Short answer. Texas has four laser hair removal tiers: Apprentice-in-Training, Technician, Senior Technician and Professional. The entry tier requires an approved 40-hour training course, and each step up requires 100 documented procedures. All four tiers must submit proof of 8 continuing education hours to renew.
Why this page has no sign-up
TDLR lists laser hair removal among the licences that owe continuing education, but laser hair removal is not on TDLR’s list of occupations that register as a continuing education provider — barbering and cosmetology is. We have asked TDLR directly how laser continuing education is delivered and reported, and we will not take a name, a waitlist entry or a payment for laser training until they answer in writing.
This page is here as free information about the rule itself. Everything on it comes from TDLR. Read the two TDLR lists yourself: TDLR continuing education.
The four tiers
TDLR states it directly: “There are four (4) levels of laser hair removal personnel each requiring different levels of training” (TDLR — laser hair removal FAQ).
- Apprentice-in-Training — at least 18 years old, an agency-approved 40-hour laser hair removal training course (24 hours on device safety, laser physics, skin typing, skin reactions, treatment protocols, burns, eye protection, emergencies and post-treatment protocols, plus 16 hours covering CPR, pre-existing conditions, prior hair removal, current medications, signage, device use and anesthesia), and work directly supervised by a senior technician or certified professional
- Technician — hold a current apprentice certificate and document at least 100 procedures performed as an apprentice within 12 months of applying, directly supervised, on TDLR's procedures log sheet
- Senior Technician — hold a current technician certificate and document at least 100 procedures you supervised as a technician within 12 months of applying, audited by a certified professional
- Professional — hold a current senior technician certificate, pass a department-approved examination through an approved certifying entity, and hold current certification from that entity
Requirements quoted from TDLR — Laser Hair Removal at a Glance (PDF).
What each tier pays and owes at renewal
This is the part most people get wrong. The continuing education requirement does not scale with the tier — all four tiers owe the same 8 hours (TDLR — renew a laser hair removal certificate).
- Apprentice-in-Training — $50 renewal, 8 CE hours
- Technician — $70 renewal, 8 CE hours
- Senior Technician — $100 renewal, 8 CE hours
- Professional — $150 renewal, 8 CE hours plus proof of current certifying-entity certification
Laser hair removal certificates are valid for two years (TDLR — Laser Hair Removal at a Glance (PDF)).
Laser CE is separate from cosmetology CE
If you hold both a cosmetology license and a laser certificate, you owe both sets of hours. They are two programs with independently set requirements: 4 hours (or 2 at 15 years licensed) on the barbering and cosmetology side, and 8 hours on the laser side (TDLR — Barbering and Cosmetology Continuing Education and TDLR — Laser Hair Removal Continuing Education).
The laser hours also carry an examination component. Our laser track is built around that, which is why it is the one course where we promise an exam.
Common questions
How many CE hours does a Texas laser hair removal certificate need?
Eight hours, and it applies to every tier. TDLR's renewal page states the same requirement for Apprentice-in-Training, Technician, Senior Technician and Professional certificates: proof of completing 8 hours of continuing education, submitted with the renewal.
How do you become a laser hair removal technician in Texas?
Start as an Apprentice-in-Training with an agency-approved 40-hour training course and supervised work, then document at least 100 supervised procedures within 12 months on TDLR's log sheet to apply for the Technician certificate.
What does it cost to renew each laser tier?
TDLR lists $50 for Apprentice-in-Training, $70 for Technician, $100 for Senior Technician and $150 for Professional. All four are two-year certificates and all four require 8 continuing education hours.
Does my cosmetology CE count toward my laser hours?
No. Barbering and cosmetology continuing education and laser hair removal continuing education are set separately by TDLR. Holding both credentials means completing both sets of hours in their own cycles.
Our course tracks
Course numbers and tuition will be published here once TDLR issues them. Nothing is for sale before then.
Other guides
Last updated: July 2026 · Written and reviewed by Rozmin Shirazee, Laser Hair Removal Technician (License No. ZP11290) and Cosmetology Operator (License No. 1404280).