State Licensing Requirements in TEXAS

Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists

Licensing Requirements

Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology shall obtain an operator’s license in Texas and shall meet the following qualifications:

    • Applicant shall be 17 years of age or older;
    • Applicant shall have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent; or
    • Applicant shall graduate from a Board approved school and complete the required hours of instruction;
    • Applicant shall pass a written and a practical examination;
    • Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
    • Applicant shall pay any required fees.

    Exam Requirements

    Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:

      • Applicant shall have completed 1,500 hours of instruction in a beauty culture school; or
      • Applicant shall have completed 1,000 hours of instruction in beauty culture courses and 500 hours of related high school courses prescribed by the department in a vocational or career and technical cosmetology program in a public school; or
      • Applicant shall have 300 hours of instruction in cosmetology through a commission-approved training program in a beauty culture school and hold an active Class A barber certificate;
      • Applicants must pass the written examination before being eligible to take the practical examination;
      • Applicants must get a passing grade of 70 or higher on each examination;
      • If Applicant passes the exams, the Applicant pays required license fee.

      Continuing Education Requirements

      Cosmetologists in Texas must renew their license every two years from the date the license was issued. To renew an operator license or instructor license, a licensee must complete a total of 4 hours of continuing education through department-approved courses. The continuing education hours must include:

        • 1 hour in sanitation; and
        • 3 hours in any other approved topic.

        Apprenticeship Programs

        The Texas Department of Regulations does not accept training or work experience obtained through an apprenticeship

        License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

        License holders from other states and territories may be eligible for a Texas license if their state has education and examination requirements substantially equivalent to Texas license requirements. Work experience in certain states may also be credited toward the substantially equivalent requirement. If you hold a license from one of the states or territories listed below, you must also provide a Certified Transcript of Hours as proof of non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity.

        Reciprocity States for Cosmetology with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:
        Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

        Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require One Year of Experience:
        Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands.

        Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require Two Years of Experience:
        Florida, New York

        Instructors

        Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:

          • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age;
          • Applicant has a high school diploma or equivalent;
          • Applicant holds an active operator license;
          • Applicant has completed a course consisting of 750 hours of instruction; or
          • Applicant has at least one year of verifiable work experience as a licensed operator; and
            • 500 hours of instruction in cosmetology in a commission approved training program; or
            • completed 15 semester hours in education courses through an accredited college or university within the 10 years before the date of application; or
            • obtained a degree in education from an accredited college or university;
          • Applicant must pass a written and a practical examination;
          • Applicant must pay the required fees.
          Hairdresser

          Hair Stylists

          Hairstylists are licensed under Cosmetology.
          Barber School

          Barbers

          Licensing Requirements

          Any individual wishing to engage in barbering shall obtain a Class A barber license in Texas and shall meet the following qualifications:

            • Applicant shall be at least 16 years of age;
            • Applicant shall have completed the seventh grade or its equivalent;
            • Applicant shall graduate from a Board approved school and complete the required hours of instruction;
            • Applicant shall pass a written and a practical examination;
            • Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
            • Applicant shall pay any required fees.

            Exam Requirements

            Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:

              • Applicant shall have completed 1,500 hours of instruction in a certified barber school;
              • Applicants must pass the written and practical examinations;
              • If Applicant passes the exams, the Applicant pays required license fee.

              Continuing Education Requirements

              There are no continuing education requirements. Licenses expire every two years by your original licensure date.

              Apprenticeship Programs

              The Texas Department of Regulations does not accept training or work experience obtained through an apprenticeship program. Texas law requires that hours of instruction are completed in a licensed barber school.

              License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

              License holders from other states and territories may be eligible for a Texas license if their state has education and examination requirements substantially equivalent to Texas license requirements. If you hold a license from one of the states or territories listed below, you must also provide a Certified Transcript of Hours as proof of non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity.

              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:
              Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho Master Barber, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire Master Barber, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah Barber/Cosmetologist, Virginia

              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require One Year of Experience:
              Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Utah/Barber, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin

              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require Two Years of Experience:
              Connecticut, Florida, Idaho Barber, Massachusetts, New Hampshire Barber, Oregon, Utah Barber, Vermont, Wyoming

              Instructors

              Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:

                • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age;
                • Applicant has a high school diploma or equivalent;
                • Applicant holds an active Class A Barber certificate;
                • Applicant has completed a course consisting of 750 hours of instruction; or
                • Applicant has at least one year of verifiable licensed experience; and
                  • 500 hours of instruction in cosmetology in a commission approved training program; or
                  • completed 15 semester hours in education courses through an accredited college or university within the 10 years before the date of application; or
                  • obtained a degree in education from an accredited college or university;;
                • Applicant must pass a written and a practical examination;
                • Applicant must pay the required fees.
                Esthetician

                Estheticians

                Licensing Requirements

                Any individual wishing to practice as an esthetician shall obtain a license in Texas and shall meet the following qualifications:

                  • Applicant shall be 17 years of age or older;
                  • Applicant shall have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent; or
                  • Applicant shall have passed a valid examination administered by a certified testing agency that measures the person’s ability to benefit from training;
                  • Applicant shall graduate from a Board approved school and complete the required hours of instruction;
                  • Applicant shall pass a written and a practical examination;
                  • Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
                  • Applicant shall pay any required fees.

                  Exam Requirements

                  Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:

                    • Applicant shall have completed 750 hours of instruction in a beauty culture school;
                    • Applicants must pass the written examination before being eligible to take the practical examination;
                    • Applicants must get a passing grade of 70 or higher on each examination;
                    • If Applicant passes the exams, the Applicant pays required license fee.

