Written exam

Illinois Cosmetology State Board Practice Test

Cosmetologist Online Examination, given by Continental Testing Services

The Illinois Cosmetology written exam has 110 questions (100 scored), gives you 120 minutes, needs a score of 75 to pass, and costs $200. Continental Testing Services gives it.

This state's own paper. How many questions, how many minutes, what it takes to pass and what each topic weighs, then a free practice test drawn in those shares.

Free mini test · 5 questions

Illinois Cosmetology practice questions

Five questions from the Illinois paper. Tap an answer and you see right away if you got it. No account needed.

0 of 5 answered
  1. Question 1 of 5

    Why stretch curls before applying lightener?

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  2. Question 2 of 5

    When starting perm lotion application, which region should be treated first?

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  3. Question 3 of 5

    After chemical curl reduction, which tool forms a looser pattern?

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  4. Question 4 of 5

    Which pigment helps prevent lowlights on pale blonde hair from looking muddy?

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  5. Question 5 of 5

    Which internal body system is broken down by the human immunodeficiency virus?

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The paper at a glance

Testing vendor
Continental Testing Services
Questions
110
Scored questions
100
Minutes
120
To pass
A score of 75.
Fee
$200
Languages
English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese
Hands-on exam
No hands-on exam

What the paper weighs

The share of the paper each topic carries, as this state publishes it.

TopicShare of the paperQuestions
I. Safety and Infection Control30%30
II. Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis19%19
VI. Chemical Texture Services12%12
V. Haircoloring10%10
IX. Hair Removal8%8
X. Nail Care8%8
VII. Skin Care4%4
VIII. Eyelash and Eyebrow4%4
IV. Haircutting3%3
III. Hairstyling2%2

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20 questions drawn by these weights. Free, with a free account.

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What to bring, the ID rules, the steps of the day and the exam in numbers, on one page. Free with an account. Download it or print it.

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Questions people ask

How many questions is the Cosmetology written exam in Illinois?
110 questions, 100 of them scored. You get 120 minutes.
What do I need to pass?
A score of 75.
Which languages can I take it in?
English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese. You pick the language when you book.
What does it cost to take the exam?
In Illinois, the exam costs $200.
Is there a hands-on exam too?
No. For this license, Illinois has only the written exam.
Where do I take it?
At a Continental Testing Services test center. Illinois has centers in 18 cities.