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Careers in cosmetology are about more than providing services like haircuts, manicures, and skin care services. Professionals who have a real passion for providing personal care thrive in the industry because they recognize the added value inherent in wellness services that help clients feel confident in their appearance.

When you take your career to the next level by choosing to become a cosmetology instructor, you can pass on your knowledge, skills, and passion to a new generation of service professionals.

However, you must first obtain a valid license (certificate of registration) from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. Furthermore, you must renew this license periodically. Here's what you should know about renewal requirements.

When and How to Renew Your License

While most cosmetology professionals in Louisiana are required to renew their licenses annually, cosmetology instructors renew their licenses every two years, on or before their date of birth. To qualify for renewal, cosmetology instructors must complete 16 hours of qualifying continuing education (CE).

The content of the CE must include training in the discipline for which the person is certified to teach, and it must demonstrate clear educational value for licensed instructors.

Courses must cover cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and related teaching methodology. Specifically, CE must dedicate at least three hours to the teaching of methodology.

What Happens if You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If you fail to renew your cosmetology instructor license by your date of birth every two years, you will enjoy a grace period of 30 days before the license expires, although your license will not be active during this time.

You are not permitted to practice with an inactive or expired license. If you do so, you may be subject to penalties like fines and the suspension or revocation of your license.

You may still renew an expired license for up to three years after missing the renewal deadline. However, you must meet CE requirements and pay applicable fees. You will be assessed a late fee in the amount of twice the fee for each year the license has been expired, not to exceed $300, along with a fee for failure to renew in a timely manner.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may still renew and resume practice by proving that you are qualified to resume. This is determined by passing an exam issued by a board examination team. You may have to complete a "brush up" course offered by an approved school and pay applicable renewal fees.

Choosing the Right Source for Continuing Education

Before you start earning CE credits, you must choose a board-approved provider. Approved courses must provide high-quality, relevant, and professional training to enhance the skills and knowledge of licensed instructors.

As a working professional, you should look for a program that offers the convenience of 24/7 online access. The right school will provide an instant certificate of completion that includes your name, the seminar title, the date and hours completed, and the sponsor's name and board-approved number.

If it's time to renew your cosmetology instructor license in Louisiana, contact RocketCert today to sign up for your state-approved CE course.