Use Your Class A Barber License to Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License
Because of the significant overlap between the services authorized by the Class A Barber license and the Cosmetology Operator license in Texas, a licensed Class A Barber may also apply for a Cosmetology Operator license with reduced requirements.
License Status
Your Class A Barber license must be current, active, and in good standing.
Education and Training
Barbers must complete 300 hours of cosmetology instruction through an approved training program in a licensed cosmetology school.
Find a School
Examinations
You must pass both the written exam and practical exams to obtain a Cosmetology Operator license.
Written Exam
After completing the required hours, your school will notify TDLR of your eligibility to take the written licensing exam. Once TDLR has verified your eligibility to take the exam, our third-party vendor (PSI) will send you an email confirmation with instructions for scheduling an appointment to take the written examination.
Please see the exam information page for more information.
Practical Exam
After you have successfully completed all hours of the Cosmetology Operator course, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the practical exam.
Please see the exam information page for more information.
Application and Fee
Once you have passed both the written and practical exams, you may apply for your Cosmetology Operator license. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Apply Online
You must be at least 17 years old to apply.
Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Applying By Mail
You may apply by mail using a printable PDF application form.
Most applicants should generally apply online for faster service.
Applicants with Criminal Convictions
If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) or pleaded guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any in-state, out-of-state or federal criminal offense, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) along with your application materials.
The department will conduct a criminal history background check on all persons who apply for a license. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete.Individuals may request TDLR review their criminal background before actually applying for a license. TDLR uses the same process for this pre-application evaluation as the process described below for license applicants. See the Criminal History Evaluation Letter page for more information.
Please see the Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions, which describe the process that TDLR uses to determine whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted.
