetician license (or a permit/trainee status if your state uses that). Most employers won’t move forward without seeing that you’re licensed and within your state’s scope of practice.

After that, the most helpful add-ons tend to be:

CPR/AED (often preferred, especially in spa environments or anywhere you’re doing more than basic services)
Infection control / bloodborne pathogens training (commonly expected and can help you look job-ready)
Product-line certifications (brands you’ll actually use in a spa/retail setting—these can make you easier to onboard)

“Nice-to-have” credentials (not required for entry level, but can help you stand out over time):

NCEA Certified (voluntary national credential)
CIDESCO (more advanced and often valued in higher-end spa markets)

For advanced modalities (laser/IPL, microneedling, deeper chemical peels), the key is that what you’re allowed to do varies a lot by state, so it’s worth checking your state rules and the job posting’s scope before investing.

If you share your state and the setting you’re aiming for (day spa vs med spa vs dermatology/plastics vs retail), people can give a more specific “best next certification” list.