OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Texas Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TX · License preparation

202 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Provisional Esthetician License

Provisional form of Esthetician License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Eyelash Extension Specialist License

Provisional form of Eyelash Extension Specialist License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician License

Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician License issued by TDLR under Chapter 1603.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

Combine two active Texas specialty licenses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed combination-license application and pay the $50 application fee.
Existing Licenses
Hold both an active Hair Weaving Specialist License and an active Esthetician License.
Training Alternatives
The TDLR application page also describes separate full training courses for the two specialties; obtaining and holding the two active licenses precedes this combination route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by documented substantial equivalence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Current License
Hold an active, valid license or certificate in good standing from another jurisdiction or foreign country for the corresponding practice.
Department Discretion
TDLR determines equivalence and may waive licensing prerequisites under §83.28(d).
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Equivalence
Provide a certified transcript and documentation that the licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Texas; foreign documents require department or credentialing-agency verification and translations as applicable.
Fees
Pay the substantial-equivalence and applicable license application fees.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew under §83.26 with the application and fee.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is not required while renewing inactive status.
Inactive License
License is on inactive status.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Hold this license and apply for inactive status by its expiration date.
Fee
Pay the applicable fee.
Practice Restriction
An inactive license does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for at least 18 months but less than three years; obtain executive director approval.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for at least 18 months but less than three years; obtain executive-director approval.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for 90 days or less.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
One and one-half times the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for 90 days or less.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal when license expired during active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete applicable continuing education within the extended renewal deadline.
Deadline
Two additional years to complete continuing education and other renewal requirements under §55.003; TDLR states a total period of up to five years.
Examination Waiver
TDLR expressly states no examination requirement for a license expired while serving on active duty.
Fees
Regular renewal fee applies; increased late-renewal fees are waived.
Military Status
Texas license holder whose license expired while serving on active duty; submit military-status documentation and the paper renewal application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited military restoration of recently held Texas license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Implementation Notice
The TDLR military-renewal page also states: "If your license did not expire while you were on active duty, and your license is expired more than 3 years, you must meet the initial requirements for a new license, including taking any required examination(s)." The higher-ranked current §60.514(e) waives examinations for this qualifying prior-five-year route.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse; submit the license application, supplemental military application, and military-status or marital-status documents, and pass the criminal-history background check.
Prior Texas License
Held the same Texas license within the five years preceding the application date.
Waiver
No applicable licensing examination is required under §60.514(e).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited military licensure using similar out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Implementation Notice
The TDLR military-transfer page states: "You may be required to successfully complete any exams that are part of the license requirements." For the qualifying similar-scope route, the higher-ranked §60.512(e) expressly waives those exams.
Current Other License
Hold a current license from another state with a scope of practice similar to this Texas license, and be in good standing under §55.0042.
Department Review
TDLR determines similar scope; executive director may waive prerequisites after reviewing credentials.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse; submit the license application, supplemental military application, and military-status or marital-status documents, and pass the criminal-history background check.
Renewal
After issuance, satisfy all renewal requirements and fees for this Texas license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary licensure of eligible provisional holder
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Department ordinarily approves or denies within 180 days; the statutory examination-result extension remains an applicant condition.
Eligibility
Department determines that the holder is eligible for ordinary licensure by substantial equivalence.
Provisional License
Hold the corresponding provisional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed active-status application and fee.
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required for the preceding active-license renewal period; those hours cannot also be used for a future active-license renewal.
Inactive License
License is on inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Normal renewal fee.
License Window
Unexpired license; complete renewal before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to Texas after licensed practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for a new Texas license without reexamination under §51.401(e).
Current Other License
Currently licensed and in practice in the other state for the two years preceding the application.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Prior Texas License
Previously licensed in Texas, then moved to another state.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician License

Provisional form of Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Hair Weaving Specialist License

Provisional form of Hair Weaving Specialist License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Manicurist/Esthetician License

Provisional form of Manicurist/Esthetician License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Manicurist License

Provisional form of Manicurist License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Cosmetology Operator License

Cosmetology Operator License issued by TDLR under Chapter 1603.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

