North Carolina requires 8 hours of continuing education for each year of your license cycle. Our self-paced 8-hour course covers one year's hours, fully online.
$29 with code CosmoNC (regular $39)
All three cover the same 8 hours. Pick the one that matches your license.
Hair and general cosmetology
$29 with code CosmoNC · 8 hours
Start my Cosmetologist courseNail technicians
$29 with code CosmoNC · 8 hours
Start my Manicurist courseSkin care specialists
$29 with code CosmoNC · 8 hours
Start my Esthetician courseRegular price $39. Enter code CosmoNC at checkout for $29. Add a printed certificate for $10.
Set by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Personal licenses renew by October 1; for 2026, on-time renewals ran from July 1 to October 1.
Exemptions: licensees age 60 or older with 10 years of continuous work experience, and active cosmetologists with at least 20 consecutive years of experience, can apply for an exemption (not available for teacher licenses). For deadlines, fees and audit records, see our North Carolina cosmetology license renewal guide. Requirements verified October 2026 against the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.
The NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners offers free continuing education: a 4-hour class for all licensees, plus 8-hour classes for cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians and natural hair care specialists. Other education counts too, such as online courses, educational videos or learning a new skill from another professional. You don't have to buy a course. If you'd rather have it done in one place, ours is a structured, self-paced 8-hour course with a certificate that lists the course title, date and hours: the records the Board asks for if you're audited. Prefer the free route? See the Board's free CE classes.
Work through 8 self-paced hours on any device. Start and stop whenever you like.
It lists the course title, date and hours: the records the Board asks for in an audit.
How many CE hours do North Carolina cosmetologists need?
8 hours for each year of your license cycle, so up to 24 hours over a 3-year cycle. At least half must be in your cosmetic art field.
Does one course cover my whole cycle?
Our 8-hour course covers one year's hours. If you're completing more than one year at once, you'll need additional hours.
Do I report my hours to the Board?
North Carolina uses self-reporting: you sign an affirmation that you completed your CE. Keep your certificate in case the Board audits you.
Can I take my CE online?
Yes. The Board accepts online courses.
Is there an exam?
No. Complete the course and download your certificate.
How much does it cost?
The regular price is $39. Enter code CosmoNC at checkout to pay $29. A printed certificate is an optional $10 add-on.