Free Practice Questions for TN Cosmetology
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Key Facts: TN Cosmetology Exam
140
Theory items: 125 scored+15 unscored
PSI v 1.2 effective October 1, 2026
180 min
Theory time
PSI v 1.2
235 min
Practical timed-task total
PSI v 1.2
70%
Minimum passing mark
Rule 0440-01-.09
1500
Standard school hours
Rule 0440-01-.03
$194
Exam plus initial-licence fees before extras
Board fees and PSI
80%
Sum of printed domain weights; incomplete
PSI v 1.2 table
Theory 140 multiple-choice items: 125 scored and 15 unscored; practical separate. Theory 180 minutes; practical 235 minutes of timed tasks. Minimum 70% on theory and practical. Cosmetologist licence renews biennially; current individual renewal fee $60
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?
2What is the name of the regulatory body that oversees cosmetology licensing in Tennessee?
3What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a Tennessee cosmetology license?
4What examinations must a candidate pass to obtain a Tennessee cosmetology license?
5How often must a Tennessee cosmetology license be renewed?
6What education prerequisite does Tennessee require before enrolling in a cosmetology program?
7How many hours of esthetics training are required for a standalone esthetics license in Tennessee?
8How many hours of nail technician training are required in Tennessee?
9What is required for a cosmetologist licensed in another state to obtain a Tennessee license?
10What documentation must be displayed in a Tennessee cosmetology salon?
About the TN Cosmetology Exam
Independent Tennessee cosmetologist revision with current PSI 140-item/180-minute theory facts, practical instructions, ten named areas and separate local licensing-law review.
Exam sponsor: Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners / PSI. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
140 questions
Time Limit
Theory 180 minutes; practical 235 minutes of timed tasks
Passing Score
Minimum 70% on theory and practical
Exam / Certification Fees
$67 theory+$67 practical+$60 initial licence =$194 before extras
Exam sponsor websiteReported exam pass rate: Not verified; no estimate claimed. Consult the administering authority for any published cohort-specific statistics. Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
- Current PSI cosmetologist 1010 bulletin v 1.2 · Source checked 2026-10-30Effective October 1, 2026. Exam count/time clear; percentage table prints only 80% in total.
- Tennessee cosmetologist licensing · Source checked 2026-10-30
- Licensing rules, December 24, 2025 · Source checked 2026-10-30
- Sanitary rules, December 24, 2025 · Source checked 2026-10-30
- Renewal and reciprocity · Source checked 2026-10-30
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.
Safety and Infection Control
Safety, hygiene, decontamination, pathogens, workplace/electrical/chemical hazards and incident response. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Consultation and Hair/Skin/Nail Analysis
Consultation, anatomy in service context, hair/scalp/skin/nail assessment, history, contraindications and appropriate referral. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Hairstyling
Wet/thermal styling, setting, braiding, hair additions, product and tension safety. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Haircutting
Sectioning, guides, elevation, tool use and safe cut/finish checks. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Haircoloring
Colour theory, products, application, lightening/correction, testing and integrity. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Chemical Texture Services
Waving and relaxing, chemistry, compatibility, processing, neutralization and scalp safety. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Skin Care
Facial preparation, products, massage and permitted superficial care. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Eyelash and Eyebrow
Eye-service preparation, product/adhesive/remover safety, lashes and brows. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Hair Removal
Waxing, sugaring, depilatories, tweezing/threading, contraindications and skin protection. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Nail Care
Manicure/pedicure, natural nails, enhancements, ventilation, infection control, curing and removal. Printed PSI v 1.2 percentage; all ten printed percentages total 80%, so do not treat this as a complete 100% distribution.
Preparing for the TN Cosmetology Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Minimum 70% on theory and practical
- Exam length: 140 questions
- Time limit: Theory 180 minutes; practical 235 minutes of timed tasks
- Exam / certification fees: $67 theory+$67 practical+$60 initial licence =$194 before extras Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 337 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
TN Cosmetology: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current PSI Tennessee theory format?
The cosmetologist 1010 bulletin v 1.2 effective October 1, 2026 specifies 125 scored and 15 unscored questions,140 total, with 180 minutes. It supersedes the older 125-item/120-minute description. Theory precedes the separate practical examination.
Is this a proportionally weighted theory deck?
No. The current official table names ten areas but prints 24/16/2/2/8/10/3/3/6/6 percent, totaling 80%. We preserve that source discrepancy rather than invent the missing 20%. Cards 1–43 and 51–52 cover theory competencies; cards 44–50 are unweighted local-law revision. Confirm an updated complete outline with PSI.
What does the practical examination involve?
PSI specifies 235 minutes across eleven timed service/workstation segments. Follow the current guide for required kit, labels, infection control, mannequin and delivery instructions. A short flashcard deck cannot substitute for supervised hands-on training.
What training and exam sequence is required?
The standard school curriculum totals 1,500 hours. The approved apprenticeship alternative must satisfy Rule 0440-01-.03, including initial theory before salon apprenticeship. Pass all examinations within 3 years after the initial theory pass and pay the initial licence fee within 6 months of notice of passing, subject to the rule’s good-cause provision.
How much are exams and licensing?
As checked October 30, 2026, the Board lists $67 theory+$67 practical and $60 initial cosmetologist licensing:$194 before school, kit, travel, retakes, or other charges. Renewal is $60 biennially; current individual late fee is $25 after expiry.
Can I practise while licensing is pending or expired?
Do not assume a pass score, receipt, or reinstatement application authorizes practice. Confirm active status or a specifically applicable authorization with the Board. Follow current display, scope, shop, and sanitation requirements.
How should an appointment be cancelled or changed?
The current PSI bulletin requires a confirmed cancellation at least 48 hours before the appointment to avoid forfeiture. The Board’s general page contains an older ten-business-day statement; check the current bulletin and your appointment confirmation with PSI.
Are all 52 cards weighted theory questions?
No. Cards 1–43 and 51–52 cover current theory competencies. Cards 44–50 are separately marked Tennessee-law supplements. Because the official current percentage table totals 80%, a complete official proportional deck target cannot be established without clarification; no missing 20% was invented.