Reference
TDLR License & CE Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the licensing and continuing education terms Texas professionals run into — what each one means, and what it means for your renewal.
26 terms
TDLR & Licensing Basics
CE Completion Certificate
The completion document your CE provider issues. Keep it at least 2 years (cosmetology/barber) or 1 year (electrician, ACR) as your record of the hours.
Read definitionCE Completion Reporting
How CE completions reach TDLR: approved providers report them electronically. OnlineTexasCE reports completions within 24 hours.
Read definitionCE Credit Hour (50-Minute Hour)
One TDLR CE hour equals 50 minutes of actual instruction, so a 4-hour course is 200 minutes of content — less than four clock hours.
Read definitionCE Provider Number
The registration number TDLR assigns each approved CE provider. OnlineTexasCE is TDLR-Approved Provider #2273.
Read definitionClass B Violation
TDLR's mid-tier penalty class — $1,000–$3,500 per violation and/or up to a 1-year license suspension. Practicing on an expired license is Class B.
Read definitionContinuing Education (CE)
State-required coursework that licensees in many TDLR programs must complete each renewal cycle to keep their license active.
Read definitionDuplicate Course Credit Rule
TDLR's rule that the same course can never be taken twice for credit — even in a different delivery format.
Read definitionExpired License
A license past its expiration date. Practicing on it is a Class B violation ($1,000–$3,500 per violation), but you can still late-renew for up to 3 years.
Read definitionLate Renewal Fee
The extra cost of renewing after expiration: $75–$100 for cosmetology/barber, 1.5x–2x the normal fee for electricians, $97.50–$130 for ACR contractors.
Read definitionLicense Expiration Date
The date your TDLR license term ends — the anniversary of issuance, not your birthday. All CE must be completed before this date.
Read definitionLicense Reciprocity (HB 11)
Recognition of out-of-state licenses. HB 11 (2025) directs TDLR to maximize reciprocity agreements with other states under substantial-equivalence rules.
Read definitionLicense Renewal Fee
What TDLR charges to renew on time: $50 cosmetology/barber, $20–$45 electrician depending on license type, $65 ACR contractor ($20 registered / $35 certified technician).
Read definitionOnline CE Course
Self-paced internet CE that TDLR fully accepts for cosmetology, barber, electrician, and ACR renewals — no classroom, no proctoring mandate, no final exam.
Read definitionPost-Renewal CE Audit
TDLR's random post-renewal CE audit program covers 13 other license programs — not barbering/cosmetology, electricians, or ACR contractors, whose providers report CE directly.
Read definitionRenewal Cycle (Annual vs. Biennial)
How often your license renews: every 2 years for cosmetology/barber, every year for electrician and ACR contractor licenses.
Read definitionRenewal Notice (60-Day Reminder)
The reminder email TDLR sends about 60 days before your license expires. Not receiving it is not an excuse for renewing late.
Read definitionScope of Practice
The work your specific license authorizes. Performing work beyond it — like Class B ACR work over 25 tons — is a violation even with an active license.
Read definitionTDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
The Texas state agency that licenses and regulates over 40 occupations, including cosmetology, barbering, electrical, and HVAC trades.
Read definitionTDLR Complaint
A consumer or licensee report filed with TDLR that can trigger an investigation and administrative penalties. TDLR receives over 12,000 complaints a year.
Read definitionTDLR Course Approval Number
The unique number TDLR assigns each approved CE course. Approvals run one year, and completions are reported under the course number valid that day.
Read definitionTDLR Online Services
TDLR's self-service portal at tdlr.texas.gov where you renew your license and pay the fee — the fastest route once your CE is complete.
Read definitionTDLR-Approved CE Provider
A CE provider registered with TDLR for your trade. Only courses from an approved provider count toward your renewal CE hours.
Read definitionTexas Administrative Code (16 TAC)
Title 16 of the TAC holds TDLR's rules: Chapter 83 (cosmetology/barber), Chapter 73 (electricians), Chapter 75 (ACR), and Chapter 59 (CE providers).
Read definitionTexas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TCLR)
The seven-member commission that adopts TDLR's rules and fee schedules. TDLR, the department, administers licensing and enforcement day to day.
Read definitionTexas Occupations Code
The Texas statutes behind TDLR licenses: Chapter 1603 (barbering/cosmetology), Chapter 1305 (electricians), and Chapter 1302 (ACR contractors).
Read definitionThree-Year Rule (Expired 3+ Years)
Once a TDLR license has been expired more than 3 years it cannot be renewed — you must reapply and meet the current new-applicant requirements, which may include any applicable exams.
Read definition23 terms
Cosmetology & Barbering
15-Year CE Reduction (2-Hour Tier)
Held your license 15+ years? You may only need 2 hours — the electives are waived, though sanitation and human trafficking prevention are still required.
Read definition2025 CE Restructuring (16 TAC §83.25)
TDLR's 2025 rule change restructuring cosmetology and barber CE: 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking, 2 elective hours — plus a 2-hour tier at 15+ years.
