Written exam and practical exam: what is the difference?

Written exam and practical exam: what is the difference?

A written exam can use questions answered on a computer. A practical exam can require hands-on skills. Pennsylvania barber candidates take theory plus a separate hands-on practical.

For written practice, choose an answer and explain why it fits. For hands-on practice, rehearse the service steps named in your practical instructions.

What does the written exam test?

California cosmetology theory includes haircoloring, with 10 questions making up 10% of the outline. Chemical texture services account for 12 questions, or 12%.

Texas cosmetology includes licensing and regulation. That topic accounts for 20 questions and 20% of its outline.

For NIC cosmetology theory, Scientific Concepts represents 35%. Hair care and services represents 45%. Skin services and nail services each represent 10%.

Practice answering service questions without performing the service. Say which topic the question covers, then explain your choice in plain words.

How written questions work

NIC theory questions offer 4 choices, with a single correct answer. Its cosmetology samples include direct questions and sentences you complete.

What does a practical exam test?

Pennsylvania's barber practical checks hands-on skills in a separate 2-hour exam. Its theory exam is an additional requirement.

South Carolina's barber practical includes a required live shave using a straight razor.

Use your practical skills list as a rehearsal guide. Practice the named tasks with your tools, rather than treating answer-choice practice as a substitute.

Where is no hands-on practical required?

California removed practical exams on January 1, 2022, for all four licenses. Illinois and Indiana also require no practical for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nails.

Pennsylvania does not require practical exams for cosmetology, esthetics, or nails. Barbering is different there: its separate board requires a practical.

Alaska and South Dakota require no practical for cosmetology, esthetics, or nails. Massachusetts uses the practical label for another multiple-choice paper, not hands-on testing.

Does every license need a written exam?

New York barber applicants need a practical, but no written exam. Florida's nail and facial specialist registrations also have no written exam.

Choose practice that matches your license and the named test. Keep written answer practice separate from rehearsing practical tasks, and check the instructions before preparing either.

Which states require both?

Texas, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, Utah, Louisiana, Tennessee, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Alabama, Idaho, Missouri, South Carolina and Washington all require a written exam and a hands-on practical for cosmetology.

The two parts are booked and paid for separately in most of these states. Georgia charges 45 dollars for the written and 64 for the practical. Virginia charges 99 and 95. North Carolina charges 84 for each. Idaho charges 88 and 120. Alabama charges 75 and 130.

Michigan charges 93 dollars for the written, 93 for the practical, and 167 if you book both at once. Maryland charges 47 for each and 77 for both.

Add both fees up before you book. A written exam of 55 dollars can sit next to a practical of 76.

Which part do you take first?

The order differs by state. Texas wants the written exam passed before you take the practical. Colorado wants the practical first, and the theory test is booked and paid for after that.

Kentucky wants theory first, and a theory score stays valid for 6 months. New York lets you take the written and practical in either order.

Read your state's order rule before you pay for either part.

Common questions

How are written exam questions set up?

NIC theory questions offer 4 choices, with a single correct answer. Its cosmetology samples include direct questions and sentences you complete.

Do I need a hands-on exam for cosmetology in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not require practical exams for cosmetology, esthetics, or nails. Barbering is different there: its separate board requires a practical.

Can I get a barber license without taking a written exam?

New York barber applicants need a practical, but no written exam. Florida's nail and facial specialist registrations also have no written exam.