Ohio guide
Ohio cosmetology and barber continuing education requirements
Ohio cosmetologists, hair designers, estheticians, nail techs and barbers need 4 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period: 1 hour on Ohio laws and rules and 3 hours on safety and infection control, from a Board-approved provider. First renewals, licensees 65 and older, and anyone licensed 30 or more years are exempt from the hours, but human trafficking training still applies. (OAC 4713-21-03)
How many hours, and in what
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board sets the requirement in Ohio Administrative Code 4713-21-03. Every two-year licensing period you need:
- 1 hour on updates to Ohio laws or rules.
- 3 hours on safety and infection control.
That is 4 hours total. The statute, ORC 4713.09, lets the Board require up to 8 hours, but the current rule sets 4. The course must come from a provider the Board has approved.
If you hold more than one Board license, for example cosmetologist and barber, hours you complete for one count toward the other. You do not repeat them. OAC 4713-21-03
When the hours are due
The deadline comes before the license expiration date, not on it.
| License | CE must be done by | License expires |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology branch (cosmetologist, hair designer, esthetician, natural hair stylist, manicurist) | January 15 of the odd-numbered year (next: January 15, 2027) | January 31 of the odd-numbered year (ORC 4713.57) |
| Barber | August 15 of the even-numbered year (next: August 15, 2028) | August 31 of the even-numbered year (ORC 4709.11) |
Extra hours do not carry into the next period. ORC 4713.59, ORC 4709.11
Who is exempt
You do not have to complete the 4 hours if any of these apply: OAC 4713-21-03
- This is your first renewal after your initial license was issued.
- You are 65 or older at the start of the renewal period.
- You have held a Board license for 30 years or more at the start of the renewal period.
Even if you are exempt, the rule still requires the human trafficking training described below.
Human trafficking training
Every licensee and student must receive training on human trafficking, either in school or through a continuing education course. OAC 4713-1-14 Board-approved CE providers build it into their law-and-rules hour. If you are exempt from CE hours, ask your provider for the trafficking module on its own.
Can I get an extension?
Yes, in limited cases. The Board may waive or extend the CE deadline for an emergency, a prolonged or unusual illness, or active military duty. If the extension is under a year, you complete both periods’ hours in the following year. Apply before the deadline. ORC 4713.60
What happens if I miss it
You attest on the renewal application that your CE is done. ORC 4713.60(A) A license that is not renewed on time expires. An expired license can be restored by paying the restoration fee and completing the current CE requirement. ORC 4713.63 Working on an expired license is a violation, and it is also the kind of gap that an insurance claim can turn on, so renew before you work.
Amanda’s note
“When I inspected, the CE question was usually ‘can you show me?’ Keep your certificates in your phone. Screenshot them the day you finish the course.”
Keep your insurance in step with your license
An individual liability policy renews on its own schedule, not the Board’s. If you renew your license in January, check your insurance the same week. Policies through Buckeye Beauty & Barber Insurance start from $193 a year, paid once, no added fees, and you can see your price in about two minutes on the cosmetologist or barber page.