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Do You Need 2 or 4 Hours of Texas Cosmetology CE?

September 2, 2026
Do You Need 2 or 4 Hours of Texas Cosmetology CE
Cosmetology CE

We’re here to answer one of the most common questions among TDLR licensees: are you required to complete two or four hours of Texas cosmetology CE (continuing education)? 

The concise answer is that the number of hours you need for renewal will depend on how long you have held your existing Texas cosmetology license. Under the current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation guidelines, barbering and cosmetology licensees are required to complete a total of four hours of department-approved CE. This must happen every two years before renewing your actual license. 

There is an important exception. If you have had your Texas cosmetology license for 15 years or more, then that requirement drops to two hours instead of four. The length of time you’ve been a TDLR licensee directly affects whether you need a two- or four-hour Texas cosmetology course. 

What TDLR Licensees Need a 4-Hour Texas Cosmetology CE Course?

If you are a licensee with fewer than 15 years on your Texas license, then the four-hour requirement holds. This means that you will be expected to train on a few specific subjects. TDLR states that these four hours must include an hour in sanitation, another hour in human trafficking awareness and prevention and then two additional hours in topics that are related to barbering or cosmetology. 

What TDLR Licensees Need a 2-Hour Texas Cosmetology CE Course?

If you have had a license for at least 15 years, then the two elective hours related to barbering and cosmetology required in the four-hour CE are waived. However, training in sanitation and human trafficking awareness will still be a requirement for your Texas cosmetology continuing education. 

Who Is Required to Complete Texas Cosmetology CE?

This rule for Texas cosmetology CE applies to a wide range of categories which include operators, estheticians, manicurists, eyelash extension specialists as well as hair weaving specialists and Class A barbers If you hold more than one license in the state of Texas, then be mindful of the fact that dual license holders do not automatically qualify for the shorter requirement. Both or all licenses will need to be in service for 15 years in order to take advantage of this opportunity with your Texas cosmetology continuing education. 

If you still have questions as to whether or not you require two or four hours of cosmetology CE, then you should verify your status before enrolling in a course. The easiest way to do this is to check the TDLR website for a complete list of approved vendors, confirm whether or not you have held your license or licenses for at least 15 years and then select the matching course length. It’s also worth noting that your training provider is responsible for reporting your completed training to TDLR.      

Ready to take your course? American Course Academy is a TDLR-registered continuing education provider. This means This means our Texas cosmetology CE courses are state-approved and we also offer quick and affordable options when it comes to completing your required Texas cosmetology continuing education, which includes the two-hour cosmetology CE course and the four-hour cosmetology CE course. Visit the course page that applies to you and get started today!

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