Which of the following is NOT included as a service fee?

The correct answer highlights that the application processing fee is typically not considered a service fee. In many regulatory frameworks, service fees are charges associated with the provision of ongoing services, such as the operation of a salon or the renewal of licenses, which are aimed at maintaining standards and regulatory compliance.

An instructor license fee, a furnishing papers fee, and a salon renewal fee are all fees that directly relate to the continuous operation and regulatory compliance of esthetic services, as they support the infrastructure necessary for licensed professionals to provide services in a compliant manner. In contrast, an application processing fee is an initial charge for reviewing and adjudicating new applications, rather than a fee for an ongoing service or renewal. Therefore, it stands apart from the other options that directly contribute to operational costs and maintenance of licenses.