What are the four levels of laser hair removal licensing in Texas?

Texas offers four levels of laser hair removal certification through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Each level builds on the previous one:

1. Apprentice-in-Training — Learn the Fundamentals
Start with an accepted 40-hour training course, then apply for your TDLR Apprentice-in-Training certificate. Our online course lets you complete the theory at your own pace, in your preferred space.

2. Laser Hair Removal Technician — Gain Hands-On Experience
With an active Apprentice-in-Training certificate, perform and document 100 laser hair removal procedures under direct supervision. Our academy offers this hands-on training over two days.

3. Senior Laser Hair Removal Technician — Develop Supervisory Skills
Advance from Technician by directly supervising at least 100 procedures, audited by a Laser Hair Removal Professional.

4. Laser Hair Removal Professional — Complete Advanced Certification
Advance from Senior by obtaining certification and passing a department-approved examination through an approved certifying entity.

Not sure where to begin?
Our admissions team can help you identify your starting point and understand the next steps. Course completion does not automatically issue or upgrade your state certificate; a separate TDLR application is required. Give us a call 737-258-7932

An esthetician license is not a prerequisite for Texas laser hair removal certification. However, you must meet the training, certification, and supervision requirements applicable to the services you perform.

For laser hair removal, the TDLR certification pathway begins with an accepted 40-hour theory course. After obtaining your Apprentice-in-Training certificate, you must complete and document 100 directly supervised laser hair removal procedures before applying for Technician certification. Completing the theory course alone does not qualify you to practice independently.

Why do we recommend an esthetics background?
Although it is not required for our laser hair removal training, esthetics education provides a valuable foundation in skin anatomy, skin assessment, sanitation, product knowledge, and client care. Texas’s standard esthetician program includes 750 hours of instruction, giving students broader skincare knowledge before they begin specialized laser education.

That foundation can help students focus more closely on laser physics, equipment, treatment techniques, and safety during laser training. Holding both credentials may also strengthen your résumé and appeal to employers seeking professionals with a broader range of skills.

What about other cosmetic laser treatments?
Treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and laser tattoo removal have separate requirements involving medical oversight and physician delegation. Neither an esthetician license nor a laser hair removal certificate automatically authorizes you to perform every cosmetic laser treatment.

We encourage an esthetics background, but welcome students entering laser hair removal training without one. Our admissions team can help you understand the appropriate starting point for your goals.

Yes. TDLR requires 8 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. This applies to all four individual certification levels: Apprentice-in-Training, Technician, Senior Technician, and Professional.

Continuing education refreshes your knowledge of laser safety, skin typing, treatment and post-treatment protocols, eye protection, emergencies, CPR, and other required subjects. It also covers technology updates, regulatory changes, and health and safety practices.

Can I complete my continuing education online?
Yes. TDLR accepts online training, workshops, and qualifying home-study courses. Home-study courses must include an examination and provide a completion certificate documenting your name, completion date, course title, training provider, and hours completed.

Our academy offers online laser hair removal continuing education, allowing you to complete your coursework at your own pace and from your preferred location.