All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for MA Cosmetology

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
308+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Sample MA Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MA Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 308+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Hand hygiene is required when?
A.Only after completing each chemical service
B.Before service and after contamination
C.Only after retail product sales
D.Only when a client requests it
Explanation: Hand hygiene prevents cross-contamination.
2A disinfected comb falls on the floor. What next?
A.Return it to the disinfected-storage container
B.Wipe it with a clean service towel
C.Clean and disinfect before reuse
D.Rinse it under running water
Explanation: Contaminated implements must be cleaned and disinfected.
3Which document gives chemical hazard information?
A.Client consultation and release form
B.Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
C.Daily appointment and payment record
D.Retail product inventory receipt
Explanation: An SDS provides hazard and emergency information.
4A tool has a frayed cord. What should be done?
A.Cover the damaged cord with electrical tape
B.Set the tool at a lower heat setting
C.Remove it until repaired or replaced
D.Use it only on clients with dry hair
Explanation: Damaged electrical equipment must be removed from service.
5First response to a chemical spill?
A.Cover the spill with a clean towel
B.Follow SDS with suitable PPE
C.Dilute the spill with another product
D.Leave it until the client service ends
Explanation: The SDS provides the spill response and PPE guidance.
6Which consultation record is most important?
A.A complete list of retail products the client may consider purchasing after the service
B.Allergies, medications, and prior chemical services
C.Stylist’s preferred appointment schedule
D.Client’s social-media profile
Explanation: Relevant history helps identify contraindications.
7Open, inflamed lesion in service area. Best action?
A.Perform the full service after substituting a gentler product and covering the affected area
B.Cover the area and complete the service
C.Postpone or modify and refer when appropriate
D.Scrub the area before beginning
Explanation: An open lesion may contraindicate service.
8Why examine hair before chemical service?
A.Select the client’s preferred music and adjust the appointment playlist before beginning
B.Assess condition, porosity, and prior processing
C.Estimate the client’s retail spending
D.Extend the appointment automatically
Explanation: Hair analysis guides safe procedure choices.
9When recommend medical advice?
A.The client requests a routine trim and reports no abnormal scalp or skin condition
B.Condition is outside scope to diagnose or treat
C.Hair feels dry after styling
D.The appointment is running late
Explanation: Cosmetologists should not diagnose medical conditions.
10How detangle long hair?
A.Comb directly from scalp to ends
B.Begin at ends and work upward
C.Pull through knots with a brush
D.Use high heat before detangling
Explanation: Working from ends upward reduces breakage.

About the MA Cosmetology Exam

Massachusetts uses the PSI National Master Cosmetology Theory examination for cosmetology licensure. The theory exam follows PSI's published national content outline.

Exam sponsor: PSI Services LLC for the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$155 theory examination fee; $68 Board application fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. The PSI bulletin publishes a 70% passing score, not an exam pass rate. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Safety & Infection Control

Workstation infection control and workplace safety precautions.

19%

Client Consultation & Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis

Consultation, analysis, adverse reactions, conditions, and contraindications.

2%

Hairstyling

Textured-hair styling, hair additions, blow-drying, thermal curling, and tool safety.

3%

Haircutting

Haircutting procedures and safe use of cutting tools.

10%

Hair Color

Color application, strand testing, product safety, lightening, and color theory.

12%

Chemical Texture Services

Permanent waving, relaxing, texturizing, chemical safety, and results.

4%

Skin Care

Massage, preparation, products, facial procedures, and skin-care safety.

4%

Lashes & Brows

Safe lash-extension and brow/lash tinting procedures and products.

8%

Hair Removal

Waxing, sugaring, depilatories, tweezing, threading, infection control, and contraindications.

8%

Nail Care

Natural and artificial nail procedures, safety, ventilation, and infection control.

Preparing for the MA Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $155 theory examination fee; $68 Board application fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 308 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Massachusetts cosmetology theory exam?

The PSI theory exam has 100 scored multiple-choice questions and 10 unscored experimental questions.

What score is required to pass?

PSI requires a minimum score of 70% on the National Master Cosmetology Theory examination.

How long is the exam?

Candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the theory exam.

What fees apply?

The PSI theory examination fee is $155. Massachusetts lists a $68 cosmetologist application fee.