How to take your test and complete your Paragon CET course
Paragon CET courses are delivered entirely online. You read the content and answer True/False or multiple choice questions as you go. You can stop and return at any time — your progress is saved. Our no-obligation format allows you to complete tests and review your knowledge for FREE. Only pay to receive certification of completion.
Step 1 — Register or find CE or return to an open course
Find the course you wish to complete.
Complete the course, register and pay for certification.
Returning from to Pay, after completion? log in with the email you used at completion.
Look for the "CET in Progress" dropdown in the top navigation bar. (This appears once you are logged in.)
Click "CET in Progress" to see your working courses.
Click the RESUME ▶ button next to your course.
Pay for certification of completion, and receive instant certificates.
NOTE: You may also visit your dashboard page. Your courses are always found through "CET in Progress" in the top navigation or on your Dashboard in your profile.
TIP: Once you open your course, save the URL that appears in your browser. It will look like: paragoncet.com/user-test?testCode=XXXXXX — bookmark it to return directly while logged in.
Step 2 — Read the content
The left sidebar shows your course outline. The main area displays the reading material. Questions are embedded throughout — answer each one as you go.
To answer questions without reading: click "VIEW QUESTIONS ONLY" at the bottom of the left sidebar. Click "VIEW CONTENT" to return to the reading view.
Step 3 — Submit your answers
A sticky banner at the bottom reads "HOLD ON — You must submit your answers for a passing grade of 70% before continuing." Click CONTINUE in that banner to submit each Part. Passing grade is 70%. Work through all Parts and submit each one.
Step 4 — Get your certificate
After passing all Parts, "Pay for CE certificate" will appear at the bottom of the left sidebar. The certificate is included with your course purchase. This payment step generates your certificate and, for Florida licensees only, triggers electronic CE reporting to FL DBPR.
How fast does CE get reported?
Florida only — Electronic reporting: Paragon CET reports to FL DBPR every hour on the hour, all day, with a final submission at midnight. Typically instant — up to 24–48 hours in rare license number mismatch cases.
All other states (IA, IL, NC, NE) — Self-reporting: Paragon CET does NOT report to your board. Your certificate IS your proof. Keep it — you will need it if audited at renewal. We retain records for 7 years; contact [email protected] to reissue.
Common questions
Q: Can I stop and come back later?
A: Yes. Progress is saved automatically. Use your bookmarked testCode URL or return via "CET in Progress."
Q: I can't find my course in "CET in Progress."
A: Make sure you are logged in with the email used at checkout. Try all email addresses you use. Still can't find it? Email [email protected] with your license number and order confirmation.
Q: I passed all the questions but don't see "Pay for CE certificate."
A: Make sure you have passed all Parts. If you're still not seeing it, email [email protected] with your license number.
Florida learners — important registration note
Q: I completed my course but my CE isn't showing at DBPR.
The most common causes:
Wrong profession at registration — If you registered as an "initial cosmetology student" or selected a profession/license type that does not match your actual FL license, your completion will NOT be electronically reported to DBPR. Reporting only fires for FL cosmetology holders (CL, FS, FB, FV, BW) with a valid FL license number.
Wrong license number — If the license number on your account does not exactly match DBPR (including leading zeros), the report fails. We receive a failed-report notification when this happens.
In either case, email [email protected] with your FL license number and a copy of your certificate. We will investigate and resolve.