How to Get Continuing Education Hours for Cosmetology License Renewal

While Minnesota makes cosmetology license renewal fairly simple, it can be easy to overlook some details. We have many practitioners call and email with questions about how to get their cosmetology CE hours and how to renew their license.

Whether it’s your first time renewing or you need a refresh on the process, we’re here to help!  All of the information provided comes from the MN Laws & Rules. 

When do I need to renew my license?

All practitioner licenses must be renewed every 3 years by the last day of the individual’s birth month. After this date, your license will expire and you will need to follow our Expired License Renewal Guide instead. 

Can’t remember when your license is up for renewal? Use the License Lookup tool to easily search for your license.  Simply type in your name and/or license number, select the license you wish to renew and locate the Expiration Date.

How do I renew my cosmetology license?

Minnesota makes license renewal easy with an online or mail-in renewal form. Head to the License Renewal page on the MN Board of Cosmetology website in order to find the link to renew online or print off a mail-in form. 

In order to renew, you will need your license number, your social security number or ITIN, a record of the cosmetology CE hours you’ve taken within the last 3 years, and money for the license renewal fee. 

Related: 5 Tips for a Minnesota Cosmetology License Renewal

How many CE hours do I need to renew my license?

There are two types of courses required for license renewal: core and professional practice (PP).  

Core continuing education courses must consists of:

• 1 hour of laws & rules
• 3 hours of health, safety, and infection control standards

Whereas profession practice (PP) courses must include 4 hours of board-approved topics such as:

• Product chemistry and chemistry interaction
• Proper use of machines and instruments
• Business management and human relations
• Techniques relevant to the type of license held

Practitioners who hold a cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, AP esthetician, or salon manager license must complete 8 hours of CE consisting of 4 hours core + 4 hours professional practice(PP) education within 3 years before renewal.

Practitioners who hold an eyelash extension technician license must only complete 4 hours of CE consisting solely of core education within 3 years before renewal.

Where can I take CE hours for Cosmetology?

At the Atelier Academy of Beauty, we make achieving your cosmetology CE hours easy by offering a variety of online courses. These courses are self-paced and can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

We offer individual 4-hour core and professional practice(PP) courses, or save money by bundling them with our 8-hour courses that cover both core and professional practice(PP) hours.  The courses we provide cover all the necessary topics to comply with state board requirements. 

How to sign up for cosmetology CE courses

To get started, head to our Continuing Education page, which can be accessed under the Programs tab. Once there, click View Online Courses Here or Login to access our course catalog, or scroll to find more information about cosmetology CE hours and an FAQ section.

When exploring the course catalog, you will find a variety of courses that fit your specific license requirements. Make sure to check the description below each course to see if it applies to your specific license.

Once you purchase your course, you will have 14 days to complete it. Courses consist of instructional videos, short readings, and quizzes. When you’ve finished the course, print or save the completion certificate for your records.

Have more questions about cosmetology CE hours and license renewal? We are happy to help.  Complete the form below and we will reach out to answer any questions you may have!