Question 1

What is the cosmetology state board exam passing score?

Accepted Answer

The passing score varies by state but is typically 75% for NIC (National Interstate Council) states. The NIC written exam has 110 questions (100 scored + 10 pilot) and you have 90 minutes to complete it. Exam fees range from $50-150 depending on your state.

Question 2

What does the cosmetology exam cover?

Accepted Answer

The NIC cosmetology exam covers four main areas: Hair Care & Services (45%), Scientific Concepts including infection control and anatomy (35%), Skin Care (10%), and Nail Care (10%). The exam tests both theory knowledge and practical application.

Question 3

Do all states use the same cosmetology exam?

Accepted Answer

No, 35-38 states use the NIC (National Interstate Council) standardized exam, but some states have their own exams. New York and Florida notably have state-specific exams with different formats. Our guide covers both NIC and state-specific content.

Question 4

How many hours of cosmetology school are required?

Accepted Answer

Training hour requirements vary by state from 1,000 to 2,100 hours. California, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia require 1,000 hours (the lowest). States like Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota require 2,000+ hours. Check your state's specific requirements.

Question 5

Is there a practical exam too?

Accepted Answer

Most states require both a written and practical exam, though some (like California since 2022) have eliminated the practical. The practical exam tests hands-on skills like haircutting, chemical services, and sanitation procedures on a mannequin.

Question 6

Is this free cosmetology prep as good as paid courses?

Accepted Answer

Our content covers the same NIC exam outline as paid courses that cost $50-200+. We provide 9 comprehensive chapters covering all exam topics plus state-specific content for NY and FL. All study materials are free forever, plus 10 free AI interactions daily.

Question 7

What's included for free?

Accepted Answer

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Question 8

Why is the content free?

Accepted Answer

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Question 9

Is the content up to date?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our content is aligned with the latest exam outlines and updated regularly. Last update: January 2026.

Cosmetology State Board Exam

Free Cosmetology Exam Prep

Cosmetology Exam Details

Cosmetology State Board Examination

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

9 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the Cosmetology?

Esthetician License

Nail Technician License

Barber License

Cosmetology Instructor

Cosmetology Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction to the Cosmetology State Board Exam

Chapter 2: Scientific Concepts (35% of NIC Exam)

Hair Care and Services

Skin Care & Esthetics

Chapter 5: Nail Care

Chapter 6: State Requirements

Chapter 7: New York Cosmetology Exam

Chapter 8: Florida Cosmetology Exam

Chapter 9: Test Strategies

Official NIC (National Interstate Council) / State Boards Resources

More Free Resources

Ready to Start Your Free Cosmetology Prep?