Florida Cosmetology State Board Practice Test

Florida’s cosmetology licensure exam is two written parts given by Pearson VUE for the DBPR: Written Theory and Written Clinical. Each has 65 questions in 90 minutes, and you need a scaled 75 on each.

65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes + 65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes · 75 on each part

Take the full Florida practice exam

65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, then 65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the Florida format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free Florida law drill
Free sample · Question 1 of 3Florida law and rules

Fla. Stat. 477.0201(1)(b) requires the training for every Florida specialty registration to focus primarily on what?

Florida cosmetology written exam format

Regulator
Florida Board of Cosmetology (DBPR)
Exam provider
Pearson VUE
Questions
Written Theory: 65 multiple-choice questions. Written Clinical: 65 multiple-choice questions
Time
1½ hours for each part
Pass mark
A scaled score of 75 on each part
Practical exam
None; both parts are written
Retakes
Retake only the part you failed; pass both parts within two years
Fees
$45 DBPR application fee; Pearson VUE charges $24.75 for each part
Training
1,200 hours; a school may certify you to test after 1,000 hours. A 4-hour HIV/AIDS course is required
Line drawing of a pastel coastal salon storefront with shutters, a striped awning, palm trees, a seashell and ocean waves
  • Florida law is tested directly in the 10% Laws and Rules domain of the Theory part, about 6 or 7 questions, and Florida’s salon sanitation rule (R. 61G5-20.002) shapes the 34% safety and sanitation domain.
  • Nail, facial and full specialists register in Florida without an exam after 180, 220 or 400 hours of training. Florida has no esthetician license; the closest is the facial specialist registration.
  • Once you pass both parts, you may work under a licensed cosmetologist’s supervision in a licensed salon until your license arrives.

Florida content outline

Content areaWeight
Theory: General Safety and Sanitation Procedures34%
Theory: Client Services24%
Theory: Facials, Make-up, and Hair Removal16%
Theory: Manicuring and Pedicuring16%
Theory: Professional/Legal and Ethical/Laws and Rules10%
Clinical: Hair Coloring and Lightening39%
Clinical: Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing34%
Clinical: Hair Styling12%
Clinical: Hair Cutting/Shaping10%
Clinical: Scalp and Hair Care5%

Source: DBPR Candidate Information Booklet, Cosmetology Licensure Examinations (effective February 2026), and Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G5-18.003.

Our Florida practice exam

Our Florida mock runs both parts with separate clocks: 65 Written Theory questions in 90 minutes, including Florida laws and rules and Florida sanitation rules, then 65 Written Clinical questions in 90 minutes. You pass each part at 75%. Every answer comes with an explanation, and your result shows a score for each topic.

Sit the full exam under the real clock

Take the full Florida practice exam

65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, then 65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the Florida format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free Florida law drill

Practice Florida law, then every topic

The Florida law drill asks ten questions on Florida’s cosmetology law and rules, with the statute or rule in every explanation. The topic drills cover the general content that makes up the rest of the exam. Each drill’s first attempt is free with a free account.

Florida law and rules drillTen Florida questions in random order, each explained with its statute or rule.10 questions · UntimedInfection controlBacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, cleaning versus disinfection versus sterilization, EPA-registered disinfectants, single-use and multi-use items, Standard Precautions and the blood exposure procedure.10 questions · UntimedSafety, chemistry and electricityOSHA and Safety Data Sheets, chemical storage and ventilation, first aid, electrical safety and electricity basics, the pH scale, acids and alkalis, and how salon chemicals react.10 questions · UntimedAnatomy and disordersStructure of the hair, skin and nails, bones, muscles, nerves and circulation of the head, arms and feet, and the hair, scalp, skin and nail disorders you may treat or must refer.10 questions · UntimedHair care, cutting and stylingConsultation and draping, shampoo and scalp care, cutting angles and elevations, wet and thermal styling, braiding, wigs and hair additions, and design principles.10 questions · UntimedHair color and chemical servicesLevels and tones, the color wheel, developer volumes, lightening, toners, patch and strand tests, permanent waves, relaxers and curl reformation.10 questions · UntimedSkin care, hair removal and makeupSkin analysis and contraindications, the basic facial, massage movements, facial devices, waxing and other hair removal, and makeup application.10 questions · UntimedNail care and enhancementsManicures and pedicures, nail tools and foot spa care, polish, tips and wraps, liquid-and-powder enhancements, UV and LED gels, and safe removal.10 questions · Untimed

Common questions

How many questions are on the Florida cosmetology exam?

Two parts of 65 questions each: Written Theory and Written Clinical. Each part has a 90-minute limit, and all questions are four-option multiple choice.

What score do you need to pass the Florida cosmetology exam?

A scaled score of 75 on each part (Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G5-18.003).

Does Florida have a practical cosmetology exam?

No. Both parts of the current exam are written: Written Theory and Written Clinical.

What if I fail one part of the Florida cosmetology exam?

You retake only the part you failed, but you must pass both parts within two years; otherwise you take the full exam again. A candidate who tested after 1,000 hours must finish the full 1,200 hours before retesting.

Take the full Florida practice exam

65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, then 65 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the Florida format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free Florida law drill

Sources

Checked November 7, 2026. Boards update their bulletins and fees; confirm details with Florida Board of Cosmetology before you schedule.

Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, Florida Board of Cosmetology or any state board. All exams · Texas · California · Esthetician · Nail technician · NIC mock