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Texas cosmetology license — 1,000 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($181), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Texas Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$50
Non-refundable application fee for cosmetology operator license
Exam Fee
$131
Written exam ($55) + practical exam ($76), paid separately to PSI
License Fee
Included in application fee
The $50 application fee covers the initial license issuance
Education / Training Cost
$5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Texas cosmetology schools range widely in tuition. The 1,000-hour program requirement keeps costs moderate compared to states requiring more hours.
Renewal Fee
$72
Every 2 years
CE Hours Required
4 hours
Per 2 years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years
CE Details
Specialty operators: 4 CEUs per 2-year renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$72
Complete 1,000 hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school
After completing 900 hours, school notifies TDLR of exam eligibility
Submit application and $50 fee to TDLR
Schedule and pass the written exam ($55) through PSI
Schedule and pass the practical exam ($76) through PSI (must pass written first)
License is issued by TDLR upon passing both exams
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
7th grade education or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement
Background Check
TDLR conducts a criminal history background check as part of the application process. Applicants with criminal history may request a criminal history evaluation prior to applying.
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Up to 250 of the 1,000 required hours may be completed online for theory subjects
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Texas or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Texas.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Cosmetology operators may perform hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, chemical texture services (perms, relaxers), shampooing, scalp treatments, facials, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, and other beauty services for compensation.
Texas Cosmetology Operator Written Examination
School notifies TDLR of eligibility after completing 900 of 1,000 required hours
Texas Cosmetology Operator Practical Examination
Must pass written exam first before scheduling practical exam
Ready to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam?
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Didn't pass on your first try? Read our guide on what to do if you fail the cosmetology state board exam.
Overall licensing difficulty: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
Browse study guides
Cosmetology Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Compare approved cosmetologist courses available in Texas. Prices and availability verified 2026.
Paul Mitchell Schools
1,000-hour cosmetology program with Paul Mitchell's three-level curriculum (Core, Adaptive, Creative) progressing from fundamentals to advanced techniques.
1000 hours · Full-time ~7-9 months, part-time ~12-15 months
Best for: Students wanting strong brand recognition
Empire Beauty School
1,000-hour cosmetology program covering cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, and nail technology with hands-on salon experience.
1000 hours · Full-time ~10 months
Best for: Students seeking hands-on salon experience
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Non-refundable application fee for cosmetology operator license | |
Exam Fee Written exam ($55) + practical exam ($76), paid separately to PSI | |
License Fee The $50 application fee covers the initial license issuance | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($50) + written exam ($55) + practical exam ($76) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Texas cosmetology schools range widely in tuition. The 1,000-hour program requirement keeps costs moderate compared to states requiring more hours.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$72
Continuing Education
4 hours — Specialty operators: 4 CEUs per 2-year renewal cycle
Late Renewal Fee
$75–$100
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Texas allows out-of-state licensed cosmetologists to apply for licensure by endorsement. Applicants must hold an active license in good standing from another state and meet TDLR's requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must submit official verification of out-of-state license and may need to pass the Texas written and/or practical exam. No reciprocity with FL, HI, IL, IN, IA, NJ, NY, OR, PA — must contact board
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Texas requires only 1,000 training hours, which is among the lower requirements nationally. The state also mandates human trafficking prevention training as part of CE requirements starting in 2025, reflecting a legislative priority. Students can sit for the written exam before completing all training hours (at the 900-hour mark).
Texas allows up to 250 of the 1,000 required training hours to be completed online for theory subjects.
Effective September 1, 2025, new CE requirements include mandatory human trafficking prevention training.
Students can take the written exam after completing 900 of the 1,000 required hours.
TDLR oversees both barbering and cosmetology under a combined program.
Cosmetologist Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Texas compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Calculate the return on investment for your cosmetologist license →
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
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Other professional licenses in Texas
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Texas →
Transfer your Cosmetologist license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →