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

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

  1. Complete your hours. 8 hours for each year of your license cycle, at least half in your licensed field.
  2. Keep your records. Note the time, date, location (or URL) and a short description of each course.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?

8 hours for each year of your license cycle, with at least half in your licensed field. Over a 3-year cosmetologist cycle that's up to 24 hours.

When is the North Carolina renewal deadline?

Personal licenses renew by October 1. For 2026, on-time renewals ran from July 1 to October 1.

Do I have to take a paid CE course?

No. The Board offers free CE classes and counts other education too, such as online courses, educational videos or learning from another professional. A paid course is one way to get your hours and records in one place.

Do I send my CE certificates to the Board?

No. You sign an affirmation when you renew. Keep your records, because if you're selected for an audit you'll upload them through the Board's online portal.

Can I complete my North Carolina CE online?

Yes. Online courses count toward your hours, as long as at least half of your hours are in your licensed field.

Want your hours done in one place?

Our self-paced 8-hour North Carolina course comes with a certificate that lists the course title, date and hours, ready if you're audited. $29 with code CosmoNC.

See the NC course