CE Hours Calculator
Most US states require between 0 and 16 hours of continuing education to renew a cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering license, and the exact number plus the required topics change by state. Pick your state below to see precisely how many CE hours you need this renewal cycle, how they break down by category (general practice, sanitation, ethics, human-trafficking awareness, and more), whether online courses count, and the renewal and late fees. Every figure is pulled from the state board rule we cite at the bottom of each result, with the date we last verified it. This calculator covers all 53 US jurisdictions and is free, with no signup. If your state shows a value as "not published," the board does not list a public number and you should confirm directly with them before you renew.
CE hours required to renew, by example state
A quick reference for some of the most-searched states. Use the calculator above for your exact state and the full category breakdown.
| State | CE hours / cycle | Cycle length | Online allowed |
|---|
How to read your CE requirement
Your renewal cycle is the window the board gives you to complete the hours, usually one or two years. The category breakdown matters: many states reserve specific hours for mandatory topics like sanitation, infection control, or human-trafficking awareness, and general courses cannot substitute for those. Always finish before your expiration date, since late renewal often adds a fee and, in some states, makeup CE.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do I need to renew my cosmetology license?
It depends on your state, typically 0 to 16 hours per renewal cycle. Select your state in the calculator above to see the exact total and which topics are mandatory.
Do online CE hours count?
In many states yes, but some cap online hours or require certain topics in person. The calculator shows whether your state allows online CE for your license.
What happens if I renew late?
Most boards charge a late fee and some require additional makeup CE or a reinstatement step. Check your state result for the published late fee, then confirm with the board.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each result cites the exact state board rule and the date we last verified it. The board is always the legal source of truth, so confirm there before you renew.
Next: see the full rules and renewal steps on your state comparison page, browse states that require CE, or explore more free CEFinder tools. Two of the most-viewed guides are California and Texas.