How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Texas?

Texas requires 1,000 hours of approved training.

How much does a Texas cosmetology license cost?

Before tuition, expect $50 in board fees.

Is there a practical exam for the Texas cosmetology license?

Yes. Texas requires a hands-on practical examination in addition to the written examination.

How old do you have to be to get a cosmetology license in Texas?

You must be at least 17 years old.

How often do you renew a Texas cosmetology license?

The renewal cycle is 2 years. Continuing education: 4 hours per renewal.

TX Cosmetology licensing

Texas cosmetology operator requirements and exam prep

Confirm Texas cosmetology operator hours, written and practical exam steps, official TDLR sources and the matching practice app.

At a glance

Texas Cosmetology facts

License type: Cosmetology Operator
School hours: 1,000 hours
Written exam: Required
Practical exam: Required
Exam vendor: PSI
Renewal cycle: 2 years
Minimum age: 17
Last verified: 2026-07-30

Checked against 4 official sources on 2026-07-29. Every figure on this page links to the document it came from.

Application path

What to verify before you apply

1Confirm the license categoryState boards may use different names for the same career path.
2Verify training and exam eligibilityCheck hours, application order, fees, IDs and vendor rules from official sources.
3Practice once your path is clearUse the state-aware course app for written-exam practice and weak-area review.

Exam details

Written and practical exam notes

Written exam

Status: Required
Languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese

Practical exam

Status: Required

Renewal and transfer

Renewal: 2 years
Continuing education: 4 hours per renewal
Reciprocity: Case by case - the board compares your training and may require an exam

What it costs

License application: $50

The $50 licence fee is paid to TDLR. The examination fee is paid separately to the exam vendor and is not included.

Still to verifyNot published in the cited sources: written question count, written time limit, practical time limit. Verify the current board page or candidate bulletin before scheduling or applying.

Study path

How to use this Texas cosmetology guide

Verify the licensing path here, then use the course app for active recall, answer explanations, weak-area drills and timed written-exam practice.

Confirm eligibilityFinish 1,000 approved training hours before relying on exam practice as your only preparation step.
Prepare for the written examUse practice for the core written-theory topics, then verify the current question count and time limit before scheduling. The cited sources name PSI as the exam vendor.
Plan hands-on practiceTexas requires a practical exam for this license, so do not let written-question practice replace service practice and kit/exam-day preparation.
Start the matching practice appBegin with the free questions, then unlock full access when your exam date is close enough that you will use the 90-day study window.

High-yield written topics

Safety and infection controlDisinfection, blood exposure, EPA labels, SDS and salon sanitation rules.
Hair color and chemistryLevels, developers, patch tests, chemical reactions and product safety.
Haircutting and texture servicesElevation, guidelines, relaxers, perms, neutralizers and service steps.
Skin, nails and state lawBasic services outside hair plus scope, licensing and board-rule questions.

Practice Cosmetology questions

Official sources

Source links used for this guide

Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License ↗Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Accessed 2026-07-29Training hours, Written exam, Practical exam, Minimum age, Exam vendor, Application fee
Exam Information for Barbers and Cosmetologists ↗Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Accessed 2026-07-29Exam vendor, Exam languages
Continuing Education for Barbers and Cosmetologists ↗Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Accessed 2026-07-29Renewal, Continuing education
Barbering & Cosmetology at a Glance ↗Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Accessed 2026-07-30License Fee

Texas in context

What these Texas cosmetology rules mean for you

Texas requires 1,000 training hours for a cosmetology license. That is the lowest requirement of the 51 jurisdictions tracked here. Hour requirements matter beyond school cost: a license earned in a low-hour state is often harder to transfer into a high-hour one.

Texas requires both a written examination and a hands-on practical examination, so you need bench skills as well as theory. The examination is administered by PSI.

The Texas written exam is offered in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese. If English is not your first language, confirm the language option when you book, because it is chosen at scheduling rather than on exam day.

Texas Cosmetology licensing questions

How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Texas?: Texas requires 1,000 hours of approved training.
How much does a Texas cosmetology license cost?: Before tuition, expect $50 in board fees.
Is there a practical exam for the Texas cosmetology license?: Yes. Texas requires a hands-on practical examination in addition to the written examination.
What languages is the Texas cosmetology written exam offered in?: It is offered in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese.
How old do you have to be to get a cosmetology license in Texas?: You must be at least 17 years old.
How often do you renew a Texas cosmetology license?: The renewal cycle is 2 years. Continuing education: 4 hours per renewal.

Verify before applying. Licensing rules, fees, providers, and exam formats can change. Use the linked board source as the final authority.