Read definitionBarbering and Cosmetology Program
TDLR's largest program — roughly 305,000 individual and 53,000 facility licenses — the unified umbrella all barber and cosmetology subtypes renew under.
Read definitionClass A Barber License
The TDLR barber license — 1,000 training hours, minimum age 17. Since September 1, 2025, barbers must complete 4 hours of CE each 2-year renewal.
Read definitionCosmetology Operator License
The full Texas cosmetology license: 1,000 training hours, a $50 biennial renewal, and 4 hours of TDLR-approved CE every 2-year cycle.
Read definitionCosmetology School License
The TDLR license for beauty and barber schools: $380 initial application, $280 on-time renewal, and late fees of $420 to $560.
Read definitionDisinfection Protocols
TDLR's required procedures for cleaning and disinfecting tools, implements, and surfaces between clients — the core of the mandatory sanitation hour.
Read definitionDual-License CE Credit (Barber + Cosmetology)
Since September 1, 2025, CE completed for one barbering or cosmetology license satisfies the other — one 4-hour course covers both licenses.
Read definitionElective CE Hours
The 2 flexible CE hours licensees under the 15-year mark complete, drawn from TDLR's approved topic list — chemistry, business skills, law and rules, and more.
Read definitionEsthetician License
The 750-hour TDLR skin care license covering facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hair removal, and makeup — $50 biennial renewal with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionEsthetician/Manicurist Combination License
One TDLR license (about 800 training hours) covering both the esthetician and manicurist scopes — one $50 renewal and one 4-hour CE requirement, not two.
Read definitionEyelash Extension Specialist License
A newer TDLR specialty license for semi-permanent eyelash extensions — 320 hours of instruction plus exams, $50 biennial renewal, and 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionFacility License (Salon License)
The separate TDLR license a salon or shop holds, distinct from any practitioner license. Facility-only license holders have no CE requirement.
Read definitionHair Weaving Specialist License
The TDLR license for sew-in weaves, tape-in and fusion extensions, and braiding with added hair — 300 hours of instruction plus exams, $50 biennial renewal, 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionHB 1560 (2021 Program Consolidation)
The 2021 Sunset bill that merged the barber and cosmetology programs into one, eliminated standalone instructor licenses, and created a single student permit.
Read definitionHuman Trafficking Prevention Training
The mandatory 1 hour of TDLR-approved training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking — required since September 1, 2020, and never waived.
Read definitionInactive License Status
A no-fee status for licensees who stop practicing: CE is not required while inactive, but you still renew on schedule. Reactivating costs $25 plus completed CE.
Read definitionInstructor License (Eliminated)
Separate barber and cosmetology instructor licenses were abolished in 2021 — today you teach in a licensed school under a regular practitioner license.
Read definitionManicurist License
The 600-hour TDLR nail license covering manicures, pedicures, and acrylic, gel, and dip systems — renews every 2 years for $50 with a 4-hour CE course.
Read definitionMMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
A liquid acrylic monomer banned from Texas nail services under 16 TAC §83.112 — possession alone is a violation, even if it is never used on a client.
Read definitionPSI Exam (Licensing Examination)
The written and practical licensing exams PSI administers for TDLR — 70% to pass. CE has no final exam, but a license expired 3+ years means starting over as a new applicant.
Read definitionSanitation Hour
The mandatory 1 hour of health and safety CE in every renewal cycle — disinfection, disease prevention, first aid, chemical safety — at every experience tier.
Read definitionTexas Occupations Code Chapter 1603
The single statute now governing both barbering and cosmetology in Texas — the old Chapters 1601 and 1602 are repealed; its rules live in 16 TAC Chapter 83.
Read definition21 terms
Electrical
2026 NEC (Texas Adoption)
Texas applies the 2023 NEC through August 31, 2026. On July 28, 2026 the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted the 2026 NEC, effective September 1, 2026.
Read definitionApprentice Electrician
The entry-level Texas electrical license and the largest electrical license category in Texas — no experience required, but it still renews yearly with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionArc Flash
The sudden release of energy when current arcs through the air — the central hazard in the NFPA 70E safety content of Texas electrician CE.
Read definitionElectrical Contractor License
The TDLR business license for electrical contracting — exempt from CE, but its required Master of Record must keep up their own individual CE and renewal.
Read definitionJourneyman Electrician
The standard worker-level electrical license in Texas — earned with 8,000 on-the-job hours and an exam, renewed annually with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionJourneyman Industrial Electrician
The TDLR journeyman license for industrial settings — 8,000 hours of industrial experience plus an exam, $30 annual renewal, and 4 hours of CE yearly.
Read definitionJourneyman Lineman
The TDLR license for utility line work — 8,000 hours of line work experience plus an exam, renewed annually for $30 with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionLockout/Tagout (LOTO)
The procedure for de-energizing and securing equipment before work begins — covered in the NFPA 70E safety portion of Texas electrician CE.
