Blog

Not all skilled trades require hammers and saws. Some are dedicated to providing care services to consumers. Like nursing and other licensed care trades, cosmetology offers opportunities to learn through a combination of classroom education and on-the-job training. 

Whether you focus on becoming a hairstylist, nail technician, esthetician, makeup artist, or all-around beautician, you’ll enjoy a rewarding career helping clients look and feel their best.  

To legally perform cosmetology work, you must not only obtain a license from the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board but also maintain it through periodic renewal. What are the requirements for renewal, and what happens if your license expires? 

Requirements to Renew Your Cosmetology License 

Cosmetology licenses in Ohio are valid for up to two years, expiring on January 15 of odd-numbered years. To avoid expiration, you must apply for renewal before this date and submit applicable fees and proof that you have completed continuing education (CE) requirements. 

The state requires all cosmetology license holders to complete four hours of approved CE to qualify for renewal. This must include one hour devoted to board laws and rules and three hours focused on safety and infection control (sanitation). 

Exemptions From CE Requirements 

All cosmetology and branch of cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years if you want to continue practicing your trade. While every license holder must apply for renewal and pay fees, there are some exemptions from the CE requirements. 

You don’t have to complete CE if you are over the age of 65 and/or you have held your license for 30 or more years. If you are a new license holder renewing for the first time (i.e., you’ve had your license for less than two years), you are also exempt from CE requirements. This does not apply to instructor licenses. 

What Happens if You Miss the Renewal Deadline? 

If your license expires, you will no longer be legally permitted to work as a cosmetologist. Continuing to work without a valid license could result in fines and license suspension or revocation, as well as open you up to lawsuits from clients. 

You may still renew your license if you complete the required CE hours and pay an additional late fee, the amount of which may differ based on your license and how late you are applying for renewal. If you fail to renew for two consecutive renewal periods (four years), your license will become inactive. 

When this occurs, you must complete four hours of CE and pay a current licensing fee, a late fee, and delinquent licensing fees to restore it. Lapsed/inactive licenses are not eligible for exemptions. 

Continuing Education That Caters to Working Professionals 

Completing CE to renew your license is easier when you choose a program for working professionals that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to course materials. Look for a platform that offers an instant Certificate of Completion for your records and prompt state notification on your behalf. 

Is it time to renew your cosmetology or branch of cosmetology license in Ohio? Contact RocketCert today to learn more about approved continuing education courses.