Texas Cosmetology License Renewal CE Requirements

Most Texas cosmetology licensees must complete four hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years to renew. The four hours must include one hour of sanitation, one hour of human trafficking awareness, and two hours from approved subject areas. A licensee who has held the Texas license for at least 15 years needs only two hours.^[1]

Steps to complete your CE

1. Determine whether you need four hours or two. The standard requirement is four hours every two years. If you have held your Texas license for at least 15 years, TDLR waives the additional two elective hours, leaving a two-hour requirement.^[1]
2. Complete the mandatory subjects. Every covered licensee must take one hour of sanitation and one hour of human trafficking awareness. For the standard four-hour path, the remaining two hours may cover subjects listed in Rule 83.202, sanitation, Texas barbering and cosmetology law and rules, or mental health awareness.^[1]
3. Use a department-approved course. TDLR requires department-approved continuing education. You cannot receive credit for attending the same course more than once. One CE hour equals 50 minutes of actual instruction.^[1]
4. Finish before renewal and keep proof. The requirement applies every two years for renewal. Your provider must issue a certificate within 15 days, and you must retain it for two years after completion.^[1]
5. Submit the separate license renewal. After completing CE, renew your individual license through TDLR. Course completion alone does not submit the state renewal application.^[2]

For the full step-by-step renewal process, see our Texas cosmetology license renewal guide.

RenewEd CE offers the full four-hour TDLR-approved cosmetology course and reports completion to TDLR within 24 hours after you finish and pay. See the current price on the course page.

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need?

Most licensees need four hours every two years. Licensees who have held the Texas license for at least 15 years need two hours.^[1]

What subjects are mandatory?

One hour of sanitation and one hour of human trafficking awareness are mandatory. Standard-path licensees also need two approved elective hours.^[1]

Can I retake the same course for credit?

No. TDLR does not allow credit for attending the same course more than once.^[1]

Who reports my completion?

The CE provider reports it electronically to TDLR.^[1]

How long must I keep the certificate?

Keep the certificate for two years after completing the course. TDLR may request it during an inspection or investigation.^[1]