Texas Esthetician License Requirements: Hours, Exams & TDLR Process
To become a licensed esthetician in Texas, an applicant must complete the required esthetician training, pass state licensing exams, apply through TDLR, and keep the license active through renewal compliance.
Quick answer: Texas esthetician license applicants generally must complete a 750-hour esthetician course at a Texas licensed barbering or cosmetology school, pass both the written and practical exams, and apply through TDLR. Once issued, the license is valid for two years.
What Texas Requires Before an Esthetician License Is Issued
Texas esthetician licensing is handled by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The process is not complete when a student finishes school. School hours, exam eligibility, PSI exam scheduling, passing scores, and the TDLR application all matter.
The central education requirement is the 750-hour esthetician course. Applicants should confirm that their school is licensed in Texas and that the program is designed for TDLR esthetician licensure rather than a non-license skincare certificate.
| Requirement | Texas Rule |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 750-hour esthetician course at a Texas licensed barbering or cosmetology school |
| Exams | Written examination and practical examination |
| Application age | Applicant must be at least 17 years old |
| License term | Valid for two years from date of issue |
Licensing checklist
A strong licensing plan should track school enrollment, completed hours, exam eligibility, PSI scheduling, TDLR application timing, fees, and future renewal deadlines.
How to Become an Esthetician in Texas
The path is structured. A prospective esthetician should complete the correct education first, then move through exams and TDLR application requirements in order.
What to Watch Before Offering Esthetician Services
A Texas esthetician license authorizes regulated skincare-related services within the license scope. Licensees should stay alert to services that may fall outside ordinary esthetics, especially anything involving diagnosis, medical treatment, injections, or procedures regulated by other professional boards.
- Do not choose the wrong program. A general beauty certificate does not replace the 750-hour Texas esthetician course required for licensure.
- Do not skip practical exam preparation. The practical exam evaluates applied procedures, organization, sanitation, and timing.
- Do not ignore sanitation rules. Clean tools, disinfected work areas, and safe client procedures are central to professional practice.
- Do not forget renewal. After licensing, Texas cosmetology and barbering licensees must maintain renewal compliance, including required continuing education when applicable.
Sanitation is part of the license standard
Esthetician practice is client-facing and close-contact. Safe products, clean tools, covered containers, and disinfected workspaces help protect both clients and licensees.
Texas Esthetician License Requirements FAQ
How many hours are required for an esthetician license in Texas?
Texas requires completion of a 750-hour esthetician course at a Texas licensed barbering or cosmetology school before applying for an esthetician license.
Does Texas require an esthetician exam?
Yes. Texas esthetician applicants must pass both a written exam and a practical exam before the license can be issued.
How old does someone need to be to apply?
TDLR states that an applicant must be at least 17 years old to apply for a Texas esthetician license.
How long is a Texas esthetician license valid?
A Texas esthetician license is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
Does an esthetician need continuing education in Texas?
For renewal, Texas barbering and cosmetology licensees generally complete TDLR-approved continuing education every two years unless they qualify for a reduced requirement.
Can an esthetician also offer nail services in Texas?
Not with an esthetician-only license. A licensee should hold the correct license for the services offered. Students interested in nail services should review Texas manicurist or combination-license options.
Already Licensed? Complete Texas Cosmetology CE Before Renewal
Texas estheticians and other barbering or cosmetology licensees should keep renewal requirements on schedule. Complete a TDLR-approved continuing education course before the license expiration deadline and keep proof of completion for personal records.