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Illinois Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours & Requirements

Dan Oehler — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:21:40 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against the IDFPR continuing education fact sheet

What does Illinois require to renew?

Illinois cosmetologists must complete 14 hours of continuing education each renewal period: 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention and 13 hours in approved subject areas. Estheticians, nail technicians and hair braiders need 10 hours (1 + 9). You certify on your renewal application that you completed the hours with an IDFPR-approved CE sponsor (or other qualifying provider) within the 2 years before your license expires. You don't send certificates unless IDFPR selects you for a random audit.

Cosmetologists: 14 hours

1 hour of sexual harassment prevention
13 hours in approved subject areas
Teachers: 10 additional hours

Estheticians, nail techs & hair braiders: 10 hours

1 hour of sexual harassment prevention
9 hours in approved subject areas
Teachers: 10 additional hours

One CE hour is at least 50 minutes of actual class time. Teachers' additional 10 hours must be in teaching methodology, educational psychology, classroom management or other teaching-related courses.

Can I complete all my Illinois CE online?

Yes. IDFPR lets you earn all of your required hours through in-person courses, online study courses, or a mix. Online courses from an approved sponsor must include an exam and a way to verify you completed them. Hours only count if they're in an approved subject area: advanced product chemistry, machines and implements, sanitary procedures, hazardous chemicals, exposure minimization, updated use of implements, anatomy of the skin, scalp, hair and nails, human relations and communication skills, or management and marketing.

Sexual harassment prevention training

Every Illinois licensee needs 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training each renewal cycle, completed before you renew. It can come from your employer, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, or a CE provider authorized by IDFPR. This hour is part of your 14 (or 10) hours, not in addition to them.

Renewing for the first time

At your first renewal after getting your license, you don't need the profession-specific hours, but you still need the 1-hour sexual harassment prevention training. IDFPR's fact sheet also says that for the initial renewal (for every license except barbers), one hour of continuing education must cover domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. At later renewals, that hour is optional.

Holding more than one license

CE that applies to more than one profession counts for each without being repeated. For example, if you hold both a cosmetology and an esthetician license, a sanitation course can count toward the hours for both licenses in the same renewal period.

How to renew your Illinois cosmetology license

Check your expiration date. Illinois licenses renew every two years. Your expiration date is on your license and in IDFPR's online license lookup.
Complete your hours. 14 hours for cosmetologists or 10 for estheticians, nail technicians and hair braiders, including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention, all within the 2 years before your license expires.
Keep your certificates. IDFPR runs random audits and can ask for proof of completion.
Renew with IDFPR and certify on your renewal application that you completed your CE.

Can I get a CE waiver?

If you couldn't complete your hours, you can file a waiver request with your renewal application and fee. IDFPR considers good cause to be full-time military service, an incapacitating illness documented by a physician, or hardship (such as a lack of available courses where you live, substantial financial hardship, or caring for an ill or disabled family member). Your license is renewed while the request is reviewed, but that doesn't mean it's approved.

Illinois cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do Illinois cosmetologists need?

North Carolina Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours, Fees & Deadline

Dan Oehler — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:21:38 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

What does North Carolina require to renew?

North Carolina cosmetic art licensees must complete 8 hours of continuing education for each year of their license cycle, and at least half must be in the field they're licensed in. Personal licenses renew by October 1; for 2026, on-time renewals ran from July 1 to October 1. You renew online with the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and sign an affirmation that you completed your hours. You don't send certificates to the Board unless you're selected for an audit.

Cosmetologists

8 hours per year of your license cycle, up to 24 hours over a 3-year cycle
At least half in cosmetology
2026 on-time renewal fee: $49

Manicurists, estheticians & natural hair care

8 hours per year
At least half in your licensed field
2026 on-time renewal fee: $20

What counts as continuing education in North Carolina?

The Board counts any education you've earned since your last renewal: online or correspondence courses, hands-on classes, educational videos or tutorials, or learning a new skill from another professional. The Board also offers free CE classes: a 4-hour class for all licensees, plus 8-hour classes for cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians and natural hair care specialists. The Board doesn't require paid courses, and it warns licensees about providers that advertise their classes as "mandatory."

How to renew your NC cosmetology license

Complete your hours. 8 hours for each year of your license cycle, at least half in your licensed field.
Keep your records. Note the time, date, location (or URL) and a short description of each course.
Renew by October 1. Log in to the Board's online renewal with your license number, sign the CE affirmation and pay the fee. You can also mail the renewal application with a money order or certified check.
If you're audited, upload your CE records through the Board's online portal.

Keeping records for an audit

North Carolina runs on self-certification: you sign that you completed your hours, and the Board may audit any licensee. If you're selected, you'll need the course title, a description, the date, the location (or URL) and the number of hours for each course. A course certificate that lists the title, date and hours covers most of that. If you count other learning, such as videos or a class with another professional, write those details down as you go.

NC renewal fees

From the Board's 2026 personal license renewal application, for licenses renewed on time:

Cosmetologist: $49
Manicurist, esthetician, natural hair care specialist or apprentice: $20

If your license expired in an earlier year, the form lists a higher total. For example, $59 for a cosmetology license that expired October 1, 2025, or $40 for a manicurist or esthetician license that expired the same day. Source: NC personal license renewal application.

Who is exempt from NC continuing education?

You can apply to the Board for an exemption if:

you're an active cosmetologist with at least 20 consecutive years of experience, or
you're 60 or older with 10 years of continuous work experience (not available for teacher licenses).

Both exemptions require an application form, available on the Board's licensee page. You still renew and pay the fee.

NC cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do I need to renew in North Carolina?

Texas Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours, Fees & Steps

Dan Oehler — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:43:21 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against TDLR's continuing education rules

What are the Texas cosmetology CE requirements?

Texas cosmetology operators, manicurists and estheticians must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years to renew their license. The 4 hours must include 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness; the other 2 hours can be any TDLR-approved topic. If you have held a Texas license for at least 15 years, you need only 2 hours: sanitation and human trafficking. CosmetologyCeOnline.com is TDLR CE Provider #1542. Our 4-hour courses for operators (TDLR course #32731), manicurists (#32732) and estheticians (#32730), and our 2-hour sanitation and human trafficking course (#32733), each meet the requirement.

Licensed less than 15 years: 4 hours

1 hour of sanitation
1 hour of human trafficking awareness
2 hours of your choice, such as Texas law and rules or mental health awareness

Licensed 15+ years: 2 hours

1 hour of sanitation
1 hour of human trafficking awareness
The other 2 hours are waived

One CE hour equals 50 minutes of instruction, and taking the same course twice doesn't earn extra credit. These rules apply to cosmetology operators and to specialty license holders (manicurists and estheticians).

Do you need the 4-hour or 2-hour course?

It depends on how long you've held a Texas license:

Less than 15 years: take a 4-hour course. It must include 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness. The other 2 hours can be any TDLR-approved topic. Our 4-hour courses for operators, manicurists and estheticians cover all four hours.
15 years or more: take a 2-hour course. You need only 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness; TDLR waives the other 2 hours. Our 2-hour course (TDLR course #32733) covers both.

The 15-year rule is based on how long you've held a Texas license, so check the date you were first licensed in Texas before you buy a course.

How to renew your Texas cosmetology license

Check your expiration date. Texas cosmetology licenses renew every two years. Your expiration date is on your license and in your TDLR account.
Complete your CE with a TDLR-approved provider. Take 4 hours (or 2 hours if you've been licensed 15+ years), including sanitation and human trafficking awareness.
Make sure your hours are reported. Your provider reports your completion to TDLR. Allow up to 7 days, so don't leave your CE until the last week.
Renew and pay online with TDLR. Once your hours show in TDLR's system, submit your renewal and the $50 fee.

Who reports my CE hours to TDLR?

Your CE provider reports your hours, not you. Under TDLR rules, an approved provider must report your course completion electronically within 7 days of the date you finish and send your certificate within 15 days. Keep your certificate for 2 years: TDLR can ask to see it during an inspection or investigation. To confirm your hours were posted, use the Continuing Education Courses Look Up on TDLR's continuing education page. CosmetologyCeOnline.com reports your completion to TDLR at no charge, and offers guaranteed reporting within 24 hours for $5 if your license is about to expire. Reporting your CE doesn't renew your license: you still need to submit your renewal and fee to TDLR.