Read definitionMaintenance Electrician
A Texas electrical license limited to maintaining and repairing existing systems — no new installations — with a $20 annual renewal and 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionMaster Electrician
The top individual electrical license in Texas — 12,000 hours plus 2 years as a Journeyman, renewed annually for $45 with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionMaster of Record
The licensed Master Electrician an electrical contracting business designates to TDLR — the contractor license cannot operate or renew without one.
Read definitionMulti-License CE Rule (Electrical)
Hold several Texas electrical licenses? You need 4 total CE hours per year — not 4 per license — completed within the license period being renewed.
Read definitionMunicipal Registration (Electricians)
Texas cities may require local registration of electricians but cannot impose city exams or registration fees on TDLR-licensed electricians.
Read definitionNational Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70)
The NFPA's wiring code (NFPA 70) that Texas adopts by statute on a 3-year cycle — the 2023 edition governs non-exempt work through August 31, 2026; the 2026 edition takes effect September 1, 2026.
Read definitionNEC-Only CE Rule
TDLR rule: your 4 electrician CE hours cannot be all NEC content — an NEC-only course must be paired with an approved law, rules, or NFPA 70E course.
Read definitionNFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
The NFPA's workplace electrical-safety standard — arc flash, lockout/tagout, and PPE — woven through the 4 required CE hours for Texas electricians.
Read definitionResidential Appliance Installer License
A TDLR electrical-program license with no continuing education requirement — one of the few electrical credentials you renew without coursework.
Read definitionResidential Wireman
The Texas electrical license for dwellings only — earned with 4,000 hours, half the Journeyman requirement, and renewed yearly with 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionSB 1252 (Residential Energy Backup Systems)
The 2025 Texas law requiring residential battery, generator, and solar backup installations be performed by licensed electrical contractors to NEC standards.
Read definitionSign Electrician (Journeyman & Master Sign)
TDLR's specialty licenses for illuminated signs and outline lighting. Journeyman Sign renews at $30/yr, Master Sign at $45 — both need 4 hours of CE.
Read definitionTexas Occupations Code Chapter 1305
The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act — the statute behind TDLR's electrician program, defining who must be licensed and what electrical work is.
Read definition15 terms
HVAC / Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
A2L Refrigerant Classification
The 'mildly flammable' refrigerant safety classification covering R-454B and R-32 — the reason new systems demand updated handling and service protocols.
Read definitionACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
TDLR's name for the licensed HVAC trade in Texas — covering environmental air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and process cooling and heating systems.
Read definitionAdopted Mechanical Codes (IMC, UMC, IRC, IFGC)
The model codes TDLR adopted for ACR work — 2015 editions of the IMC, UMC, IRC, and IFGC, effective January 1, 2018 — and a core flexible-hours CE topic.
Read definitionCertified ACR Technician
TDLR's advanced technician designation — qualify through either 24 months of supervised experience or a TDLR-approved 2,000-hour program, plus the exam. No CE required.
Read definitionClass A ACR Contractor
The unlimited Texas ACR contractor license — work on systems of any tonnage or BTU rating. Renews annually for $65 with 8 hours of CE.
Read definitionClass B ACR Contractor
A Texas ACR contractor license capped at 25 tons cooling and 1.5 million BTU/hour heating — enough for most residential and light commercial work.
Read definitionCommercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
The liability coverage Texas ACR contractors must carry at all times — $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate for Class A, $100,000 / $200,000 for Class B — on file with TDLR.
Read definitionEPA AIM Act
The federal HFC phase-down law behind the refrigerant transition: since January 1, 2025, new residential systems must use refrigerants with a GWP below 700.
Read definitionEPA Section 608 Certification
The federal refrigerant-handling certification (Types I, II, III, Universal). It never expires — and it is not a substitute for a TDLR ACR license.
Read definitionLaw and Rules Hour (ACR CE)
The mandatory 1 hour of a Texas ACR contractor's 8 annual CE hours covering state law and rules — Chapter 1302 and 16 TAC Chapter 75.
Read definitionMunicipal Permits (ACR)
Since September 1, 2021, Texas cities cannot charge TDLR-licensed ACR contractors registration fees — building permit fees and local codes still apply.
Read definitionR-410A Phase-Out
The EPA AIM Act deadlines retiring R-410A from new residential equipment — manufacture and import ended January 1, 2025; the January 1, 2026 installation cutoff was removed by EPA's May 2026 rule.
Read definitionR-454B Refrigerant
The primary replacement for R-410A in residential HVAC — GWP ~466, A2L mildly flammable, and not retrofit-compatible with existing R-410A systems.
Read definitionRegistered ACR Technician
TDLR's entry-level ACR designation — work under a licensed contractor, renew annually for $20, with no continuing education requirement.
Read definitionTexas Occupations Code Chapter 1302
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law — the Texas statute behind ACR licensing, technician designations, and the 8-hour CE rule.
Read definitionReady to knock out your CE hours?
TDLR-approved courses for cosmetology, barber, electrician, and HVAC licenses — 100% online, no final exam.
Browse Courses