North Carolina cosmetology CE requirements
Board: NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Website: nccosmeticarts.com
Phone: 919-736-6123
CE hours required
Cosmetologist (C): 8 hours/year (24 total over 3-year cycle)
Esthetician (E): 8 hours/year — annual renewal
Manicurist (M): 8 hours/year — annual renewal
Hair Care Specialist (NH): 8 hours/year — annual renewal
At least 50% of CE hours must be in your licensed field.
Renewal window
July 1 – October 1 annually.
CE reporting
Flexible self-documentation — any qualifying educational activity counts. The board provides free CE courses. Random audit system.
Exemptions
20 consecutive years of licensure; age 60+ with 10+ years active; inactive license status.