Licensees Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Cosmetologists

1. How many Hours of Continuing Education is a Licensee required to take?
2. When am I required to take the 6 hours of Continuing Education Courses?
3. Which Licensees are required to take Continuing Education Courses:
4. What is the requirement if I hold more than one license?
5. Who are the Approved Continuing Education Course Providers?
6. Can I take courses from more than one of the Approved Continuing Education Providers?
7. Can I take continuing education courses from providers not on the list of Approved Continuing Education Providers to meet the requirement of six hours of continuing education?
8. How often must I take continuing education courses?
9. How do I submit my certificate of completion:
10. Where can I find the Regulations for Continuing Education?
11. How are the courses offered?
12. Is there a fee?
13. Does the Certificate of Completion expire?
14. What if I currently do not reside in the state of Maryland, does the continuing education requirement apply to me?
15. Is there a grandfather clause for the continuing education requirement?
16. Are there any courses offered by Milady Training that Licensees cannot take for credit to renew your license?

1. How many Hours of Continuing Education is a Licensee required to take?
Six hours (6 hours).

Required Topics: 2 Hours

Choose from the following:

1. Health – 1 to 2 Hours or
2. Safety – 1 to 2 Hours or
3. Welfare – 1 to 2 Hours or
4. Board Laws and Regulations – 1 to 2 Hours

AND

Required Elective Topics: 4 Hours

2. When am I required to take the 6 hours of Continuing Education Courses?
The new law goes into effect January 1, 2026.

Example: If your license was issued on February 1, 2024, and expires on February 1, 2026, you must complete all six required courses within that two-year period to remain in compliance.

3. Which Licensees are required to take Continuing Education Courses:

1. Cosmetologist.
2. Limited Blow Dry Stylist.
3. Limited Esthetician.
4. Limited Hair Stylist.
5. Limited Nail Technician.
6. Senior Cosmetologist.

4. What is the requirement if I hold more than one license?
You must take six hours per license that you hold.

5. Who are the Approved Continuing Education Course Providers?
Approved Continuing Education Providers

6. Can I take courses from more than one of the Approved Continuing Education Providers?
Yes.

7. Can I take continuing education courses from providers not on the list of Approved Continuing Education Providers to meet the requirement of six hours of continuing education?
No.

8. How often must I take continuing education courses?
Every two years as a condition of license renewal.

9. How do I submit my certificate of completion:
The Provider is responsible for uploading your Certificate of Completion to the Board. Milady Certificates of Completion are to be submitted to the Board via barbers.cos@maryland.gov. You must share a link with the Board so that the certificate can be downloaded.

10. Where can I find the Regulations for Continuing Education?
Continuing Education Regulations

11. How are the courses offered?
They are offered virtually or in person. Some Providers offer both options.

12. Is there a fee?
Yes, the fees vary depending on the Provider.

13. Does the Certificate of Completion expire?
Yes, the certificate of completion expires after two years, it is dated.

14. What if I currently do not reside in the state of Maryland, does the continuing education requirement apply to me?
Yes.

15. Is there a grandfather clause for the continuing education requirement?
No. If you would like to maintain an active license you are required to take six hours of continuing education courses.

16. Are there any courses offered by Milady Training that Licensees cannot take for credit to renew your license?

Yes, they are:

• How to Enter Hair Competitions
• Short Hair Cutting & Barbering Techniques
• Mastering the Basics of Fading & Hair Design