Cosmetology Practice Test 2026
Free Cosmetology written-exam practice for the NIC/PSI national theory test. Covers infection control, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, hair care/cutting/color/chemical services, skin care, and nail care. The real exam language varies by state β see the state language table below.
π What to Bring
- β
Government-issued photo ID
- β
Your PSI/Pearson/state scheduling confirmation
- β
Proof of completed cosmetology school hours
Required hours vary widely by state (often 1000β1600 for cosmetology programs).
π How to Schedule
- 1
Complete a state-approved cosmetology school program
Hour requirements vary by state (commonly 1000β1600). Check your state board.
- 2
Apply to your state board for exam eligibility
Submit school transcripts + application fee. The board authorizes you to test.
- 3
Schedule with your state's testing vendor
Most states use PSI Services; FL and NV use Pearson VUE; New York administers its own exam. Select your language when registering (availability varies β see the table below).
π‘ Test Day Tips
- β’Scientific Concepts (infection control + anatomy + chemistry) is ~35% of the exam β master EPA-registered disinfectant contact times, bloodborne pathogen rules, the pH scale, and oxidation/reduction.
- β’Hair Care & Services is ~45% (the largest block): cutting elevations, color theory (law of color), developer volumes, permanent waving and relaxer chemistry are heavily tested.
- β’For the language of YOUR real exam: check the state language table below β it is NOT uniform. New York's exam (state-run) does not offer Vietnamese, and Florida is English/Spanish only, while CA/TX/NV/KY/IL offer several languages.
π Study Handbook
All practice questions are based on the sections below. Click any to read the official source.
πΊοΈ What language is the real written exam in my state?
The real cosmetology written exam language is NOT uniform nationwide. The table below shows confirmed languages per state. Our Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish practice questions are a LEARNING AID β they help you master the content, but the actual exam may be in English only where your state does not offer other languages. β οΈ Note: New York's state-run exam does NOT include Vietnamese, and Florida is English/Spanish only. Korean (and some other languages) may be offered on the real exam in certain states, but this site does NOT yet provide Korean practice questions β our practice questions are available only in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish (Korean is planned for a future update).
| State | Testing vendor | Written exam languages (confirmed) |
|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | PSI / CA Board of Barbering & Cosmetology | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Chinese (Simplified) |
| Texas (TX) | PSI / TX Dept. of Licensing & Regulation | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Chinese |
| Nevada (NV) | Pearson VUE / NV State Board of Cosmetology | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Chinese |
| Kentucky (KY) | PSI / KY Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Khmer Β· Portuguese Β· Chinese |
| Illinois (IL) | IDFPR / Continental Testing | English Β· Spanish Β· Chinese Β· Korean Β· Vietnamese (effective Oct 2026) |
| New York (NY) | NY Dept. of State (state-run, not PSI) | English + ~14 languages incl. Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian β but NO Vietnamese |
| Florida (FL) | FL DBPR (in-house) | English Β· Spanish only (other languages by petition, at candidate's cost) |
| All other states | PSI or state board | English (additional languages vary β check your state board) |
Language availability changes β always confirm with your state board or testing vendor before scheduling. This site never implies you can take the exam in a language your state does not actually offer.
π― Practice by Topic
Infection Control & Safety
NIC Area I.A β Infection control principles, decontamination levels, bloodborne pathogens, OSHA/EPA, cross-contamination.
Anatomy & Physiology
NIC Area I.B β Structure & function of hair, skin, and nails + their disorders; muscles, joints, nervous & circulatory systems.
Basic Chemistry
NIC Area I.C β Matter, elements, mixtures & emulsions, surfactants, the pH scale, acids/alkalis, oxidation-reduction, and product chemistry.
Hair Care & Services
NIC Area II.A-C β Client consultation & analysis, tools & implements, draping, shampooing, scalp massage & treatments, conditioning.
Hair Cutting & Styling
NIC Area II.D β Haircutting (elevation, guides, texturizing), wet & thermal styling, braiding & natural hair, wigs & extensions, principles of hair design.
Chemical Services
NIC Area II.E β Hair color (level/tone/law of color/formulation), lightening & toning, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing, with chemical-service safety.
Skin Care & Services
NIC Area III β Skin analysis, facials & exfoliation, hair removal, makeup, and basic electrotherapy & light therapy.
Nail Care & Services
NIC Area IV β Nail consultation & analysis, tools, basic manicure & pedicure, and nail enhancements (tips, wraps, acrylic, gel, dip) with safety.
Salon Business & Professional Practices
Professional ethics & communication, state regulation & licensing, salon business arrangements, retailing, ergonomics, workplace safety, and career.
π Official Resources
PSI Services β Cosmetology β
Primary testing vendor for cosmetology exams in most US states. Schedule your exam and select your language here.
NIC β National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology β
Creates the standard national cosmetology exam blueprints used by most states.
Pearson VUE β Cosmetology (FL, NV) β
Pearson VUE administers the cosmetology exam in Florida and Nevada.
π New to US road signs? See all road signs and their meanings β
β Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Cosmetology test, and how many do I need to pass?
The Cosmetology knowledge test has 110 questions. You must answer 83 correctly (75%) to pass.
How many questions can you miss on the Cosmetology test?
You can miss up to 27 of the 110 questions and still pass.
What should I bring to the Cosmetology test?
Government-issued photo ID Your PSI/Pearson/state scheduling confirmation Proof of completed cosmetology school hours β Required hours vary widely by state (often 1000β1600 for cosmetology programs).
How do I schedule and take the Cosmetology test?
1. Complete a state-approved cosmetology school program: Hour requirements vary by state (commonly 1000β1600). Check your state board. 2. Apply to your state board for exam eligibility: Submit school transcripts + application fee. The board authorizes you to test. 3. Schedule with your state's testing vendor: Most states use PSI Services; FL and NV use Pearson VUE; New York administers its own exam. Select your language when registering (availability varies β see the table below).