                    Continuing Education Requirements

                    Estheticians in Texas must renew their license every two years from the date the license was issued. To renew a license or instructor license, a licensee must complete a total of 4 hours of continuing education through department-approved courses. The continuing education hours must include:

                      • 1 hour in sanitation; and
                      • 3 hours in any other approved topic.

                      Apprenticeship Programs

                      The Texas Department of Regulations does not accept training or work experience obtained through an apprenticeship program. Texas law requires that hours of instruction are completed in a licensed beauty school

                      License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

                      License holders from other states and territories may be eligible for a Texas license if their state has education and examination requirements substantially equivalent to Texas license requirements. Work experience in certain states may also be credited toward the substantially equivalent requirement. If you hold a license from one of the states or territories listed below, you must also provide a Certified Transcript of Hours as proof of non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity.

                      Reciprocity States for Cosmetology with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:
                      Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Utah Master Esthetician

                      Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require One Year of Experience:
                      Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Utah/Barber, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin

                      Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require Two Years of Experience:
                      Florida, New York

                      Instructors

                      Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:

                        • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age;
                        • Applicant has a high school diploma or equivalent;
                        • Applicant holds an active esthetician, manicurist, or esthetician/manicure license;
                        • Applicant has completed a course consisting of 750 hours of instruction; or
                        • Applicant has at least one year of verifiable licensed experience in the specialty in which the applicant is seeking licensure for a specialty instructor license; and
                          • 500 hours of instruction in cosmetology in a commission approved training program; or
                          • completed 15 semester hours in education courses through an accredited college or university within the 10 years before the date of application; or
                          • obtained a degree in education from an accredited college or university;
                        • Applicant must pass a written and a practical examination;
                        • Applicant must pay the required fees.
                        Nailtech

                        Manicurist

                        Licensing Requirements

                        Any individual wishing to practice as a manicurist shall obtain a license in Texas and shall meet the following qualifications:

                          • Applicant shall be 17 years of age or older;
                          • Applicant shall have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent; or
                          • Applicant shall have passed a valid examination administered by a certified testing agency that measures the person’s ability to benefit from training;
                          • Applicant shall graduate from a Board approved school and complete the required hours of instruction;
                          • Applicant shall pass a written and a practical examination;
                          • Applicant shall submit the application with the required documentation;
                          • Applicant shall pay any required fees.

                          Exam Requirements

                          Each individual who seeks admission to an examination shall complete the following:

                            • Applicant shall have completed 600 hours of instruction;
                            • Applicants must pass the written examination before being eligible to take the practical examination;
                            • Applicants must get a passing grade of 70 or higher on each examination;
                            • If Applicant passes the exams, the Applicant pays required license fee.

                            Continuing Education Requirements

                            Manicurists in Texas must renew their license every two years from the date the license was issued. To renew a manicure license or instructor license, a licensee must complete a total of 4 hours of continuing education through department-approved courses. The continuing education hours must include:

                              • 1 hour in sanitation; and
                              • 3 hours in any other approved topic.

                              Apprenticeship Programs

                              The Texas Department of Regulations does not accept training or work experience obtained through an apprenticeship program. Texas law requires that hours of instruction are completed in a licensed beauty school

                              License Reciprocity Availability and Requirements

                              License holders from other states and territories may be eligible for a Texas license if their state has education and examination requirements substantially equivalent to Texas license requirements. Work experience in certain states may also be credited toward the substantially equivalent requirement. If you hold a license from one of the states or territories listed below, you must also provide a Certified Transcript of Hours as proof of non-apprenticeship training for reciprocity.

                              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology with Substantially Equivalent Requirements:
                              Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington

                              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require One Year of Experience:
                              Alaska, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

                              Reciprocity States for Cosmetology which Require Two Years of Experience:
                              Florida, New York

                              Instructors

                              Any individual wishing to engage in cosmetology instruction shall meet the following qualifications:

                                • Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age;
                                • Applicant has a high school diploma or equivalent;
                                • Applicant holds an active esthetician, manicurist, or esthetician/manicure license;
                                • Applicant has completed a course consisting of 750 hours of instruction; or
                                • Applicant has at least one year of verifiable licensed experience in the specialty in which the applicant is seeking licensure for a specialty instructor license; and
                                  • 500 hours of instruction in cosmetology in a commission approved training program; or
                                  • completed 15 semester hours in education courses through an accredited college or university within the 10 years before the date of application; or
                                  • obtained a degree in education from an accredited college or university;
                                • Applicant must pass a written and a practical examination;
                                • Applicant must pay the required fees.
                                Makeup Artist

                                Make-up Artists

                                Make-up Artists are licensed under Cosmetology and Esthetics.
                                Cosmetology Services

                                Licensing of Mobile Cosmetology Services

                                Mobile salons are legal but must have a GPS. Going into a home or business is not allowed. All services must be performed within the mobile unit.

                                To be eligible for a mobile shop an applicant must:

                                  • Submit a completed application on a department-approved form;
                                  • Pay the required fee;
                                  • Provide a permanent physical address from which the mobile unit is dispatched and to which the mobile unit is returned when not in use;
                                  • Provide a permanent mailing address where correspondence from the department may be received.
                                  Cosmetology Programs

                                  High School Cosmetology Programs

                                  Texas does regulate high school cosmetology programs. Students may complete 1,000 hours of instruction in beauty culture courses and 500 hours of related high school courses prescribed by the department in a vocational or career and technical cosmetology program in a public school.

                                  Additional Professions Licensed

                                  • Body Piercing
                                  • Eye lash extension
                                  • Hair weaving
                                  • Manicurist/Esthetician
                                  • Massage Therapy
                                  • Tattooing
                                  • Wig Specialty

                                  PROGRAM LIST

                                  Requirements by State