Cosmetology state laws and rules
State law weighs differently on each exam. Texas puts 20 of 100 scored questions on Licensing and Regulation. Florida tests laws and rules in 10% of its Written Theory part. California’s PSI exam has no law domain, but its health and safety rules are what inspectors enforce.
110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, with 22 Texas law and rules questions, an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try the free Texas law drillA Florida salon owner wants to let an applicant who has passed all parts of the cosmetology exam work before the license arrives. Under R. 61G5-20.008(1), what must the owner do?
What to know about state laws and rules
- Texas: cosmetology is regulated under Occupations Code chapter 1603 and TDLR’s rules in 16 Texas Administrative Code chapter 83. The Cosmetology Operator license needs 1,000 school hours, age 17, and both a written and a practical exam.
- Texas: operator students may take the written exam after 900 hours, and a candidate who passes the practical may receive a 60-day temporary license.
- California: the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists under Business and Professions Code §7301 and following and its regulations in 16 CCR Division 9. Cosmetology training is 1,000 hours, and there is no practical exam.
- California: a license is issued at the test center on the day you pass, and there is no limit on retakes.
- Florida: chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes and the Board of Cosmetology’s rules in chapter 61G5 of the Florida Administrative Code. Licensure takes 1,200 hours, a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course and passing both written parts.
- Florida: licenses renew by October 31 every two years with 10 hours of continuing education, including HIV/AIDS, sanitation, OSHA, workers’ compensation, laws and rules, chemical makeup and environmental issues.
- All three states require a license for the practitioner and a separate license for the salon or establishment, and display of licenses where clients can see them.
Each state’s page lists its exam format, fees and retake rules with sources: Texas, California and Florida.
Drill your state’s rules, then sit the full exam
110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, with 22 Texas law and rules questions, an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try the free Texas law drillCommon questions
Is state law on the cosmetology written exam?
In Texas, yes: 20 of 100 scored questions. In Florida, yes: 10% of the Written Theory part. California’s PSI exam has no state-law domain. NIC states test national content only.
How often do Florida cosmetology licenses renew?
Every two years, by October 31, with 10 hours of board-approved continuing education.
110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, with 22 Texas law and rules questions, an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try the free Texas law drillMore cosmetology exam topics
- 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
Free Texas law drill · Free California law drill · Free Florida law drill · NIC mock exam · Texas exam · California exam · Florida exam
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, TDLR, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida Board of Cosmetology or any state board.