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

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.

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been 4 hours since October 24, 2024, so guides that list 3 hours, a separate HIV/AIDS hour or a 2-hour laws course are out of date.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

1. Set up your CE Broker account if you don't have one. A free basic account is available.
2. Take the free 1-hour Board Laws & Rules course in CE Broker.
3. Take a Board-approved 3-hour Safety & Infection Control course. Your provider reports it to CE Broker.
4. Check that both show as Completed in CE Broker before January 15, 2027.
5. 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