New licensure after revocation
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Prior License Status
Wait one year after revocation, except where a statutory exception applies. For revocation solely for unpaid administrative penalties or an insufficient-funds fee, full payment or an approved payment plan in good standing permits an earlier application. Apply for a new license.
New licensure after surrender
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Prior License Status
The surrendered license cannot be renewed; apply for a new license.
Cosmetology operator licensure for Class A barber
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Current Barber License
Hold a Texas Class A barber license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Examination Sequence
Pass the cosmetology operator written and practical examinations in sequence.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Training
Complete the 300-hour cosmetology specialty curriculum in §83.202(a)(2).
Licensure by documented substantial equivalence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Current License
Hold an active, valid license or certificate in good standing from another jurisdiction or foreign country for the corresponding practice.
Department Discretion
TDLR determines equivalence and may waive licensing prerequisites under §83.28(d).
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Equivalence
Provide a certified transcript and documentation that the licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Texas; foreign documents require department or credentialing-agency verification and translations as applicable.
Fees
Pay the substantial-equivalence and applicable license application fees.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Training Shortfall
Documented work performed in the licensing jurisdiction may substitute 25 hours per month, up to 300 hours; otherwise complete the remaining hours in an approved Texas school.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure when equivalent standards cannot be documented
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Current License
Hold an active, valid license or certificate in good standing from another jurisdiction or foreign country for the corresponding practice.
Department Discretion
TDLR determines equivalence and may waive licensing prerequisites under §83.28(d).
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Equivalence
Applicant cannot provide documentation of standards equivalent to those in Texas; pass the applicable Texas written and practical examinations under §83.28(b).
Examination Sequence
Pass the written examination before the practical examination.
Fees
Pay the substantial-equivalence and applicable license application fees.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Training Shortfall
Documented work performed in the licensing jurisdiction may substitute 25 hours per month, up to 300 hours; otherwise complete the remaining hours in an approved Texas school.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Early Written Eligibility
The written examination may be taken after 900 of the required 1,000 hours; complete all hours before practical eligibility.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Examination Sequence
Pass the written examination before the practical examination. PSI eligibility lasts five years; each examination attempt has a separate fee.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable $50 license application fee.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Training
Complete 1000 hours of the applicable curriculum at a licensed Texas barbering/cosmetology school.
New licensure after the late renewal deadline
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Examination Results
Retake the applicable licensing examinations; previous licensing examination results are not accepted under §60.31(h).
Expired License
Texas license has expired beyond the statutory late-renewal period; apply for a new license.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Training
Provide documentation required for the new-license application; this record does not impose repeat schooling where the sources do not.
Renewal of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew under §83.26 with the application and fee.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is not required while renewing inactive status.
Inactive License
License is on inactive status.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Hold this license and apply for inactive status by its expiration date.
Fee
Pay the applicable fee.
Practice Restriction
An inactive license does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for at least 18 months but less than three years; obtain executive director approval.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for at least 18 months but less than three years; obtain executive-director approval.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for 90 days or less.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
One and one-half times the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for 90 days or less.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal: License expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Twice the normal renewal fee.
License Window
License expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
Practice Restriction
No licensed practice during the gap between expiration and issuance of the renewed license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal when license expired during active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete applicable continuing education within the extended renewal deadline.
Deadline
Two additional years to complete continuing education and other renewal requirements under §55.003; TDLR states a total period of up to five years.
Examination Waiver
TDLR expressly states no examination requirement for a license expired while serving on active duty.
Fees
Regular renewal fee applies; increased late-renewal fees are waived.
Military Status
Texas license holder whose license expired while serving on active duty; submit military-status documentation and the paper renewal application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited military restoration of recently held Texas license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Implementation Notice
The TDLR military-renewal page also states: "If your license did not expire while you were on active duty, and your license is expired more than 3 years, you must meet the initial requirements for a new license, including taking any required examination(s)." The higher-ranked current §60.514(e) waives examinations for this qualifying prior-five-year route.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse; submit the license application, supplemental military application, and military-status or marital-status documents, and pass the criminal-history background check.
Prior Texas License
Held the same Texas license within the five years preceding the application date.
Waiver
No applicable licensing examination is required under §60.514(e).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited military licensure using similar out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Implementation Notice
The TDLR military-transfer page states: "You may be required to successfully complete any exams that are part of the license requirements." For the qualifying similar-scope route, the higher-ranked §60.512(e) expressly waives those exams.
Current Other License
Hold a current license from another state with a scope of practice similar to this Texas license, and be in good standing under §55.0042.
Department Review
TDLR determines similar scope; executive director may waive prerequisites after reviewing credentials.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse; submit the license application, supplemental military application, and military-status or marital-status documents, and pass the criminal-history background check.
Renewal
After issuance, satisfy all renewal requirements and fees for this Texas license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure using verified military training
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Early Written Eligibility
The written examination may be taken after 900 of the required 1,000 hours; complete all hours before practical eligibility.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Examination Sequence
Pass the written examination before the practical examination. PSI eligibility lasts five years; each examination attempt has a separate fee.
Fee
Pay the non-refundable $50 license application fee.
Military Status
Military service member or veteran seeking credit for verified military experience, service, training, or education; submit a supplemental application and military-status and experience documents.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
State Fees
State-paid license application and examination fees are waived under Occupations Code §55.009; private vendor fees are not represented as waived.
Training
TDLR credits verified military service, training, or education toward non-examination licensing requirements under 16 TAC §60.510; pass the applicable examinations.
Ordinary licensure of eligible provisional holder
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Department ordinarily approves or denies within 180 days; the statutory examination-result extension remains an applicant condition.
Eligibility
Department determines that the holder is eligible for ordinary licensure by substantial equivalence.
Provisional License
Hold the corresponding provisional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed active-status application and fee.
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required for the preceding active-license renewal period; those hours cannot also be used for a future active-license renewal.
Inactive License
License is on inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete renewal application and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Background Check
Renewals are subject to a criminal-history background check under §60.31(f).
Continuing Education
Complete four approved continuing-education hours in the preceding two-year period: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-prevention hour, and two approved elective hours. After holding a Texas practitioner license for 15 years, only the sanitation and human-trafficking hours are required.
Current License
Hold this Texas practitioner license.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under §60.39, supply acceptable eligibility documentation before renewal.
Fee
Normal renewal fee.
License Window
Unexpired license; complete renewal before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to Texas after licensed practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for a new Texas license without reexamination under §51.401(e).
Current Other License
Currently licensed and in practice in the other state for the two years preceding the application.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Prior Texas License
Previously licensed in Texas, then moved to another state.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Cosmetology Operator License

