How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Texas?

Entering a profession in the world of beauty and cosmetology offers an opportunity to use a variety of skills to help customers from all walks of life love the way they look. However, you must meet a few essential requirements to begin a cosmetology career, including getting your operator license. In Texas, all cosmetologists must obtain a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to perform beauty services for compensation. You’ll have to meet several requirements, including advancing your education and sitting for state exams.

If you’re interested in launching a cosmetology career in Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide shares the requirements to get your license and a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the process of obtaining your Texas cosmetology License.

Requirements To Get Your Cosmetology License in Texas

Before beginning a profession in the beauty industry in Texas, you’ll need to meet educational and licensing requirements. The state board sets the following requirements to ensure all cosmetologists develop a solid understanding of industry practices and techniques to safely and successfully serve customers. 

• You must be at least 17 years old to apply for your cosmetology license.
• 1,000 clock hours of instruction at a licensed cosmetology school must be completed to sit for the state exams required to obtain your license.
• Proof of passing state exams must be submitted with your cosmetology license application.
• You’ll need to pay a license application fee of $50 when you submit your application (Tint cover’s this cost for our students).
• After obtaining your education and sitting for state exams, you’ll need to submit your completed application and required documents to get your Texas cosmetology license.  

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Cosmetology License in Texas

The path to getting your cosmetology license in Texas begins with a strong education and several requirements to prepare you for the rewarding work environment in the cosmetology industry. These are the steps you’ll need to take to follow your beauty career goals and gain the necessary license to begin your career. 

1. Get the Required Education at a Licensed Beauty School

Becoming a cosmetologist in Texas begins with a well-rounded education. You’ll need to complete a state-accredited program with 1,000 clock hours of instruction that teaches beauty skills and techniques, customer service methods, and business qualifications. When enrolling in beauty school, seek a state-accredited facility that meets industry standards and offers both classroom and hands-on training.

Tint school of makeup & cosmetology’s Cosmetology program provides students with a quality education that aligns with industry requirements and expectations. You’ll learn basic and advanced techniques and real-world skills from experienced Artist Instructors to cater to diverse client needs.

The curriculum offers training in a wide range of services, including:

• Hair cutting
• Hair coloring 
• Hair styling
• Texture services
• Scalp and hair treatments
• Basic skincare
• Makeup application
• Hair removal
• Nail care
• Basic nail art
• Salon management 
• Client consultation
• Safety and sanitation
• Product knowledge
• Business skills
• Professional development 
• Portfolio development
• Networking

Tint’s Cosmetology Program underscores the importance of a strong portfolio in the beauty industry, providing students with a range of beauty and business skills to expertly a wide client base. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in various hands-on projects and real-world assignments to prepare you for a diverse work environment. 

2. Complete the State-Administered Written Exam

You’ll need to sit for a written exam and a practical exam before applying for your license. Once you’ve completed 900 hours at your chosen beauty school, you’ll be eligible to take the written exam. After your school informs TDLR of your eligibility, you’ll receive an email confirmation providing you with instructions to schedule your appointment to take the written exam. Upon receiving your confirmation, take these steps to schedule your written exam.

• Review the Candidate Information Bulletin for detailed information about how to schedule your exam (Tint staff will assist with getting this scheduled).
• Visit the PSI website to create an account and schedule your exam (Tint staff will assist with getting this scheduled).
• Pay the exam fee of $55 to complete your registration (Tint covers the exam fees for our graduate students). 
• While you can schedule an appointment by telephone or regular mail, online registration is the fastest and most convenient option. If you opt to take your written exam online, you’ll be able to launch your test within 30 minutes of your booked test time (Tint staff will assist with getting this scheduled).

At your examination appointment, you’ll be required to arrive on time and present two forms of valid ID that match exactly with the information TDLR has on file. If you arrive late or don’t present the proper identification, your registration will be invalid, and you’ll forfeit your examination fee. 

3. Apply for Your Temporary License

The state of Texas allows cosmetologists to begin working immediately after passing the practical exam by providing a temporary license at the PSI testing site. You’ll need to apply for your temporary license after receiving your practical test eligibility confirmation and before taking the exam. Visit the TDLR Licensing Services page to apply for your license. You’ll be required to fill out an application, provide requested documents, and pay a license fee of $50 (Tint covers the license fee for our graduate students).

4. Complete the State-Administered Practical Exam

After completing the 1,000 required clock hours of cosmetology training, you’ll be ready to sit for the practical exam. As with the written exam,  you’ll receive a notification of your eligibility to take the practical exam and instructions for scheduling. Once you receive your eligibility confirmation, take these steps to schedule your exam.

• Thoroughly review the practical exam requirements in the Candidate Information Bulletin to observe requirements for necessary supplies and test regulations.
• Visit the PSI website to schedule your exam (Tint will assist you with getting this scheduled). 
• Pay the exam fee of $76 to complete your registration (Tint covers the exam fees for our graduate students). 

Before your testing date arrives, review the requirements for the practical exam. On the day of testing, you’ll be required to wear close-toe shoes and bring the necessary supplies and equipment required to complete the exam. The practical exam takes 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete, and you must receive a score of 70% to pass. You’ll receive your score 5-10 minutes after finishing the test. 

5. Receive Your Cosmetology License

Your temporary license is good for 21 days. During that time, you’ll receive your two-year cosmetology license in the mail. To keep your license in good standing, you’ll have to complete continuing education every two years as required by the state board. 

Start Your Journey to Becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist in Texas at Tint school of makeup & cosmetology 

Getting your cosmetology license opens up a world of possibilities to find a rewarding position providing a range of beauty services. Pursuing the right education is the first step in this important journey. If you’re passionate about beauty and interested in getting your Texas cosmetology license, Tint school of makeup & cosmetology is the ideal place to start. Get in touch to learn more about day and evening schedules available to allow you to complete the training hours required to get your license.