Cosmetologist
Texas
Cosmetology Operator License Requirements
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$181
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
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.
Training Requirements
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
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedCosmetology 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Texas Cosmetology Operator Written Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $55
Computer-based multiple-choice exam. Must be passed before sitting for the practical exam. School notifies TDLR of eligibility after completing 900 of 1,000 required hours.
Practical Exam
Texas Cosmetology Operator Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Fee
- $76
Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills. Must pass written exam first before scheduling practical exam.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Non-refundable application fee for cosmetology operator license | $50 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($55) + practical exam ($76), paid separately to PSI | $131 |
License Fee The $50 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($50) + written exam ($55) + practical exam ($76) | $181 |
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.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$50
Continuing Education
4 hours — Effective September 1, 2025: licensees with less than 15 years of licensure must complete 4 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation, 2 hours cosmetology-related, 1 hour human trafficking prevention). Licensees with 15+ years complete 2 hours (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention).
Late Renewal Fee
$75–$100
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Mostly verifiedTexas 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.
Related Licenses in Texas
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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.
Sources
Official TDLR cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Training details and online hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Scheduling through PSI
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms $50 practitioner application fee
Accessed 2026-02-24
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official renewal information
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Texas
Texas requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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