Renewing a Texas manicurist or esthetician license

Manicurists and estheticians follow the same CE rules as cosmetology operators: 4 hours every two years (1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking awareness and 2 hours of your choice), or 2 hours if you've held a Texas license for 15 years or more. The renewal steps and the $50 on-time fee are the same too. Choose the course that matches your license: our manicurist course (TDLR course #32732) and esthetician course (#32730) each include an hour on your specialty. Then renew online on TDLR's barbering and cosmetology renewal page.

Texas cosmetology renewal fees

For cosmetology operators, Class A barbers and specialty license holders (licenses expiring 09/01/2023 and later):

On time: $50
Expired less than 18 months: $75
Expired 18 months to 3 years: $100
Expired more than 3 years: the license can't be renewed. You must meet the requirements for a new license, including any exams.

Source: TDLR barbering and cosmetology fees.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping the human trafficking hour. Older guides list "1 hour of sanitation + 3 hours of related topics." That's out of date: everyone needs 1 hour of human trafficking awareness.
Taking an unapproved course. Only TDLR-approved courses count. Check for the provider number before you pay.
Waiting until the last week. Providers have up to 7 days to report, and your renewal can't go through until your hours appear.
Repeating a course. Taking the same course twice doesn't count twice.

Texas cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do I need to renew my Texas cosmetology license?

Georgia Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours, CE Broker & Steps

Dan Oehler — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:38:05 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

What are the Georgia cosmetology CE requirements?

Georgia master cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and hair designers must complete 5 hours of continuing education every two years to renew. At least 3 of the 5 hours must be a Board-approved health and safety course. The other 2 hours can be another health and safety course, an industry or trade show, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or a course in your area of practice. Your first renewal is exempt. CosmetologyCeOnline.com is Board-approved CE provider CEP-000263; our 5-hour package covers all 5 hours online.

3 hours: health & safety (required)

Must be developed or approved by the Board
Our 3-hour TCSG Health and Safety course meets it
Required at every renewal after your first

2 hours: your choice

Health and safety, industry trends or business management
Computer skills, or your area of practice
An industry or trade show also counts

The same 5-hour rule applies to Master Barber and Barber II licenses. Instructors need 15 hours, with at least half in teaching techniques, lesson planning or other advanced teacher training, and there are no CE exemptions for instructor licenses.

When is the Georgia renewal deadline?

Georgia cosmetology and barber licenses expire every two years and must be renewed by the expiration date to stay active. Check your expiration date in your GOALS account, and finish your 5 hours before you renew.

Record your CE in CE Broker (required since 2026)

Since January 1, 2026, the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers requires every cosmetologist and barber to register with CE Broker and record all of the continuing education they take for licensure and renewal, with proof of completion. A free basic account is enough. The Board strongly encourages you to upload each course and certificate as soon as you finish it, and before you apply to renew. If you don't enter all of your required hours in CE Broker, the Board says there's a high probability you'll be audited. Source: Georgia Board continuing education requirements.

How to renew your Georgia cosmetology license

Check your expiration date in your GOALS account.
Complete 5 hours of CE with a Board-approved provider, including the 3-hour health and safety course.
Upload each certificate to CE Broker as you finish it, using a free basic account.
Renew online in GOALS before your license expires.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping the 3-hour health and safety course. Five elective hours won't meet the requirement.
Not recording your hours in CE Broker. Since 2026 the Board expects every course in CE Broker, and missing hours make an audit likely.
Using an unapproved provider. Check the Board's approved CE provider list before you pay.
Waiting until your license has expired. Renew by your expiration date to stay active.
Losing your certificates. Save a copy of each one.

Georgia cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do Georgia cosmetologists need?

Iowa Cosmetology Continuing Education: License Renewal Guide

Dan Oehler — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:23:38 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 · Requirements verified against the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL)

What are the Iowa cosmetology CE requirements?

Iowa cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technologists with one active license must complete 6 hours of continuing education each renewal: at least 4 hours specific to your license discipline and at least 2 hours in Iowa barbering and cosmetology laws, rules and infection control. Holding two licenses raises the total to 10 hours, and three licenses to 14 hours. Your first renewal is exempt. Our 6-hour courses for cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technologists are sponsored by Iowa School of Beauty and cover both parts.

One license: 6 hours

At least 4 hours in your license discipline
At least 2 hours of Iowa laws, rules and infection control

Two or three licenses

Two licenses: 10 hours, 4 per discipline + 2 laws, rules and infection control
Three licenses: 14 hours, 4 per discipline + 2 laws, rules and infection control

Instructors also need 6 hours of teaching methodology. Before signing up for any course, DIAL recommends checking that it meets Iowa Administrative Code 481—944, and your certificate should clearly show an authorized sponsor or course provider.

