Free Practice Questions for TN Cosmetology

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Sample TN Cosmetology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TN Cosmetology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 337+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulations, what is the minimum number of training hours required to obtain a cosmetology license?

A.1000 hours

B.1200 hours

C.1,500 hours

D.1800 hours

Explanation: Tennessee requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of cosmetology including hair, skin, and nail services, as well as Tennessee-specific laws and regulations.

2What is the name of the regulatory body that oversees cosmetology licensing in Tennessee?

A.Tennessee Department of Health

B.Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

C.Tennessee Division of Professional Services

D.Tennessee Board of Beauty Culture

Explanation: The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and regulating cosmetologists and related professionals in Tennessee. The Board establishes standards, oversees examinations, and enforces compliance with state cosmetology laws.

3What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a Tennessee cosmetology license?

A.15 years old

B.16 years old

C.17 years old

D.18 years old

Explanation: Tennessee requires cosmetology license applicants to be at least 16 years of age. Applicants under 18 may need parental or guardian consent and must meet all educational and examination requirements.

4What examinations must a candidate pass to obtain a Tennessee cosmetology license?

A.Written examination only

B.Practical examination only

C.Both a written and practical examination

D.No examinations are required

Explanation: Tennessee requires cosmetology candidates to pass both a written and practical examination. The written exam covers cosmetology theory, safety, and Tennessee laws, while the practical exam evaluates hands-on service skills.

5How often must a Tennessee cosmetology license be renewed?

A.Every year

B.Every 2 years

C.Every 3 years

D.Every 5 years

Explanation: Tennessee cosmetology licenses must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). Licensees must submit their renewal application and fee before the expiration date to maintain their active license status.

6What education prerequisite does Tennessee require before enrolling in a cosmetology program?

A.No education prerequisite

B.Completion of 8th grade

C.Completion of 10th grade or equivalent

D.An associate degree

Explanation: Tennessee requires completion of 10th grade or equivalent before enrolling in a cosmetology program. This ensures students have a basic educational foundation for their professional training.

7How many hours of esthetics training are required for a standalone esthetics license in Tennessee?

A.300 hours

B.450 hours

C.750 hours

D.900 hours

Explanation: Tennessee requires 750 hours of training for a standalone esthetics license. This training covers skin analysis, facial treatments, hair removal, makeup application, and state-specific sanitation requirements.

8How many hours of nail technician training are required in Tennessee?

A.150 hours

B.600 hours

C.500 hours

D.750 hours

Explanation: Tennessee requires 600 hours of training for a nail technician license. This covers manicure and pedicure services, nail enhancements, sanitation and disinfection, and Tennessee-specific regulations.

9What is required for a cosmetologist licensed in another state to obtain a Tennessee license?

A.Automatic transfer with no requirements

B.Hold a current license and meet substantially equivalent training requirements

C.Retake all examinations from scratch

D.Complete the full 1,500-hour cosmetology training program in Tennessee

Explanation: Tennessee offers reciprocity or endorsement to cosmetologists from other states who hold a current, valid license and whose training meets substantially equivalent requirements. The Board evaluates each application individually.

10What documentation must be displayed in a Tennessee cosmetology salon?

A.Only the salon owner's business license

B.The salon license and all individual practitioner licenses in a visible location

C.Only a health department certificate

D.No documentation is required to be displayed

Explanation: Tennessee requires that the salon establishment license and all individual practitioner licenses be prominently displayed in a visible location within the salon. This ensures transparency for clients and facilitates inspection verification.

About the TN Cosmetology Exam

The PSI-administered Tennessee cosmetology theory exam covers ten weighted domains led by safety and infection control, analysis, chemical services, haircutting, and nails; candidates must also pass a practical exam.

Exam sponsor: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (PSI exam vendor). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

125 questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$67 theory + $67 practical; $60 initial license

Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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.

25%

Safety and Infection Control

Chemical labels and SDS, hand hygiene, client protection, pathogens, cleaning, disinfection, storage, exposure incidents, and injury response

Client Consultation

Client intake and release forms plus contraindications

15%

Hair, Scalp, Skin, and Nail Analysis

Structures, types, conditions, and disorders affecting hair, scalp, skin, and nails

Hairstyling

Blow-drying, thermal irons, heat precautions, tool safety, and styling

12%

Haircutting

Safe use of razors, shears, trimmers, edgers, and clippers

15%

Chemical Services

Color and lightener, permanent-wave and relaxer chemistry, preparation, precautions, and application procedures

Skin Care

Product chemistry, skin analysis, facials, massage, and tool or device safety

Makeup

Makeup procedures plus eyelash extensions and enhancements

Hair Removal

Waxing procedures and temperature precautions plus tweezing

13%

Nails

Product chemistry, precautions, manicures, pedicures, bowl disinfection, enhancements, maintenance, removal, and massage

Preparing for the TN Cosmetology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 125 questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam / certification fees: $67 theory + $67 practical; $60 initial license Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 337 available questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee cosmetology exam?

The current Tennessee PSI Test Taker Guide lists 125 multiple-choice questions: 115 scored plus 10 unscored experimental questions, with 120 minutes to finish. PSI has announced a national-content transition for Tennessee effective August 17, 2026, so candidates testing on or after that date should recheck the live Tennessee guide.

What score do I need to pass?

You must score at least 70% on both the theory exam and the practical exam.

How long is the exam?

The current Tennessee PSI Test Taker Guide allows 120 minutes (2 hours) for the theory exam.

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