Free NJ Cosmetology Exam Prep
New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Licensing Exam
Prepare for the NJ Cosmetology exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
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New Jersey Cosmetology License License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Confirm eligibility and NIC New Jersey exam logistics
Verify age 17, high school or GED proof, and 1,200 N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29 hours, then study the 120-item / 110-weighted / 120-minute NIC New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist CIB and the 75% theory-before-practical rule.
Master scientific concepts and infection control
Cover anatomy, disorders, chemistry, OSHA/EPA, and N.J.A.C. 13:28-3.2 disinfection, including tuberculocidal contact time or an FDA-registered autoclave and the numbered pedicure-basin steps.
Drill hair, skin, nails, and barbering services
Practice the CIB Hair (40), Skin (15), Nail (15), and Barbering (5) weighted items: color and texture chemistry, facials within Class I device rules, natural nails and enhancements, and C-H shaving scope.
Memorize New Jersey shop, permit, and prohibited-practice rules
Study shop square footage and EPL rules, posting, 13:28-2.15 bans (lash tint, fish pedicures, lasers), student versus shampoo versus one-time 120-day temporary permits, and Board vs Prometric fees.
Can You Take the NJ Cosmetology Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Complete 1,200 hours consistent with N.J.A.C. 13:28-6.29 at a Board-approved school or approved public vocational program
- •Score not less than 75% on NIC New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hair Stylist theory before sitting the practical (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2)
- •Pass both theory and practical to obtain the license
- •United States citizenship and a Social Security number are not required (Board FAQ)
NJ Cosmetology Quick Facts
Exam Provider
Prometric / Iso-Quality Testing (IQT) for written theory; New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling for licensure
Schedule Your ExamRetake Policy
First theory fail: cannot reschedule until 15 days after the failed attempt (Prometric/IQT overview). Practical: no more than two schedulings on the initial $50 Board examination fee (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.2(d)).
Temporary License
120-day temporary permit, $20, issued once upon request after the Board accepts the exam application (N.J.A.C. 13:28-1.3; Board FAQ)
Total Cost Breakdown
Free NJ Cosmetology Prep Tools
358+ Practice Questions
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What You'll Study
22 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction & Exam Overview
3 sections
Infection Control Foundations
3 sections
Blood Contact, OSHA, and EPA
2 sections
Anatomy of Hair, Skin, and Nails
3 sections
Disorders and Diseases
3 sections
Muscles, Nerves, and Circulation
2 sections
Cosmetic Chemistry and pH
2 sections
Hair Consultation, Analysis, and Testing
3 sections
Hair Tools, Equipment, and Safety
2 sections
Shampoo, Scalp Treatments, and Draping
2 sections
Haircutting and Design Principles
2 sections
Hair Styling and Enhancements
4 sections
Hair Color and Lightening
3 sections
Chemical Relaxing and Permanent Waving
2 sections
Skin Analysis and Facial Tools
2 sections
Facial Procedures
3 sections
Hair Removal and Makeup
2 sections
Natural Nail Services
3 sections
Nail Enhancements
3 sections
Barbering for Cosmetologist-Hairstylists
2 sections
New Jersey Licensure and Scope
3 sections
New Jersey Shops and Sanitation Law
3 sections
NJ Cosmetology-Specific Topics Covered
NJ Cosmetology Exam Details
New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Licensing Exam
Administered by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling content outline
30 of 110 weighted items: infection control, anatomy of hair, skin, and nails, disorders, chemistry, and OSHA/EPA safety.
40 of 110 weighted items: consultation, tools, shampoo, cutting, styling, extensions, color, lightening, relaxing, and permanent waving.
15 of 110 weighted items: analysis, facials, massage, masks, electrical equipment within Class I limits, hair removal, and makeup.
15 of 110 weighted items: consultation, 13:28-3.2 disinfection, manicure, pedicure, tips, acrylics, wraps, art, and safe removal.
5 of 110 weighted items: shaving theory, razor safety, and beard and mustache trimming inside cosmetologist-hairstylist scope.
5 of 110 weighted items: license types, C-H scope, permits, shops, sanitation law, prohibited practices, renewal, and discipline.
What's Included
22 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
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What's Next After the NJ Cosmetology?
After passing the NJ Cosmetology, you can pursue these career paths
Licensed Cosmetologist-Hairstylist
Provide hair, skin, nail, and shaving services in a New Jersey shop under a cosmetologist-hairstylist license from the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
Salon Owner or Experienced Practicing Licensee
Open or manage a New Jersey cosmetology shop, meet 13:28-2.5 premises rules, and serve as the experienced practicing licensee when the shop is offering services.
Hair Stylist
Specialize in cutting, coloring, chemical texture, and styling for New Jersey clients while staying inside C-H scope and Board sanitation rules.
Beauty Consultant
Advise New Jersey clients on skin care, makeup, and product selection using C-H training, without offering banned services such as lash tinting or medical devices.
NJ Cosmetology Exam FAQ
Official New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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