Texas Esthetician License Requirements: Hours, Exams & TDLR Process
Everything licensed professionals and aspiring skin care practitioners need to know about Texas esthetician license requirements: 750 school hours, two PSI exams, TDLR application steps, and costs, all in one guide. Updated for 2026.
The core Texas esthetician license requirements are simple: complete 750 hours at a TDLR-approved school, pass a written and practical exam through PSI, and submit an application to TDLR. Applicants must be at least 17 years old; current TDLR rules do not require a high school diploma or GED for the license.
What Is a Texas Esthetician License?
In Texas, anyone performing skin care services professionally, such as facials, chemical peels, hair removal, or exfoliation, must hold a TDLR-issued esthetician license, and meeting the Texas esthetician license requirements is the only way to get one. Operating without one violates the Texas Occupations Code and can result in fines or business closure.
Texas Esthetician License Requirements Summary
Before diving into each step, here is a complete overview of the Texas esthetician license requirements TDLR applies in 2026.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education | No high school diploma or GED required for the license under current TDLR rules |
| School Hours | 750 clock hours from a TDLR-approved cosmetology school |
| Written Exam | PSI Exams: Texas Esthetician written test (English, Spanish, Vietnamese & Korean available) Fee: $55 · Passing score: 70% · 75 scored questions |
| Practical Exam | PSI Exams: Texas Esthetician clinical/practical test Fee: $76 · Passing score: 70% · Live model required |
| TDLR Application Fee | $50 (non-refundable) Paid to TDLR after the exam eligibility notice or after passing both exams |
| Total Exam + App Fees | $181 $55 written + $76 practical + $50 TDLR application |
| License Validity | 2 years; renewal required before expiration Renewal fee: $50 on time ($75 if expired 90 days or less, $100 if expired 91 days to 18 months; from 18 months to 3 years, renewal requires an Executive Director petition, and after 3 years a new license is required) · 4 CE hours required (2 hours if licensed 15+ years) |
| Issued By | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
How to Get Your Texas Esthetician License
Follow these six steps to meet the Texas esthetician license requirements, from eligibility check through license issuance. Missing any step will delay the application, so each one deserves a careful read.
Confirm Basic Eligibility
Before enrolling in school, candidates should confirm they meet the baseline Texas esthetician license requirements:
- Age: At least 17 years old at time of application
- Education: Current TDLR rules do not require a high school diploma or GED for the license
- Background: TDLR runs a criminal history check on every applicant; anyone with a conviction can request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter before applying
Enroll in a TDLR-Approved Esthetician Program
All 750 hours must be completed at a TDLR-approved school. The curriculum covers skin anatomy, facial treatments, chemical peels, hair removal, sanitation, and Texas laws. Programs run approximately 6 to 12 months depending on full-time vs. part-time enrollment.
Complete 750 Hours & Obtain Your Certificate
Upon completing the program, the school issues a Certificate of Completion. This document is required for your TDLR application. Confirm with your school before graduation that all hours are properly recorded, since documentation delays are among the most common reasons license applications stall. The breakdown of required esthetician hours in Texas covers how those hours are counted and reported.
Apply for a TDLR Esthetician License
Submit your application online through TDLR's licensing portal. You'll need:
- Government-issued photo ID (proof of age)
- Certificate of Completion from your approved school
- Payment of the $50 TDLR application fee
Once the training hours are complete, PSI emails exam scheduling instructions. TDLR accepts the application any time after the written exam eligibility notice arrives, or after both exams are passed. Applying before the written exam allows a temporary license to print with the practical exam score report.
Pass Both PSI Licensing Exams
Texas requires two separate exams through PSI Exams, TDLR's contracted testing provider:
- Written Exam: Tests skin care theory, Texas cosmetology law, and safety protocols. Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on assessment of technique and safety. May require a live model; confirm current requirements with PSI before the test date.
Testing centers are available in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other Texas cities.
Receive Your License & Begin Practicing
After passing both exams, TDLR issues the esthetician license, valid for 2 years. Keep a digital and physical copy. Texas law requires you to display your license at the salon or spa where you work.
Licensing Costs & Keeping Your License Active
Meeting the Texas esthetician license requirements involves upfront costs, and maintaining the license requires CE every two years. Here's what to expect for both.
Estimated Licensing Costs
Renewal & CE Requirements
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License Expires Every 2 Years
Your Texas esthetician license must be renewed before the expiration date to continue practicing legally. The on-time renewal fee is $50. The 2026 guide to renewing a Texas esthetician license walks through the online renewal step by step.
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CE Hours Required at Renewal
License holders must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education before each two-year renewal: 1 hour of sanitation, 1 hour of human trafficking awareness, and 2 elective hours. Licensees who have held the license for 15 years or more complete 2 hours instead. Online CE is permitted, and the guide to Texas esthetician continuing education explains the required topics, elective options and reporting steps.
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Expired License = Extra Fees & Steps
According to TDLR's license renewal page, a license expired 90 days or less renews for $75 and one expired 91 days to 18 months for $100. From 18 months to 3 years, the licensee must petition TDLR's Executive Director, and after 3 years a new license is required. Don't wait until the last minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Texas esthetician license requirements and the licensing process.
Ready to Complete Your Texas Esthetician CE Hours?
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