Provisional form of Cosmetology Operator License pending the licensing determination; ordinary equivalence and military provisional pathways have separate conditions.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Provisional military license while application is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department Action
TDLR promptly issues a provisional license or grants the requested license or recognition.
Later Requirements
Final-license or recognition requirements belong to the applicable final route; the provisional issuance rule imposes no examination requirement.
Military Status
Military service member, veteran, or spouse whose license or recognition application has been received by TDLR.
Term
Expires upon approval or denial of the pending application, or on the 180th day after issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Cosmetology Operator License

Nonrenewable, 60-day temporary Cosmetology Operator License pending delivery of the ordinary license under §1603.2025.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

Post examination temporary license
Application
Submit the required license application and documents; an incomplete initial application expires after one year.
Application Timing
Apply and pay the license fee after written-examination eligibility notification but before sitting the written examination.
Background Check
Successfully pass the criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal history may cause denial.
Eligibility Verification
If selected under 16 TAC §60.39, provide acceptable documentation of lawful presence and authorization to work before issuance.
Minimum Age
At least 17 years of age.
Practical Eligibility
Complete the hour requirement and pass the background check before TDLR transmits practical eligibility.
Temporary Term
After passing both examinations, PSI prints a temporary license with the score report; the license authorizes practice immediately and expires after 60 days without renewal.
Training
Complete 1000 hours of the applicable curriculum at a licensed Texas barbering/cosmetology school.

Cosmetology Operator License Examination — Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

Cosmetology Operator License Examination — Written Examination

Examination outline
  • Licensing and Regulation (20%)
    • Health and Safety
    • Responsibilities of the Practitioner
  • Infection Control (28%)
    • Cleaning and Disinfecting — Implements
    • Cleaning and Disinfecting — Equipment
    • Cleaning and Disinfecting — Work Environment
    • Safety Procedures — Exposure Incidents
    • Safety Procedures — Patch Test
    • Safety Procedures — Strand Test
    • Skin — Diseases
    • Skin — Disorders
    • Nail — Diseases
    • Nail — Disorders
    • Hair Analysis — Disorders
    • Scalp Analysis — Diseases
    • Scalp Analysis — Disorders
  • Hair and Scalp Care (40%)
    • Physiology
    • Products — Cleansing
    • Products — Conditioning Treatments
    • Haircutting
    • Hairstyling — Hair Extensions
    • Hairstyling — Thermal
    • Chemical Texture Services — Chemical Theory
    • Chemical Texture Services — Relaxer
    • Chemical Texture Services — Permanent Wave
    • Chemical Texture Services — Soft Curl Reformation
    • Haircoloring — Color Theory
    • Haircoloring — Types of Hair Color and Lightener
    • Haircoloring — Application
  • Nail Care (6%)
    • Manicuring
    • Pedicuring
    • Nail Enhancements — Acrylic
    • Nail Enhancements — Tips
  • Skin Care (6%)
    • Facials — Treatments
    • Facials — Massage
    • Hair Removal — Contraindications
    • Hair Removal — Methods of Hair Removal
    • Eyelash Extensions
Examination sources