⚡ Quick Answer

Use the issue date of your newest Texas Barbering or Cosmetology license.

If any of your licenses have been held for less than 15 years, you must complete the 4 hour continuing education course. You only qualify for the reduced 2 hour requirement once all of your eligible licenses have been held for at least 15 years.

👀 How It Works

Texas determines your continuing education requirement based on the license you've held for the shortest amount of time.

For example:

• 💈 Your Barber license was issued 18 years ago
• ✂️ Your Cosmetology Operator license was issued 6 years ago

Because your newest license has been held for less than 15 years, you'll need to complete the 4 hour continuing education course.

Once your newest eligible license reaches 15 years, you'll qualify for the reduced 2 hour continuing education requirement.

💡 Good to Know

You do not add together the years from multiple licenses, and you don't choose whichever license is most convenient.

Always use the issue date of the newest eligible license when determining which continuing education course you need.

🤝 Why We Explain This

This is one of the most common renewal questions we receive from professionals with multiple licenses.

Understanding which license date TDLR uses helps you enroll in the correct course the first time and prevents delays in your renewal.