Texas Cosmetology Written Exam Practice Test

Texas writes its own cosmetology exam: TDLR’s Cosmetology Operator written exam, given by PSI. It has 100 scored questions in 120 minutes plus 10 unscored questions with 10 extra minutes, and you need 70% to pass. A fifth of the exam is Texas licensing law and rules.

110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes · 70% to pass

Take the full Texas practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, in the Texas format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

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

Jordan is 16. He has completed all 1,000 cosmetology operator hours at a licensed Texas school and passed both examinations. Under TDLR rules, what still keeps him from being eligible for a practitioner license?

Texas cosmetology written exam format

Regulator
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Exam provider
PSI
Questions
100 scored multiple-choice items plus 10 non-scored items
Time
120 minutes, plus 10 minutes for the non-scored items
Pass mark
70% of the scored items
Fees
$55 to PSI for the written exam ($76 for the practical); $50 TDLR application fee
Retakes
Unlimited attempts while your exam eligibility lasts (5 years); wait 24 hours after a failed attempt to schedule again
Practical exam
Required after you pass the written exam (3 hours 31 minutes, 70% to pass)
Eligibility
Age 17 and 1,000 school hours; operator students may take the written exam at 900 hours
Languages
English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese
Pass rate
49% · Cosmetology Operator written exam, fiscal year 2025: 10,463 passes in 21,331 attempts. The practical pass rate was 89%. TDLR barbering and cosmetology exam statistics, fiscal year 2025
Line drawing of a small salon storefront with a star on its striped awning, a potted cactus, a windmill and low hills
  • Texas does not use the NIC exam. Its PSI bulletin lists Occupations Code chapter 1603 and the TDLR rules in 16 TAC chapter 83 as references, beside Milady and Pivot Point.
  • Texas still requires a practical exam for every license. You must pass the written exam first.
  • All TDLR barbering and cosmetology exams together ran 77,520 attempts in fiscal year 2025.

Texas content outline

Content areaScored items
1. Licensing and Regulation: health and safety, responsibilities of the practitioner20
2. Infection Control: cleaning and disinfecting, safety procedures, skin, nail, hair and scalp diseases and disorders28
3. Hair and Scalp Care: physiology, products, haircutting, hairstyling, chemical texture services, haircoloring40
4. Nail Care: manicuring, pedicuring, nail enhancements6
5. Skin Care: facials, hair removal, eyelash extensions6

Source: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, Texas Cosmetology Operator License Examination (January 1, 2026), 100 scored items.

Other Texas written exams

  • Class A Barber85 scored items in 90 minutes
  • Esthetician75 scored items in 105 minutes
  • Manicurist60 scored items in 90 minutes
  • Manicurist/Esthetician100 scored items in 120 minutes
  • Eyelash Extension and Hair Weaving40 scored items in 55 minutes each

Our Texas practice exam

Our Texas mock uses the full sitting: 110 questions in 130 minutes, with 22 questions on Texas licensing law and rules, Texas sanitation rules inside infection control, and the rest in the PSI outline’s proportions. You pass at 70%. 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 Texas practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, in the Texas format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free Texas law drill

Practice Texas law, then every topic

The Texas law drill asks ten questions on Texas’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.

Texas law and rules drillTen Texas 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 Texas cosmetology written exam?

110: 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions. You get 120 minutes for the scored questions and 10 more minutes for the unscored ones, so 130 minutes in all.

What score do you need to pass the Texas cosmetology written exam?

70% of the scored questions, so 70 of 100. The practical exam is also passed at 70%.

Is Texas law on the cosmetology written exam?

Yes. Licensing and Regulation is 20 of the 100 scored questions, and the bulletin lists Occupations Code chapter 1603 and the TDLR rules in 16 TAC chapter 83 as references.

How many times can you take the Texas cosmetology written exam?

As many times as you need while your eligibility lasts, which is 5 years. Each attempt costs $55, and you wait 24 hours after a failed attempt before you schedule again.

What is the pass rate for the Texas cosmetology written exam?

49% of Cosmetology Operator written attempts passed in TDLR’s fiscal year 2025 (10,463 of 21,331).

Take the full Texas practice exam

110 questions in 2 hours 10 minutes, in the Texas format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.

Or try the free Texas law drill

Sources

Checked November 7, 2026. Boards update their bulletins and fees; confirm details with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before you schedule.

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