MN BOC cosmetology renewal: Minnesota 2026
Regulated by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (MN BOC)
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Minnesota cosmetology licenses are valid for 3 years. Renewal requires 8 hours of continuing education within each renewal cycle. You renew through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (MN BOC). Online CE is accepted.
Minnesota stands out for spreading its continuing education over a three-year renewal cycle rather than an annual one, and for telling you exactly how those hours must be split. You owe 8 hours total per cycle, but they are not a free-for-all: a set number must cover laws, another set sanitation, and the rest professional practice. Online courses count toward all of it.
Under Minnesota Rules 2105.0200, every cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, and eyelash technician must complete 8 continuing education hours during each 3-year renewal cycle. The same 8-hour total applies across all four license types.
What makes Minnesota distinct is the required breakdown. The 8 hours are not interchangeable. They must be earned as follows:
- 1 hour in laws and regulations (the rules that govern your license)
- 3 hours in safety and sanitation
- 4 hours in professional practice (techniques and services for your discipline)
That fixed split means you cannot, for example, stack all 8 hours into hands-on technique classes and skip the law and sanitation portions. Plan to cover each category before your renewal date.
Online and self-study: Minnesota allows continuing education to be completed online, so you can satisfy the full 8 hours through approved distance courses if that suits your schedule.
First renewal: Your first renewal after initial licensure may carry reduced requirements. Because the exact reduction can vary, confirm what applies to your first cycle directly with the board before assuming a different total.
License types covered: The 8-hour rule reads the same whether you hold a cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, or eyelash technician license. The professional-practice portion is where your specific discipline matters, since those hours should reflect the services you actually perform.
How many CE hours does Minnesota require?
| License types | CE hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| esthetician, cosmetologist, manicurist, eyelash technician | 8 hours | every 3 years |
CE topic breakdown
- Core Laws And Regulations: 1 hour
- Core Safety And Sanitation: 3 hours
- Professional Practice: 4 hours
Exemptions
First renewal after initial licensure may have reduced requirements - check board.
Minnesota state board contact info
- Board: Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (MN BOC)
- Website: https://mn.gov/boards/cosmetology/
States with the same 8-hour CE requirement: Nebraska. See the full list of states that require CE for cosmetology renewal. Compare all 53 states.
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Frequently asked questions about Minnesota cosmetology renewal
How many CE hours does Minnesota require for cosmetology renewal?
Minnesota requires 8 CE hours per 3-year renewal cycle for estheticians, cosmetologists, manicurists, and eyelash technicians. Online CE is accepted. Check the MN BOC for the current list of approved CE providers.
Can I complete Minnesota cosmetology CE online?
Yes. Minnesota accepts online CE. You must use a board-approved provider. Verify the current approved-provider list directly with the MN BOC.
How often does a Minnesota cosmetology license need to be renewed?
Minnesota estheticians, cosmetologists, manicurists, and eyelash technicians licenses renew every 3 years. You need to complete 8 CE hours before each renewal.
What happens if my Minnesota cosmetology license lapses?
If you miss your Minnesota 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.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Minnesota cosmetology license?
8 continuing education hours per 3-year renewal cycle. The hours must be split as 1 hour of laws and regulations, 3 hours of safety and sanitation, and 4 hours of professional practice.
Can I do all my Minnesota CE online?
Yes. Minnesota allows continuing education to be completed online, so all 8 hours can come from approved distance or self-study courses if you prefer.
Is the 8-hour requirement different for estheticians or nail technicians?
No. Cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and eyelash technicians all owe the same 8 hours per 3-year cycle with the same category breakdown. The professional-practice hours should match the services your license covers.
Do I have to take a specific number of hours in each subject?
Yes, and this is the part licensees often miss. The 8 hours are not interchangeable: exactly 1 hour must be laws and regulations, 3 hours safety and sanitation, and 4 hours professional practice. Cover all three before renewing.
Does my first renewal have the same requirement?
Your first renewal after initial licensure may have reduced requirements. The board sets the specifics, so check with the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners to confirm what applies to your first cycle.