Illinois Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours & Requirements

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.

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

1. Check your expiration date. Illinois licenses renew every two years. Your expiration date is on your license and in IDFPR's online license lookup.
2. 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.
3. Keep your certificates. IDFPR runs random audits and can ask for proof of completion.
4. 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