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TDLR staffing, processing and inspections updates: licensing vacancies, exam referencing and risk‑based inspections
Summary
TDLR staff reported staffing changes, application volumes and processing times, exam reference updates, and a shift to risk‑based inspections for barbering and cosmetology; staff also described outreach summits across Texas to prepare licensees for rule changes.
TDLR staff summarized operational updates during the advisory board meeting.
Licensing division lead Yvonne Lopez said the program has 17 vacancies in the division overall, with three vacancies specifically in the barbering and cosmetology team, and reported high application volumes (several thousand applications in recent months) and an average processing time near 30 days. Lopez described the instructor conversion process, noting a transcript/certification request option on the website and fees ($5 transcript, $15 letter of certification).
Rebecca Armas (Education & Examination) said pass rates for cosmetology exams were holding steady and announced a reference update: the Milady Cosmetology reference will be incorporated effective Sept. 1, 2023. Armas also noted expanded language options for digital exam delivery including simplified Chinese and Korean.
The field‑inspections presenters described personnel departures and promotions and said the division began risk‑based inspections for barbering and cosmetology effective Sept. 1, 2022, to prioritize establishments with higher risk factors for more frequent follow‑up inspections.
Customer service reported filling multiple positions (a new manager and several representatives) and ongoing work to permit continuing‑education providers and applicants to pay online through a future licensing system update. Enforcement updated the board on recent prosecutor staffing changes and upcoming recruitment needs.
Staff emphasized upcoming in‑person and virtual summits where TDLR will present curricular and licensing changes and answer industry questions as the agency implements HB 1560 and its related rule package.
Ending: Staff invited board questions about process details (exam timing, continuing‑education payment rollout) and promised follow‑up materials to clarify forms, page numbers in the rule packet, and timelines for curriculum approval and license changes.
