IDFPR cosmetology renewal: Illinois 2026

Illinois requires 14 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. Online CE is accepted. Source: IDFPR, last verified 2026-04-28.

CE hours
14
hours per cycle
Cycle
2
years per cycle
Online CE
Yes
online accepted
Renewal
n/a
fee not published
Bar chart comparing Illinois's 14 CE hours required per 2-year renewal cycle to the national average.
CE requirements at a glance, sourced from the state board's published statute.
Recent rule change: 1-hour domestic violence CE became effective Jan 1, 2017 . already embedded in 14-hour total, but verify it remains applicable each renewal cycle vs. truly one-time.

How many CE hours does Illinois require?

License typesCE hoursCycle
cosmetologist, esthetician, nail_technician, hair_braider, teacher14 hoursevery 2 years

CE topic breakdown

  • Domestic Violence: 1 hour
  • Remaining Any Approved: 13 hours
  • Max Online: 7 hours
  • 1-hour DV requirement is one-time (eff. Jan 1, 2017), included in 14-hour total. Estheticians: 10 hours per 225 ILCS 410/3A-6.

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Frequently asked questions about Illinois cosmetology renewal

How many CE hours does Illinois require for cosmetology renewal?

Illinois requires 14 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for cosmetologists and estheticians. Online CE is accepted. Check the IDFPR for the current list of approved CE providers.

Can I complete Illinois cosmetology CE online?

Yes. Illinois accepts online CE. You must use a board-approved provider. Verify the current approved-provider list directly with the IDFPR.

How often does a Illinois cosmetology license need to be renewed?

Illinois cosmetology and esthetician licenses renew every 2 years. You need to complete 14 CE hours before each renewal.

What happens if my Illinois cosmetology license lapses?

If you miss your Illinois renewal deadline, your license enters expired or inactive status. You may face late fees, a reinstatement application, and in some cases additional CE hours or re-examination. Set a free reminder on CEFinder so your deadline is never a surprise.