Illinois Cosmetology CE Courses (2026)
To renew your Cosmetology license in Illinois you need to satisfy the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board's continuing education (CE) requirement — about 14 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.
What Illinois requires for Cosmetology renewal
| CE hours required | 14 hours per cycle |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | 24 months |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board |
Cosmetologists must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education from a Division-registered cosmetology CE sponsor within the 2 years before the license expires, certified on the renewal application. Among these hours, licensees must comply with required topic mandates: a 1-hour sexual harassment prevention course and a 1-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course (per Section 1175.1220). No CE is required for the first renewal after original licensure. CE compliance is self-certified at renewal and may be verified via random audit, so licensees should retain attendance/completion certificates.
Full Cosmetology renewal guide for Illinois (deadlines, fees & CE) →
Illinois Cosmetology CE course providers
- Elite Learning — Cosmetology CE
State-approved cosmetology CE packages built around each state's renewal topics.
- Milady Training (Cengage)
Continuing education and skills courses from the leading cosmetology education brand.
- 360training
Online cosmetology CE accepted in states that require continuing education for renewal.
Illinois Cosmetology CE courses: frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Cosmetology license in Illinois?
Illinois requires about 14 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. Cosmetologists must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education from a Division-registered cosmetology CE sponsor within the 2 years before the license expires, certified on the renewal application. Among these hours, licensees must comply with required topic mandates: a 1-hour sexual harassment prevention course and a 1-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course (per Section 1175.1220). No CE is required for the first renewal after original licensure. CE compliance is self-certified at renewal and may be verified via random audit, so licensees should retain attendance/completion certificates.
Do online Cosmetology CE courses count in Illinois?
Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board. Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.
Where do I report my Illinois Cosmetology CE?
Illinois generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board.
Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation — Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding and Nail Technology Board. Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.