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TDLR staff says SHEARS hours-reporting update went live; schools will no longer submit 700/300 hours separately
Summary
TDLR staff reported a system update that consolidates students' reported hours under a single permit in SHEARS, aims to reduce exam-eligibility errors, and expands outreach and training sessions for schools.
TDLR staff told the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board that a software update to the agency's hours-reporting system went live and should reduce confusion schools reported about separating core and specialty hours.
Lorraine (Education and Examination Division) told the board “the final updates were made and went live into production this morning at approximately 08:00 this morning.” She explained the change consolidates hours reporting so schools will report all hours under one permit and the department will continue to track completion of 700 core hours and 300 specialty hours required for the 1,000-hour curriculum minimum, but schools will not be required to report the two buckets separately.
Lorraine said staff confirmed the system appeared to be functioning and that TDLR will monitor exam eligibility and calendar availability so students can schedule tests once they meet requirements. The division will continue to hold live sessions, post an FAQ and resources on the SHEARS login page, and publish videos demonstrating new workflows.
Nut graf: School representatives had told the board the separate-hour reporting workflow caused confusion: students were able to schedule exams while some schools believed those students had not yet reached the required 1,000 hours. TDLR staff said the consolidation will address many of those problems and that they will continue to track eligibility and provide training for schools.
Board members and staff also discussed outstanding curriculum-approval certificates and the scheduling of additional live guidance sessions. Simone from Education and Examination said that the examinations team has held 22 live sessions, including one in Spanish, and that more sessions are scheduled to address issues quickly.
Ending: TDLR staff asked schools to use the new resources and to attend live sessions; staff said they would follow up individually with schools that report persistent problems.
