Maryland Electrology School and Requirements

In the busy world of beauty and wellness, the demand for skilled electrologists is soaring. In Maryland, all electrologists must be licensed before they can begin work—the technique can be dangerous, and everyone working in the industry must know how to keep themselves and their clients safe.

That being said, electrology is an exciting, rewarding career in which you get to help people feel good about themselves. Browse our directory of electrology schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's electrology licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Can an Electrologist in Maryland Do?

Licensed electrologists specialize in the permanent removal of unwanted hair using electrolysis. All electrologists in Maryland are licensed and governed by the Maryland Board of Nurses. As such, electrology is considered a medical procedure in the state of Maryland.

Electrologists can work in a variety of settings, with many operating as independent professionals in their own private practices. Others work in clinics where other allied health services are provided or in beauty or skincare-focused environments, such as medspas.

How to Become an Electrologist in Maryland

Before you can work as an electrologist in Maryland, you need to gain the appropriate license. To do this, there are a number of board requirements you must meet, such as:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Complete a 600-hour electrology program at a board-approved Maryland school (or an out-of-state equivalent)
• Be of “good moral character”
• Pass theory and clinical exams
• Submit an application
• Submit to a criminal background check
• Pay the relevant fees

Maryland Electrology School Hours and Classes

All electrology programs in Maryland must contain at least 600 training hours, split between 200 theory and 400 clinical hours.

The theoretical part of the program must take place over at least five sessions, with six hours being spent on each of the following subjects:

• History and definition of electrology and related state laws and regulations
• Anatomy of skin and hair
• Physiology of skin and hair
• Bacteriology
• Sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization
• Dermatology
• Neurology
• Cardiovascular system
• Endocrine system
• Hirsutism
• Alternative methods of hair removal
• Contraindications for electrolysis treatments
• Taking patient history
• Professional ethics

Just like the theory portion, the clinical part of your program is also split across various subjects, including (but not limited to):

• State laws and regulations
• Business skills and ethics, including working with clients
• Practical electrology skills
• Recognizing contraindications, adverse reactions, and normal and abnormal healing

Electrology Exam in Maryland

Once you've completed at least 600 training hours in your chosen electrology program, you need to take (and pass!) the theory and clinical exams, as well as a short law exam.

The State Board will contact you once you've completed your studies to let you know you can register for the theory exam. It's administered by Prometric and has been put together by the American Electrology Association (AEA). It's known as the International Board of Electrologist Certification (IBEC) state licensing exam and covers various topics and techniques relevant to the industry.

Once you've passed your theory exam, you must take a clinical exam. This is overseen by the State Board and is split into the following five areas:

• Standard precautions
• Sterilization
• Electrology instruments and techniques
• General knowledge of electrology
• Maryland Electrology Practice and Regulations

A 23-question state law exam also takes place during the clinical test.

To pass each test, you need a score of at least 75%. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can reapply and retake the exams upon payment of a reexamination fee. If you fail twice or more, you may need additional education in areas the board feels necessary.

Applying for and Maintaining Your Maryland Electrology License

Once you've completed your program and passed your exams, you can apply for your electrology license. The application can be found online and must be sent to the State Board along with the following items:

• Copy of your birth certificate or other legal proof of age
• Copy of your high school diploma or equivalent
• Copy of the certificate from each electrology school you attended
• Verification of 600-hour electrology program
• Copy of prior electrology licenses (if applicable)
• Documentation of successful exams in other states (if applicable)
• Check or money order for $200, made payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Application and clinical exam fees
• Recent passport-size photo
• Tracking number from fingerprint receipt or fingerprint card for criminal records check

Every Maryland electrologist must renew their license every two years. To renew, you must also undertake at least 20 hours of board-approved continuing education, which must be completed by Oct. 28 of your renewal year.

How Much Electrologists in Maryland Earn

Gathering accurate salary data for electrologists can be tricky, as official reporting agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) often group the job together with several other similar careers under the umbrella of "skincare specialists." According to the BLS (May 2023), the average salary across all skin care specialists in Maryland is $46,060 per year ($22.15 per hour).

Thankfully, Ziprecruiter.com does offer more specific data, and the figures given are similar to those gathered by the BLS. As of May 2024, the site reports an average salary of $44,265 per year or $21 per hour for electrologists across the state.

Contact the Maryland Board of Nursing