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Exam Review

Key Facts: MI Cosmetology Exam

100

Scored Theory Questions

PSI MI CIB

70/100

Theory Passing Score

PSI MI CIB

95/127

Practical Passing Score

PSI MI CIB

2 hrs

Theory Duration

PSI

$167

Theory+Practical Fee

PSI MI CIB

1,500 hrs

School Training

LARA

Michigan cosmetology: 1,500 school hours or 2-year apprenticeship; PSI National theory (100 scored + 10 experimental, 120 minutes, 70/100 pass) and practical (95/127 pass); fees $167 combined or $93 per portion; LARA application + 2-year license $63; renewal $48 every 2 years. Pass scores must be within 1 year of each other.

Sample MI Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MI Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 437+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which statement correctly reflects Michigan Rule R 338.2171a for disinfecting tools and implements?
A.Every tool must be immersed for exactly 5 minutes
B.After cleaning, immerse applicable tools for at least 10 minutes or the manufacturer-recommended period; use an approved wipe or spray procedure for tools not suitable for immersion
C.Every tool must be immersed for exactly 15 minutes, regardless of its label
D.Manufacturer directions never affect contact time
Explanation: Michigan Rule R 338.2171a requires cleaned tools suitable for immersion to be fully immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for not less than 10 minutes or for the period recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer. For tools and equipment not suitable for immersion, the rule provides an applicable EPA-registered disinfectant wipe or spray procedure. Ten minutes is therefore not an absolute manufacturer-independent time for every tool.
2Which of the following is classified as a bloodborne pathogen that cosmetologists must be trained to prevent?
A.Staphylococcus aureus
B.Hepatitis B virus
C.Candida albicans
D.Tinea pedis
Explanation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a bloodborne pathogen that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. Michigan cosmetology regulations require training on bloodborne pathogens including HBV, Hepatitis C, and HIV. These viruses can survive outside the body and pose serious health risks if proper infection control is not followed.
3What is the proper procedure for handling a blood spill on a work surface in a Michigan salon?
A.Clean with soap and water only
B.Wipe with a disinfectant wipe and continue working
C.Use a blood spill kit with appropriate PPE, clean, then disinfect
D.Cover with a towel and clean after the service is complete
Explanation: Blood spills require special handling using a blood spill kit while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The area must be cleaned first to remove organic matter, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant effective against bloodborne pathogens. This protects both the cosmetologist and clients from potential disease transmission.
4How often should disinfectant solutions be replaced in Michigan cosmetology establishments?
A.Only when they appear dirty
B.Once per week regardless of use
C.When they become contaminated or diluted, per manufacturer guidelines
D.Once per month
Explanation: Disinfectant solutions must be replaced when they become contaminated, visibly soiled, or when diluted beyond their effective concentration as specified by the manufacturer. Some disinfectants require daily replacement even if not used. Always check the product label for specific guidance and maintain a log of solution changes.
5What level of disinfection is required for tools that come into contact with broken skin or bodily fluids?
A.Low-level disinfection
B.Intermediate-level disinfection
C.High-level disinfection
D.Sterilization
Explanation: High-level disinfection is required for tools that contact broken skin, blood, or other bodily fluids. This level kills all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial endospores. In Michigan salons, tools used on intact skin require intermediate-level disinfection, while those contacting mucous membranes or broken skin require high-level disinfection or sterilization.
6Which of the following is an example of proper hand hygiene in a Michigan cosmetology establishment?
A.Using hand sanitizer after each client
B.Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client
C.Wearing gloves throughout the entire workday without changing them
D.Rinsing hands with water only between services
Explanation: Proper hand hygiene requires washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client service, after removing gloves, and whenever hands become contaminated. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used when soap and water are not available, they are not a substitute for proper handwashing in salon settings.
7What is the minimum temperature required for an autoclave to achieve sterilization in a Michigan cosmetology establishment?
A.212°F (100°C)
B.250°F (121°C)
C.270°F (132°C)
D.300°F (149°C)
Explanation: Autoclaves must reach a minimum temperature of 250°F (121°C) at 15 psi pressure for 15-30 minutes to achieve sterilization. This combination of heat, pressure, and time kills all microorganisms including bacterial endospores. Sterilization is required for tools that penetrate the skin, such as those used in body piercing.
8Which type of microorganism is most resistant to chemical disinfectants?
A.Viruses
B.Fungi
C.Bacterial endospores
D.Protozoa
Explanation: Bacterial endospores, such as those formed by Bacillus and Clostridium species, are the most resistant microorganisms to chemical disinfectants. They have a tough outer coating that protects the genetic material inside. Only high-level disinfectants and sterilization methods can effectively kill endospores, which is why intermediate-level disinfectants are sufficient for non-penetrating tools.
9When should a cosmetologist perform a patch test on a client?
A.Only when requested by the client
B.Before every hair coloring service regardless of history
C.Before the first hair color application and when changing products or if the client has had a reaction
D.Only if the client has visible scalp irritation
Explanation: A patch test should be performed before the first hair color application, when changing hair color products, or if the client has had any allergic reactions in the past. The test is typically done 24-48 hours before the service behind the ear or on the inner arm. This precaution helps identify potential allergic reactions before applying product to the entire scalp.
10What is the proper draping procedure for a Michigan cosmetology service?
A.Place a towel over the client's shoulders only
B.Use a protective cape that covers the client from neck to knees
C.Use a neck strip and cape to protect the client's clothing completely
D.Draping is optional for quick services
Explanation: Proper draping requires using a neck strip to prevent the cape from touching the skin directly, followed by a protective cape that completely covers the client's clothing. The neck strip should be changed between clients, and the cape must be clean and properly fastened. This protects clients' clothing from chemicals, hair, and products while maintaining professional standards.

