PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for NJ Cosmetology

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

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

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Cosmetology License

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Washington Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

Wisconsin Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

Alabama Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

Arizona Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

Tennessee Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

Virginia Cosmetology

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideFlashcards7 videos10 blogs

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

Video3 Best Cosmetology Exam Books 2026: RankedVideoBest Cosmetology State Board Exam Kits (2026): 5 Complete Kits ReviewedVideoBest Mannequin Heads for Cosmetology State Board Practice (2026): 5 Top Picks ReviewedVideoCosmetology Compact 2026: 10+ States, How to ApplyArticleCosmetology State Board Exam 2026: Written + Practical Guide14 min readArticleCosmetology Career Paths Beyond the Salon: 10 High-Paying Alternatives (2026)20 min readArticleCosmetology Compact 2026: 10+ States, How to Apply13 min readArticle3 Best Cosmetology Exam Books 2026: Ranked8 min read
Exam Review

Key Facts: NJ Cosmetology Exam

120 / 110

Theory items / weighted

NIC New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist CIB

75%

Minimum theory score before practical

N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2

1,200

Required training hours

N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29

$53

Prometric written fee

Prometric NJSBCH page, effective 12/1/2023

$50

Board examination fee

N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1

New Jersey licenses a cosmetologist-hairstylist after 1,200 hours, a 75% NIC New Jersey theory score, and a Board practical. Theory is 120 items (110 weighted) in 120 minutes across scientific concepts, hair, skin, nails, barbering, and New Jersey law.

Sample NJ Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NJ Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 358+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling regulations, what is the minimum number of training hours required to obtain a cosmetology license in New Jersey?
A.800 hours
B.1,000 hours
C.1,200 hours
D.1,500 hours
Explanation: Per N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(e)1i and the curriculum in N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29, an applicant for licensure as a cosmetologist-hairstylist in New Jersey must complete a 1,200-hour course of instruction at a Board-approved school.
2What is the name of the regulatory body that oversees cosmetology licensing in New Jersey?
A.New Jersey Department of Health
B.New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
C.New Jersey Division of Professional Licensing
D.New Jersey Bureau of Beauty Standards
Explanation: The New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is responsible for licensing cosmetologists, regulating schools, conducting inspections, and enforcing cosmetology laws in New Jersey.
3How often must a cosmetology license be renewed in New Jersey?
A.Annually
B.Every two years
C.Every three years
D.Every five years
Explanation: Per N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(i), a New Jersey cosmetology license is renewed biennially (every two years). The Board sends a renewal notice at least 60 days before expiration; the licensee must submit the renewal application and fee before the expiration date. A renewal submitted within 30 days after expiration incurs a late fee; failure to renew within 30 days results in suspension without a hearing.
4What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a cosmetology license in New Jersey?
A.16 years old
B.17 years old
C.18 years old
D.No minimum age
Explanation: Per N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(c) and the NJ State Board licensing requirements page, applicants for a cosmetologist-hairstylist license must be at least 17 years of age and provide proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver's license, or equivalent).
5In New Jersey, what examinations must a cosmetology applicant pass?
A.Written examination only
B.Practical examination only
C.Both written and practical examinations
D.Online assessment only
Explanation: New Jersey requires cosmetology applicants to pass both a written (theory) examination and a practical (skills) examination.
6What educational prerequisite must a cosmetology applicant meet in New Jersey?
A.College degree
B.High school diploma or GED
C.10th grade education
D.No educational prerequisite
Explanation: Per N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.1(d), applicants must provide proof of satisfactory completion of high school or its equivalent (a diploma, certified transcript, or GED certificate) before being admitted to a cosmetology training program and licensure.
7Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 45:1-25), what is the penalty for practicing cosmetology without a valid license?
A.Verbal warning only
B.Civil penalties up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation
C.A felony charge with mandatory prison time
D.No penalty exists unless the practitioner is a repeat offender
Explanation: Unlicensed practice of cosmetology in New Jersey is an unlawful practice subject to civil penalties under N.J.S.A. 45:1-25: up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation. The State may also seek injunctive relief in Superior Court.
8What must a cosmetologist licensed in another state do to practice in New Jersey?
A.Retake the full exam
B.Apply for reciprocity or endorsement if requirements meet New Jersey standards
C.Complete 500 additional hours
D.Wait one year
Explanation: New Jersey allows out-of-state cosmetologists to apply for licensure by reciprocity or endorsement if their training meets or exceeds New Jersey requirements.
9In New Jersey, what must be prominently displayed in a cosmetology salon?
A.The owner photo
B.The salon license and all individual operator licenses
C.The salon lease
D.Insurance certificates
Explanation: New Jersey requires the salon license and all individual operator licenses to be prominently displayed where visible to clients and inspectors.
10Does New Jersey require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?
A.Yes, 8 hours per cycle
B.Yes, 16 hours per cycle
C.No continuing education is required
D.Yes, 4 hours per cycle
Explanation: New Jersey does not currently require continuing education hours for cosmetology license renewal.

