When my license is about to expire (every two years), I must review the best online continuing education course for cosmetology. I often wonder, “Do I stick with the same CE course as last time, or is there something better out there?” This is a question all consumers ask.
In the past, I usually choose whoever sends the renewal announcement first.
I also look for online continuing education courses that offer the best prices to cover the minimum requirements for keeping my license active.
Before we had online courses, we had to go to a physical location to hear lectures on AIDS/HIV and then find separate elective courses. One time, I had to drive an hour away for that.
This year, because of my limited time, I didn’t want to sit in a classroom with 20+ other people.
Some FAQs about online CE courses are:
- Are these CE legitimate courses?
- How many hours do I need?
- How much does CE cost?
- Are there any free CE courses?
This article will answer those questions and compare continuing education courses to see what you get for your money.
Are these Legitimate State Board Approved CE courses?
Yes, the CE courses that are State Board Compliant have a provider number and registration for the approved states.
Some states don’t have approved online Continuing Education courses because they don’t require CE.
Find out your state CE requirements to see if the online CE course complies with the minimum standard.
I have never had a problem with online CE courses for my state.
Even if you do not reside in an area where continuing education (CE) is mandatory, it is still essential to stay updated with the latest scientific knowledge and to review salon sanitation and disinfection practices for the sake of public health and safety.
You will receive a certificate upon completing your CE course, which can be showcased to establish trust and professionalism with your clients.
How many hours do I need?
Every state is different, and rules often change regularly. Some states do not currently require continuing education with every license renewal, but we recommend that you keep up with changes.
I hold a License in the State of Florida.
The Hourly Requirement for Florida has changed to 10 hours for most people. However, if you just got your license, the CE is a less extensive 4-hour HIV course.
Florida CE Requirements are:
Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Electrologists
10 Total Hours of Continuing Education: 1 Hour HIV/AIDS + 3 Hours Infection Control + 0.5 Hour OSHA + 0.5 Hour Workman’s Comp laws + 2 hours State & Federal Laws Governing Cosmetology + 1 Hour Chemical Makeup + 1 Hour Environmental Issues + 1 Hour Elective
On May 17, 2024, the Governor of Florida signed a law that reduces regulatory burdens on DBPR license holders by exempting certain licensees from continuing education requirements.
https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology/hot-topics/
You are exempt if you have an Active Licence and have been Licensed for ten (10) or more years without disciplinary action.
8 Best Online CE Courses for Cosmetology and Barbering
- Elite CME(English/Spanish languages)
- Use promo code WELCOMETOELITE for $5 off.
- Free Sanitation Course,and Educational Blog
- You can order a free printed course book to be delivered to your address. If you only want to stay updated and don’t need to renew your CE.
- Specialized Nail Tech and Esthetician courses are offered
- They offer 4 or 10-hour courses.
- Paragon CET(English/Spanish languages)
- Depending on your state, barbering and specialized Nail Tech and Esthetician courses are offered.
- You can order a free printed course book to be delivered to your address. If you only want to stay updated and don’t need to renew your CE.
- Renew Cosmetology
- This company sent me a notice for the first time in 2020, so they became the reason I am writing this article. Thanks, Guys
- They offer 4, 10 or 16-hour courses.
- Milady Training (Most Expensive, Best Technical refresher)
- This CE is not a complete course; it is an ala carte (so make sure you fulfill your state requirements). All online courses are in English.
- CE courses for Beauty Instructors/Educators are offered
- You can also buy the latest textbooks in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese languages.
- Continuing Cosmetology (includes the most number of states)
- This CE is not a complete course for some states; it can be ala cart (so make sure you fulfill your state requirements)
- CE courses for Beauty Instructors/Educators are offered in some states.
- Beauty Bliss CE (Cheapest—Florida Only) This year, I was a little disappointed with the module on Florida Law. The information was not printed in the course material, and only a non-working link was provided to investigate the answers. So, I had to give my best guess and answer from memory.
- Florida Online Cosmetology (Florida only)
- Vietnamese Language was previously offered but was recently eliminated.
- Florida Cosmetology Educators Online (Florida only—Same-Day Reporting): If you need to renew your license quickly, they have you covered.
- “Nice infographics and charts make for easy reference materials.”
| State Approved | EliteCME | Paragon CET | Milady Pro | Continuing | Renew | Beauty Bliss | FL Online | FLCEO |
| Arkansas | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| California | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Colorado | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Florida | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Georgia | x | x | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Guam | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Illinois | x | x | x | x | x | – | – | – |
| Iowa | – | x | x | – | – | – | – | – |
| Kentucky | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Maryland | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| Mississippi | – | – | x | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nebraska | – | – | x | x | – | – | – | – |
| Nevada | – | – | – | x | – | – | – | – |
| N Carolina | x | x | x | x | x | – | – | – |
| Ohio | x | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Texas | x | – | – | – | x | – | – | – |
| Washington DC | – | – | x | – | – | – | – | – |
| W Virginia | – | x | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Price | 21.95 | 19.99 | 19.99 | Varies | 15.99 | 14.95 | 16.95 | 27.95 |
| Languages | Eng/Esp | Eng/Esp | English | English | English | English | English | English |
| Reporting | 1- day | Daily | 24 hours | daily | Same Day | |||
| Downloadable | After purchase | Yes | Yes | No-Fail | Yes No-Fail | No-Fail | Yes |
Why would you choose one CE course over another?
It all depends on the reason for needing continuing education. Some companies offer more valuable information or interesting electives, such as skin cancer or business administration skills.
In some states, CE is not required; however, I recommend getting the Sanitation certificate many companies offer.
The COVID certificate is a short and inexpensive course that provides a good refresher on safe work practices and hygiene.
Some companies offer online CE courses in other languages, like Spanish.
Milady Pro and Continuing Cosmetology offer CE for instructors of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Are there any free CE courses?
Barbicide offers a quick free course with a certificate.
Elite CME has a free sanitation video.
*These are NOT state-approved Continuing Education courses. However, it’s a perfect refresher course in acceptable hygiene practices.
In Summary
Choose your CE based on your needs and circumstances.
This year, time and money were my main concerns. So, I chose a downloadable online course to read while in bed. The next day, I took the multiple-choice online test and instantly got my certificate.
I find online CE courses similar, except for Milady Pro, which has some refresher courses equivalent to Hairdressing school.
Some of the online courses have a more comfortable reading format that makes learning easier.
All the best, and Happy learning
Please comment below if you have found any other resources and helpful information to share with your fellow professionals.
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Just so others know…Florida Online Cosmology has a 30 day turn over for reporting to DBPR! I wasted time doing the whole course only to find this out at the end of completion. They claim u can renew Fast right on the front page! False.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.