States with no practical exam

Which states need no practical exam

Not every state pairs the written exam with a hands-on test. Our review counts seven states that need no practical exam for some or all licenses.

Do not assume your state works like the one a friend tested in. Check what your own state asks of you before you plan your study time.

Illinois and Indiana

Illinois and Indiana ask for no hands-on test at all, for any of the four licenses.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires no practical for cosmetology, esthetics or nails. Its barber board is separate, and it does require one.

The Pennsylvania candidate handbook says cosmetology candidates do not have to take a hands-on test.

South Dakota and Alaska

South Dakota and Alaska also ask for no practical exam for cosmetology, esthetics or nails.

A practical that is not hands-on

Be careful with the word practical in Massachusetts. One of its two tests carries that name, but it is a second paper of multiple-choice questions.

The rule can change

A state can change its exam rules. The list above is a snapshot, not a promise. Open your state page on this site and read it, then confirm with your state board before you book a test.

If your state needs no practical exam, the written exam is the whole test. Give it your full study time.

Common questions

Which states have no hands-on test for any license?

Illinois and Indiana ask for no hands-on test at all, for any of the four licenses.

Does Pennsylvania require a practical exam for cosmetology?

Pennsylvania requires no practical for cosmetology, esthetics or nails. Its barber board is separate, and it does require one. The Pennsylvania candidate handbook says cosmetology candidates do not have to take a hands-on test.

Is the Massachusetts practical exam hands-on?

Be careful with the word practical in Massachusetts. One of its two tests carries that name, but it is a second paper of multiple-choice questions.