When can I renew my Iowa license?

Renewal window: up to 60 days before your expiration date.
Grace period: 30 days after expiration, with a $60 late fee.
After the grace period: your license becomes inactive.

Your expiration date is on your license and in your DIAL account.

Who is exempt from Iowa CE?

Your first renewal after receiving your initial license.
Licensees who practice only in another state can meet that state's CE rules instead. If that state has no CE requirement, none is needed.
Active-duty military, military spouses, and government employees working abroad.
You can apply for an extension or exemption for illness or disability.

How to renew your Iowa cosmetology license

Check your expiration date and how many licenses you hold.
Complete your hours: 6 for one license (4 discipline + 2 laws, rules and infection control), more for multiple licenses.
Keep your certificates. They should show an authorized sponsor or provider.
Renew online through DIAL within the 60 days before your license expires.

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing the laws, rules and infection control hours. Six discipline hours alone don't meet the requirement.
Forgetting extra licenses. Two licenses need 10 hours and three need 14.
Using the old IDPH portal. Iowa cosmetology licensing is now handled by DIAL.
Waiting past the grace period. After 30 days, your license becomes inactive.

Iowa cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do Iowa cosmetologists need?

Ohio Cosmetology License Renewal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dan Oehler — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:19:58 +0000

By Dan Oehler, Cosmetology CE Online · Updated October 2026 for the 2025–2027 renewal period · Requirements verified against the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

What are the Ohio cosmetology CE requirements?

Ohio cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists and other branch licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education to renew: 1 hour of Board Laws & Rules, which the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board offers free through CE Broker, and 3 hours of Safety & Infection Control from a Board-approved provider. For the current renewal period, all hours must be completed by January 15, 2027, and licenses expire January 31, 2027. CosmetologyCeOnline.com is a Board-approved provider of the 3-hour Safety & Infection Control course.

1 hour: Board Laws & Rules

Offered only by the Board, free
Taken in your CE Broker account
Approved providers aren't allowed to include it in their courses

3 hours: Safety & Infection Control

From any Board-approved CE provider
Can be completed online
The provider reports your hours to CE Broker

The Board applies both courses to all of the Board licenses you hold. The requirement has been 4 hours since October 24, 2024, so guides that list 3 hours, a separate HIV/AIDS hour or a 2-hour laws course are out of date. Ohio barbers are on a different cycle (CE due August 15, 2028).

Ohio cosmetology CE deadline for 2027

January 15, 2027: all CE hours must be completed and showing in CE Broker.
January 31, 2027: cosmetology and branch licenses expire. Renewals after this date are charged a late fee.
If you miss January 15: you can't complete your renewal until new CE courses become available on February 1, 2027.

Who is exempt from Ohio CE?

You don't need CE hours for this renewal if:

your Ohio Board license was issued on or before October 2, 1996 (30+ years licensed),
you were 65 or older before October 2, 2026, or
this is your first Ohio license (instructor licenses don't qualify).

You still need to pay the renewal fee to keep your license active.

How to renew your Ohio cosmetology license

Set up your CE Broker account if you don't have one. A free basic account is available.
Take the free 1-hour Board Laws & Rules course in CE Broker.
Take a Board-approved 3-hour Safety & Infection Control course. Your provider reports it to CE Broker.
Check that both show as Completed in CE Broker before January 15, 2027.
Renew in eLicense Ohio and pay your renewal fee before January 31, 2027.

How CE Broker reporting works

The Board checks your CE through CE Broker when you renew. Approved providers must report your class completion to CE Broker within 10 business days, and eLicense won't let you finish your renewal until your hours show as Completed. Keep your certificates, but don't email them to the Board: attendance records go directly to CE Broker.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting the free Laws & Rules hour. No provider can sell it to you. It's only available from the Board in CE Broker.
Following an old 3-hour checklist. Ohio now requires 4 hours.
Finishing CE on January 14. Providers can take up to 10 business days to report, and eLicense won't renew you until CE Broker shows your hours.
Using the barber deadline. August dates apply to barbers, not cosmetologists.

Ohio cosmetology renewal FAQs

How many CE hours do Ohio cosmetologists need?