Cosmetology state board written exam: what to know

Cosmetology state board written exam: what to know

For California and Texas cosmetology candidates, PSI gives the written test on a computer. You see a question on each screen and can change answers during review.

Who writes the exam?

California uses the national theory exam written by PSI. Georgia and Michigan use that PSI question bank too.

NIC also writes national written tests. Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Oregon have their own exam content.

What is the question format?

NIC theory questions give four choices, with a single correct answer. Some ask a question; others ask you to finish a sentence.

PSI's California and Texas tests are closed book. A 15-minute tutorial lets you try sample questions before the timed test begins.

What topics should I expect?

NIC's Scientific Concepts area combines safety with anatomy, physiology, and basic chemistry. Texas also names licensing law in its outline.

How many questions are there?

California cosmetology has 110 questions: 100 scored and 10 pretest questions. NIC cosmetology also lists 110 total questions, with 100 scored.

How much time do I get?

California cosmetology allows 120 minutes. NIC cosmetology lists 90 minutes, while Texas cosmetology lists 130 minutes, including time for unscored questions.

What score do I need?

Texas cosmetology requires 70 percent correct on scored questions. California does not publish its required correct-answer count; that count appears on the failure notice.

Do I also need a practical exam?

Texas requires a practical exam for cosmetology. California does not require a practical exam for that license.

How hard is it?

The topic mix differs. In NIC cosmetology, Scientific Concepts accounts for 35 percent. Hair care and services accounts for 45 percent.

Check yourself

Practice both direct questions and sentences with a missing ending. Explain why your chosen answer fits before checking it.

Match your practice topics to your state's cosmetology outline. For NIC preparation, include anatomy and chemistry alongside infection control.

After a missed question, explain the trade term in plain English. Then try a related question without looking at the answer.

Common questions

Can I use a book during the cosmetology written exam?

PSI's California and Texas tests are closed book. A 15-minute tutorial lets you try sample questions before the timed test begins.

How much time do I get for the cosmetology written exam?

California cosmetology allows 120 minutes. NIC cosmetology lists 90 minutes, while Texas cosmetology lists 130 minutes, including time for unscored questions.

What score do I need on the cosmetology written exam?

Texas cosmetology requires 70 percent correct on scored questions. California does not publish its required correct-answer count; that count appears on the failure notice.