Texas Cosmetology CE Courses (2026)

To renew your Cosmetology license in Texas you need to satisfy the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program's continuing education (CE) requirement — about 4 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.

What Texas requires for Cosmetology renewal

CE hours required	4 hours per cycle
Renewal cycle	24 months
Governing body	Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program

Cosmetology Operators must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two-year cycle, including 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness, plus 2 hours from approved topics (e.g., Texas barbering/cosmetology law and rules, sanitation, mental health awareness). Licensees who have held a Texas license for 15+ years need only 2 hours total (the 1-hour sanitation and 1-hour human trafficking awareness components).

Full Cosmetology renewal guide for Texas (deadlines, fees & CE) →

Texas Cosmetology CE course providers

Heads-up: These are independent, third-party CE providers — we are not affiliated with them and don't guarantee approval. Always confirm a course is accepted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program before purchasing.

Elite Learning — Cosmetology CE
State-approved cosmetology CE packages built around each state's renewal topics.
Milady Training (Cengage)
Continuing education and skills courses from the leading cosmetology education brand.
360training
Online cosmetology CE accepted in states that require continuing education for renewal.

Texas Cosmetology CE courses: frequently asked questions

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

Texas requires about 4 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. Cosmetology Operators must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two-year cycle, including 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness, plus 2 hours from approved topics (e.g., Texas barbering/cosmetology law and rules, sanitation, mental health awareness). Licensees who have held a Texas license for 15+ years need only 2 hours total (the 1-hour sanitation and 1-hour human trafficking awareness components).

Do online Cosmetology CE courses count in Texas?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program. Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my Texas Cosmetology CE?

Texas generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program.

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program. Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program site →

Cosmetology CE courses in another state

All states: Cosmetologist renewal