So, basically you just need some course in order to refresh your preparation, isn't it? Did you practice as a cosmetologist it the past 3 years? I thing you can easily find both online and offline refresh courses. For starting you can try by browsing the refresh programs here: http://www.asktostudy.com/search/refresh/program/page-1.html Regarding your question about why do you need to renew your cosmetology license, the short answer is that this is required by the law! Every state has it's own regulations regarding this mater. The renewal of the license is needed in order to reassure the potential customer that is in the good hands of a competent professional cosmetologist. Good luck with your license renewing!