200+ Free Cosmetology Practice Questions
Pass your State Cosmetology Licensing Exam exam on the first try with exam-style questions and AI tutor.
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Key Facts: Cosmetology Exam
70-80%
Exam Pass Rate
Varies by state
70-75%
Passing Score
Most states
1,000-2,000
Training Hours Required
State boards
656,800
Employed in US
BLS 2024
$33,400
Median Salary
BLS 2024
100 Qs
Written Exam
Most states
The cosmetology licensing exam has a 70-80% pass rate (varies by state). Most states require 1,000-2,000 hours of cosmetology school before taking the exam. The exam typically has 100 multiple-choice questions with a 70-75% passing score. The written exam is usually paired with a practical (hands-on) exam. The BLS reports 656,800 cosmetologists and barbers employed in the US with a median salary of $33,400 (2024), though top earners in salons and self-employed stylists earn significantly more.
About the Cosmetology Exam
The cosmetology licensing exam tests knowledge of sanitation, hair services, skin and nail care, anatomy, and chemistry. Passing this exam is required to practice cosmetology in all 50 states.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
70-75%
Exam Fee
$50-150 (State Board of Cosmetology)
Cosmetology Exam Content Outline
Sanitation & Safety
Infection control, disinfection levels, bacteriology, OSHA, safety precautions
Hair Services
Haircutting, hair coloring, chemical texture services, styling, and hair analysis
Skin & Nail Care
Facials, skin analysis, manicuring, pedicuring, nail disorders and diseases
Anatomy & Physiology
Skin structure, hair structure, nail structure, body systems
Chemistry
pH scale, cosmetic chemistry, product ingredients, chemical reactions
How to Pass the Cosmetology Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70-75%
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $50-150
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Cosmetology Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the cosmetology state board exam?
The cosmetology exam is considered moderately difficult with a 70-80% pass rate. It covers 5 major areas: sanitation, hair services, skin/nail care, anatomy, and chemistry. Most students who complete their training hours and study 40-60 hours pass on their first attempt.
How many questions are on the cosmetology exam?
Most state cosmetology exams have 100 multiple-choice questions on the written portion, with a time limit of about 2 hours. You typically need 70-75% to pass. Many states also require a separate practical (hands-on) exam.
What topics are most important for the cosmetology exam?
Sanitation and infection control are the most heavily tested and most important topics ā getting these wrong can result in automatic failure in some states. Hair services (coloring, cutting, chemical texture) make up the largest section. Know your pH scale, hair structure, and skin layers.
How long does it take to become a cosmetologist?
Most states require 1,000-2,000 hours of cosmetology school training (typically 9-24 months). After completing the required hours, you must pass both written and practical exams to receive your license. Requirements vary significantly by state.
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?
Disinfection destroys most pathogens on non-porous surfaces using EPA-registered disinfectants (like hospital-grade solutions). Sterilization destroys ALL microorganisms including spores, typically using an autoclave. In salons, disinfection is the standard; sterilization is used in medical settings.