About the NJ Cosmetology Exam

The New Jersey cosmetologist-hairstylist exam is the NIC New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist theory test (120 items, 110 weighted, 120 minutes) plus a required Board practical. Candidates must score not less than 75% on theory before practical and complete 1,200 hours under N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29.

Exam sponsor: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Prometric/IQT written). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

120 items (110 weighted) written theory, then a required Board practical

Time Limit

120 minutes (written theory)

Passing Score

Not less than 75% on theory before practical

Exam / Certification Fees

$50 Board examination fee plus $53 Prometric written ($53 retake)

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.

27.3%

Scientific Concepts

30 of 110 weighted items: infection control, anatomy, disorders, chemistry, and OSHA/EPA safety.

36.4%

Hair Care and Services

40 of 110 weighted items: consultation through chemical texture, including color, cutting, and styling.

13.6%

Skin Care and Services

15 of 110 weighted items: facials, hair removal, and makeup within New Jersey Class I and prohibited-practice limits.

13.6%

Nail Care and Services

15 of 110 weighted items: natural nails, enhancements, and N.J.A.C. 13:28-3.2 disinfection.

4.5%

Barbering

5 of 110 weighted items: shaving and beard/mustache work inside C-H scope.

4.5%

New Jersey State Law

5 of 110 weighted items: licenses, permits, shops, sanitation, prohibited practices, and renewal.

Preparing for the NJ Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Not less than 75% on theory before practical
  • Assessment: 120 items (110 weighted) written theory, then a required Board practical
  • Time limit: 120 minutes (written theory)
  • Exam / certification fees: $50 Board examination fee plus $53 Prometric written ($53 retake) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 358 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NJ Cosmetology: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study the NIC New Jersey CIB, not a national NIC Cosmetology outline — barbering and New Jersey law are scored domains.
2Memorize N.J.A.C. 13:28-3.2 pedicure-basin numbers (between-client 6% bleach wipe 2.5 minutes; end-of-day 100 ppm / 2,600 ppm 30-minute steps).
3Do not mix thio and hydroxide texture services without a manufacturer rebuild procedure.
4Refuse lash/brow tinting, fish pedicures, electrolysis, and laser services — they are outside C-H scope or listed in 13:28-2.15.
5Score at least 75% on theory before you schedule the practical; a 72% theory result cannot sit practical the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the New Jersey cosmetologist-hairstylist written exam?

The NIC New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist Theory Examination has 120 items, of which 110 are weighted, and 120 minutes. It is the New Jersey NIC form, not the national NIC Cosmetology theory exam.

What score do I need to pass the New Jersey cosmetology exam?

N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2 requires a score of not less than 75 percent on theory before a candidate may sit the practical. Both theory and practical must be passed to obtain the license.

How long is the New Jersey written exam?

The written theory exam is 120 minutes. A short tutorial at the test center does not count against that clock.

How much does the New Jersey cosmetologist-hairstylist exam cost?

The Board examination fee is $50 (N.J.A.C. 13:28-5.1). Prometric charges $53 for the written exam and $53 for a written retake (effective December 1, 2023). Pay the current Prometric practical fee at scheduling; this page does not invent a practical dollar amount.

How many training hours does New Jersey require?

A cosmetologist-hairstylist applicant must complete 1,200 hours at a Board-approved school or approved public vocational program, consistent with the subject table in N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29 (351 class hours and 849 practical hours).

Who administers the New Jersey written exam, and how do I schedule?

Prometric / Iso-Quality Testing has administered the computer-based written exams since August 3, 2020. After the school or Board uploads eligibility, schedule at isoqualitytesting.com or 1-866-773-1114.

Does New Jersey require continuing education to renew a practicing cosmetologist-hairstylist license?

The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling does not currently publish a continuing-education hour requirement for practicing-license renewal. Confirm the current Board FAQ before you renew.