About the MI Cosmetology Exam

The Michigan Cosmetologist licensing path requires candidates to apply through MiPLUS and obtain LARA eligibility before applying to PSI for the national theory and practical examinations. The current PSI Michigan guide is v1.2, effective May 20, 2026. Theory administers 100 scored plus 10 unscored items in 120 minutes with a 70/100 passing score. The practical covers 11 topic areas in approximately 235 minutes and requires 95/127. Both passing scores must be earned within one year of each other.

Exam sponsor: PSI Services LLC / Michigan LARA. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

Theory: 120 minutes; practical: approximately 235 minutes

Passing Score

Theory 70/100; Practical 95/127

Exam / Certification Fees

$167 theory+practical ($93 each portion)

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 and Infection Control

Workplace infection control, decontamination, exposure incidents, disinfectants, and workplace safety precautions

19%

Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis

Intake, contraindications, structure and analysis, diseases, and adverse reactions

2%

Hairstyling

Textured styling, extensions, braiding, locking, blow-dry, and thermal tool safety

3%

Haircutting

Cutting procedures by hair type and safe use of shears, razors, clippers, and trimmers

10%

Haircoloring

Application, strand testing, color theory, lightening, and chemical mixing safety

12%

Chemical Texture Services

Permanent waving and relaxing on virgin and chemically treated hair, plus result assessment

4%

Skin Care

Massage, prep and products, scalp treatments, and facial/exfoliation safety

4%

Eyelash and Eyebrow

Enhancement application/removal and chemical eyelash/eyebrow service safety

8%

Hair Removal

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

8%

Nail Care

Manicure/pedicure safety, workstation ventilation, and artificial nail enhancements

Preparing for the MI Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Theory 70/100; Practical 95/127
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: Theory: 120 minutes; practical: approximately 235 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $167 theory+practical ($93 each portion) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 437 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MI Cosmetology: Suggested Study Strategy

1Prioritize Safety and Infection Control (30%) — the largest theory domain on the PSI National outline
2Study Client Consultation and Analysis (19%) — diseases, contraindications, and patch testing drive many scenario questions
3Drill Haircoloring (10%) and Chemical Texture (12%) — know sequencing, strand/test curls, and client protection
4Know the 70/100 theory and 95/127 practical pass scores and the one-year dual-exam window
5Pace for all 110 administered theory items — approximately 65 seconds per item in the 120-minute window, because unscored items are not identified

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Michigan Cosmetology theory exam?

The PSI National Cosmetology theory exam used in Michigan has 100 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 non-scored experimental questions. Candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours). You need at least 70 points out of 100 to pass the theory exam.

What are the Michigan cosmetology training requirements?

Michigan requires candidates to be at least 17, have a ninth-grade education equivalent, show good moral character, and complete either a 1,500-hour course at a licensed cosmetology school or a two-year approved apprenticeship. After training, apply through MiPLUS first; LARA then issues the MI COS ID needed to apply to PSI. Both PSI theory and practical examinations must be passed within one year of each other.

What score do I need to pass the Michigan Cosmetology exams?

For the PSI National Cosmetology theory exam in Michigan, you must score at least 70 points out of 100. For the practical exam, you must score at least 95 points out of 127. Passing scores on theory and practical must be earned within one year of each other.

How much does the Michigan cosmetology license cost?

PSI exam fees are $167 for theory and practical together, or $93 for each portion alone. The LARA application fee plus two-year license is $63. License renewal is $48 every two years. School tuition is separate.

What content is on the Michigan Cosmetology theory exam in 2026?

PSI's current Michigan guide v1.2, effective May 20, 2026, lists: Safety and Infection Control 30%, Client Consultation and Analysis 19%, Hairstyling 2%, Haircutting 3%, Haircoloring 10%, Chemical Texture Services 12%, Skin Care 4%, Eyelash and Eyebrow 4%, Hair Removal 8%, and Nail Care 8%.

How should I prepare for the Michigan Cosmetology exam?

Prioritize Safety and Infection Control (30%) and Client Consultation/Analysis (19%), then Chemical Texture (12%) and Haircoloring (10%). Use the official PSI Michigan Cosmetology Test Taker Guide content outline and complete timed free practice questions at OpenExamPrep before scheduling.