When is the deadline for the current Ohio cosmetology CE cycle?

All CE hours must be completed by January 15, 2027 for the 2025-2027 renewal period.

Who is exempt from Ohio cosmetology CE requirements?

Licensees age 65 or older (born before October 2, 2026), those licensed 30+ years (before October 2, 1996), and first-time licensees are exempt from CE, though Instructor licenses do not qualify for the first-time exemption and everyone still owes the renewal fee.

Ohio Cosmetology License Renewal: CE Hours & Deadline (2026 Guide)

Q: How many CE hours do Ohio cosmetologists need to renew?

Ohio cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and related licensees need 4 CE hours per renewal cycle: 1 hour of Board Laws and Rules (a free course provided by the Board) and 3 hours of Safety & Infection Control.

Quick answer

Ohio cosmetologists need 4 CE hours per renewal cycle: 1 hour of Board Laws & Rules (a free course from the Board) and 3 hours of Safety & Infection Control. All CE hours for the current cycle are due by January 15, 2027 (the 2025–2027 renewal period). Licensees 65+, those licensed 30+ years, or first-time licensees may be exempt from CE — but everyone still owes the renewal fee.

How many hours do I need?

Topic	Hours Required
Board Laws & Rules (free, Board-provided)	1 hour
Safety & Infection Control	3 hours

The 3-hour Safety & Infection Control course breaks down further into Safety (1 hour), Infection Control (1 hour), and Health & Safety Emergencies (1 hour).

What’s the deadline?

All CE hours for the current renewal period must be completed by January 15, 2027 (the 2025–2027 cycle). Licensees who haven’t finished by that date can’t renew until February 1, 2027 or later, so it’s worth finishing well ahead of the deadline.

Who is exempt?

Licensees age 65 or older (born before October 2, 2026)
Licensees holding a license for 30+ years (licensed before October 2, 1996)
First-time Ohio licensees (note: Instructor licenses are not eligible for this exemption)

Exempt or not, every licensee must still pay the renewal fee to keep an active license.

How to complete your CE online

Take the free 1-hour Board Laws & Rules course.
Complete the 3-hour Safety & Infection Control course online, at your own pace.
Download your certificate immediately upon completion.
Your completion is reported to the Ohio Board — typically within 24 hours.

This guide reflects Ohio cosmetology CE requirements as published as of August 2026. Rules and cycle dates can change — always confirm current requirements with the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board before your renewal deadline.

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do Ohio cosmetologists need to renew?+

4 hours total: 1 hour of Board Laws & Rules (free) and 3 hours of Safety & Infection Control.

When is the deadline for the current cycle?+

CE hours are due by January 15, 2027 for the 2025–2027 renewal period.

Who’s exempt from Ohio cosmetology CE?+

Licensees 65 or older, those licensed 30+ years, and first-time licensees — though everyone still owes the renewal fee.