North Carolina Cosmetology CE Requirements (2026)

The renewal fee for a North Carolina cosmetology license is $50.

North Carolina cosmetologists must complete 8 hours of continuing education every year to renew their license.

Quick Summary

CE Hours Required

Annual

Renewal Cycle

$50

Renewal Fee

CE Categories

North Carolina requires cosmetologists to complete their CE hours in specific categories. Here is the full breakdown:

Category	Hours
sanitation Sanitation and infection control	4
elective Board-approved continuing education	4
Total	8

Annual renewal. 8 hours total with half in sanitation.

1Start your CE hours early in the renewal cycle. Do not wait until the last few months.
2Keep copies of all CE certificates. The board may audit your records at any time.
3Make sure your CE provider is approved by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners before enrolling.
4Use StyleCE to track your hours by category so you know exactly where you stand.

North Carolina requires 8 continuing education hours every year.

The renewal fee is $50.

North Carolina cosmetology licenses renew every year.

StyleCE automatically knows North Carolina's requirements and tracks your progress. Free for one license.