Originally published: August 13, 2022
Last updated: October 30, 2026
What’s New in Our 2026 Continuing Education Guide?
We’ve updated this comparison with current course prices and additional providers, including Paragon CET, FloridaEdu.com, and Broward Beauty Institute.
Although fulfilling state license renewal requirements is an important part of continuing education, learning doesn’t have to end there. Many beauty professionals also pursue advanced training in hair coloring, skin treatments, salon safety, business management, and specialized techniques.
This guide covers affordable online license renewal options while also exploring opportunities to strengthen your knowledge and advance your career.
We’ll continue expanding our professional education resources throughout 2026 and 2027.
FLORIDA LICENSE RENEWAL UPDATE
Renewal Deadline Extended to November 6, 2026
Florida DBPR has extended the license renewal and continuing education deadline for affected Group 2 cosmetology licensees.
Who is affected? Cosmetologists, facial specialists, nail specialists, and full specialists in Group 2.
Verify the deadline with Florida DBPR
Updated October 30, 2026
Compare Online Cosmetology Continuing Education Providers & Prices (2026)
| CE Provider | Price | Education Options |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty Bliss CE | $14.95 | Florida license renewal |
| Renew Cosmetology | $15.99 | Florida license renewal |
| Broward Beauty Institute | $19.95 | Florida CE + advanced hands-on training |
| Elite Learning | $22.95 | License renewal + professional education |
| Paragon CET | From $22.99 | Multi-state CE courses |
| FLCEO | $27.95* | Florida license renewal |
| FloridaEdu.com | $45.95* | Florida CE; SAVE5 coupon |
| Milady | Varies | Technical skills + educator training |
| Continuing Cosmetology | Varies | State-specific CE courses |
| Florida Online Cosmetology | Verify price | Florida license renewal |
Price comparison updated October 30, 2026. Florida 10-hour renewal course prices are shown where applicable. Other professional education courses are priced separately. Prices and availability may change. *FLCEO includes a previously reported processing fee; FloridaEdu pricing and the SAVE5 coupon should be confirmed at checkout.
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.
Individual Course Provider Reviews
- 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.
- Broward Beauty Institute — Affordable Florida CE and Advanced Beauty Training
- Broward Beauty Institute stands out because it offers more than online continuing education. Unlike many online-only CE providers, it is an established beauty school with a physical location in Coral Springs, Florida, offering both license renewal courses and specialized professional training.
- Its Florida-approved 10-hour cosmetology continuing education course costs $19.95, The course is designed for cosmetologists, facial specialists, nail specialists, and full specialists.
- No final quiz or test required. Instant certificate upon course completion AND reported within 24–48 hours.
- Beyond license renewal
- Broward Beauty Institute is hands-on professional education. The school also offers specialized training in dermaplaning, microneedling, IPL photofacials, laser safety, laser hair removal, and electrology. Its advanced courses include a 30-hour laser and light-based hair removal certification program, along with professional refresher courses and specialized seminars ***These programs are separate from the $19.95 renewal course and have their own prices and eligibility requirements.
- What to consider: Online course access expires 30 days after purchase, and purchases are nonrefundable. Specialized training certificates do not automatically authorize professionals to perform procedures outside their licensed scope of practice.
- Our assessment: Broward Beauty Institute is worth considering for Florida professionals seeking affordable license renewal, particularly those who may also be interested in more advanced, hands-on beauty education”
- FloridaEdu.com – Price: $45.95 | Florida Only | Coupon: SAVE5 (5% Off, Subject to Validation)
- A feature worth comparing: Price matching
- One interesting feature is FloridaEdu.com’s advertised price-matching policy. According to the provider, students who submit proof of a lower advertised price for an approved cosmetology course in Florida before purchasing may qualify for a matching price.
- This could be useful for professionals comparing several approved providers, especially since FloridaEdu.com’s listed price is higher than some competing renewal courses.
| 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.