The new variance for continuing education requirements under the Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985.

We’re excited to share an important update from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) that affects cosmetologists, cosmetology teachers, estheticians, esthetics teachers, nail technicians, nail technology teachers, hair braiders, and hair braiding teachers. A new variance has been issued that changes how you can complete your continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal or restoration.

Below, we’ve outlined what this means for you and how it impacts your licensing process.

On May 30, 2025, the IDFPR issued a variance that temporarily changes the rules for continuing education under the *Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985*. Previously, you could only earn up to 50% of your required CE hours through individual study courses, such as correspondence, audio, video, or online courses. The new variance allows you to complete **100% of your CE hours** through these methods for both renewal and restoration of your license. This change is in response to upcoming updates to the IDFPR’s rules, which will permanently remove the 50% limit on individual study courses. The variance ensures you can take advantage of this flexibility now, before the formal rule changes are finalized.

This variance applies to professionals licensed under the *Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985*, including: - Cosmetologists - Cosmetology teachers - Estheticians - Esthetics teachers - Nail technicians - Nail technology teachers - Hair braiders - Hair braiding teachers If you’re renewing or restoring your license, you can now complete all required CE hours through online, video, audio, or correspondence courses, giving you more flexibility to meet your licensing requirements.

You can complete all your CE hours through convenient methods like online courses, rather than being limited to in-person training for at least half of the hours. -

This variance only affects the CE hour limits for individual study courses. All other licensing requirements, such as total CE hours, course approvals, and deadlines, remain unchanged. You must still comply with all other rules under the Act. -

The variance is in effect until the IDFPR finalizes the permanent rule changes to *68 Illinois Administrative Code § 1175.1210(e)*. Once those changes are official, the new rule will allow 100% of CE hours to be completed through either in-person or individual study courses.

The IDFPR issued this variance to address an “emergency operational need” and to avoid placing an unnecessary burden on licensed professionals while the rule changes are being finalized. The variance ensures that you can meet your CE requirements more easily without delays, while still maintaining the standards of your profession.

Take advantage of this flexibility by enrolling in approved online, video, audio, or correspondence courses to meet your CE requirements. Ensure that any course you take is approved by the IDFPR to count toward your license renewal or restoration.

Verify your renewal or restoration deadlines to stay compliant. You can contact the IDFPR or check your license status online at [idfpr.illinois.gov](https://idfpr.illinois.gov). -

Maintain documentation of all CE courses completed, as you may need to submit proof during the renewal or restoration process. -

We’ll notify you when the permanent rule changes are finalized. In the meantime, continue to follow all other licensing requirements outlined in the *Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985*.

** If you’re unsure about how this variance affects your license or need help finding approved CE courses, we’re here to assist. Contact our support team at [insert your contact information] for personalized guidance. You can also reach out to the IDFPR directly at:

**Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

** 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60661

Phone: (888) 473-4858 TTY: (866) 325-4949

**Or**

320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor Springfield, Illinois 62786

Phone: (888) 473-4858 TTY: (866) 325-4949

We’re committed to keeping you informed and helping you maintain your professional license with ease.

Thank you for choosing PARAGON CET as your trusted partner in professional development.