Cosmetology State Board Practice Test
Answer written exam questions for the cosmetology license, read why each answer is right, then sit a full timed mock in the NIC format or your state’s own format.
A timed 110-question mock in the NIC theory format, or your state’s written exam in its own format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or start with a free topic drillPartway through a chemical service, a client reports intense burning where the product touched her skin. What should the professional do first?
What the cosmetology written exam tests
Most states give the NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination: 110 four-option questions in 90 minutes, 100 of them scored. Its 2022 outline weights the exam like this:
| NIC cosmetology theory domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| I. Scientific Concepts: infection control and safety, anatomy and physiology, basic chemistry | 35% |
| II. Hair Care and Services: consultation, tools, hair care, hair design, chemical services | 45% |
| III. Skin Care and Services: consultation, tools, facials, hair removal, makeup | 10% |
| IV. Nail Care and Services: consultation, tools, manicure, pedicure, enhancements | 10% |
Source: NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin, effective July 1, 2022 (revised January 1, 2026). Texas, California and Florida write their own exams; their formats are below.
Written exam format by state
Formats come from each board’s or vendor’s current bulletin. Each page lists fees, retake rules, training hours and pass rates with sources, and a practice exam built to that format.
| Exam | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIC Cosmetology Theory | 110 | 1 hour 30 min | 75 (state-set) | PSI, Prov or D&S |
| Texas cosmetology | 110 | 2 hours 10 min | 70% | PSI |
| California cosmetology | 110 | 2 hours | Set by the Board | PSI |
| Florida cosmetology | 65 + 65 | 1 hour 30 min + 1 hour 30 min | 75 on each part | Pearson VUE |
| Esthetician (NIC) | 110 | 1 hour 30 min | 75 (state-set) | PSI, Prov or D&S |
| Nail technician (NIC) | 110 | 1 hour 30 min | 75 (state-set) | PSI, Prov or D&S |
Practice the full exam under the real time limit
A timed 110-question mock in the NIC theory format, or your state’s written exam in its own format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or start with a free topic drillFree topic drills
Ten questions on one topic, with an explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free. The three state drills test only that state’s law and rules.
Study guides by content area
Each guide states the rules the written exams test in that area, shows how many of the 110 NIC-format questions it carries, and ends with sample questions.
- Infection control · 16 of 110
- Safety, chemistry and electricity · 10 of 110
- Anatomy and disorders · 12 of 110
- Hair care, cutting and styling · 30 of 110
- Hair color and chemical services · 20 of 110
- Skin care, hair removal and makeup · 11 of 110
- Nail care and enhancements · 11 of 110
- State laws and rules
Then lock in the full exam
A timed 110-question mock in the NIC theory format, or your state’s written exam in its own format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or start with a free topic drillCommon questions
How many questions are on the cosmetology state board written exam?
It depends on your state. The NIC National Cosmetology Theory exam used in most NIC states has 110 questions in 90 minutes, 100 of them scored. Texas has 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored in 130 minutes, California 110 questions in 2 hours, and Florida two parts of 65 questions in 90 minutes each.
What score do you need to pass the cosmetology written exam?
Each state sets the pass mark. Texas requires 70%. Florida requires a scaled 75 on each part. Virginia and South Carolina require 75 on the NIC exam. California sets its passing score by a criterion-referenced method and does not publish a percentage.
What is on the cosmetology written exam?
Infection control and safety, anatomy and disorders of the hair, skin and nails, basic chemistry, hair care, cutting and styling, hair color and chemical texture services, skin care and nail care. Texas and Florida also test their own laws and rules.
How hard is the cosmetology state board written exam?
About half of Texas Cosmetology Operator written attempts passed in fiscal year 2025 (49%, 10,463 of 21,331). California reported a 67% average monthly cosmetology pass rate in 2025.
Are these cosmetology practice questions free?
The five-question sample on this page needs no account, and every topic and state-law drill has a free first attempt with a free account. The full timed mock exams and unlimited drills are part of the cosmetology practice pass.
Do Texas, California and Florida use the NIC exam?
No. Texas gives its own TDLR exam through PSI, California uses PSI’s national exam, and Florida gives its own two-part DBPR exam through Pearson VUE. Each has its own practice exam here.
Ready for the real thing?
A timed 110-question mock in the NIC theory format, or your state’s written exam in its own format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or start with a free topic drillCosmetology practice tests by state and license
Original independent practice. Every question is written for practice and explained against the published content outlines and the cited statutes and rules. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), PSI, Pearson VUE, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida Board of Cosmetology or any state board.