Texas Cosmetology License Requirements

To earn a Texas Cosmetology Operator license, you must complete 1,000 hours of approved training and pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees all barbering and cosmetology licensing in Texas.

1. Meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a license. Texas does not require a high school diploma or GED at the state level.
2. Enroll in a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school. Search for schools at tdlr.texas.gov. You will receive a student permit while in training.
3. Complete 1,000 hours of training. Your school will report your hours through TDLR's SHEARS system.
4. Pass the written exam. After completing 900 of 1,000 hours, your school notifies TDLR of your exam eligibility. PSI will email you instructions to schedule. Score 70% or higher to pass.
5. Pass the practical exam. After completing all 1,000 hours and passing the written exam, you become eligible for the practical. Score 70% or higher.
6. Apply for your license. After passing both exams, apply online and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. A temporary 21-day license is available at the PSI testing site upon passing the practical exam.

Texas requires 1,000 hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering and cosmetology school for the Cosmetology Operator license. Students are issued a student permit while enrolled and may practice under supervision during training.

Curriculum Areas

• Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical relaxing, permanent waving, thermal services, and braiding
• Skin care: Facials, waxing, and makeup application
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
• Sanitation and infection control: Texas sanitation standards, disinfection, sterilization, and chemical safety
• Texas laws and rules: TDLR regulations, scope of practice, and professional standards

Early Written Exam Eligibility

Texas allows students to take the written exam after completing 900 of the required 1,000 hours. Your school will notify TDLR when you reach 900 hours, and PSI will contact you with scheduling instructions. The practical exam requires completion of all 1,000 hours.

Out-of-State Training

If you received your training outside Texas, you may apply for a license by equivalence rather than repeating schooling. TDLR evaluates out-of-state credentials based on your license type, training method, and years of licensure. Visit the out-of-state applicants page for details.

Texas requires passage of both a written exam and a practical exam, administered by TDLR's third-party vendor, PSI. Both exams require a score of 70% or higher to pass.

Written Exam

The written exam is offered in computer-based format at PSI testing centers in 15 Texas cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese at no additional cost.

Schedule at psiexams.com or call PSI at (833) 333-4741. Refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin for your specific exam type for question count and time allotted.

Practical Exam

The practical exam is offered at 8 locations: Austin, San Antonio, DFW Metroplex, Greater Houston area, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo. You must bring valid government-issued ID matching the name TDLR has on file.

Temporary License

Students who pass the practical exam may receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site, valid for 21 days while TDLR processes the two-year license. You must apply for the temporary license online before taking the exam.

Retakes

You may retake each exam as many times as needed. Additional exam fees apply with each attempt. Your grade is provided by the PSI proctor immediately after testing.

Texas Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue. You must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education before renewing. The on-time renewal fee is $50.

CE Requirements (4 Hours)

• 1 hour sanitation (mandatory)
• 1 hour human trafficking awareness (mandatory)
• 2 hours elective — from topics in Section 83.202 of TDLR rules, including sanitation, law/rules, or mental health awareness

You cannot receive CE credit for the same course twice. One CE hour equals 50 minutes of actual instruction time.

15+ Year Licensees

If you have held a Texas license for at least 15 years, you only need 2 hours of CE: 1 hour sanitation and 1 hour human trafficking awareness. The 2 elective hours are waived.

How to Renew

1. Complete your required CE hours from a TDLR-approved provider.
2. Renew online at tdlr.texas.gov.
3. Pay the $50 renewal fee.

Late Renewals

• Expired less than 18 months: $75
• Expired 18 months to 3 years: $100
• Expired more than 3 years: Cannot be renewed — must meet all initial license requirements again, including exams

TDLR issues the following cosmetology-related license types under the Texas Barbering and Cosmetology program:

Texas uses "Cosmetology Operator" as the official term for what most states call a cosmetologist. All practitioner license types require both written and practical exams administered by PSI. All licenses are valid for two years and require 4 hours of CE for renewal ($50 fee). Minimum age for all types is 17.

Texas also offers license by equivalence for out-of-state licensees, evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the TDLR equivalence tool.