As your exam day begins to approaches, it is important to be aware of the requirements you have to meet in order to be able to take your exam.
**Important** On the day you come to take your Cosmetology State Board Exam, you must have finished your training program and all of your hours must be reported by your school or referring program.
Required Identification for Entry into Your Exam
For entry into your cosmetology state board exam, you are required to provide originals of qualifying pieces of identification. Your name on your identification is required to match your name exactly as listed in your online account.
Two forms of government-issued identification are required. One piece of identification must include a current photo. Your name is required to match on both forms unless you also bring documentation of a name change (for example, an official court document indicating a name change, etc.).
Accepted as Identification Original Identification With Photo:
• U.S. or foreign driver’s license – valid, or expired within one year
• U.S. armed services ID card – with photo and signature
• U.S. or foreign passport – valid, or expired within one year
• Federal or state employee ID Card – valid, shows your signature and photo
• State-issued ID card with photo – valid, or expired within one year
• Immigration ID – valid, with signature from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization – with signature and photo
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card – valid, with your signature and photo
• Tribal ID card
• U.S. Veterans’ Administration ID card – valid with photo, Original Identification Without Photo
• Certified birth certificate – original or certified document
• Social Security card (not laminated) or Taxpayer ID letter
• U.S. government-issued work visa – valid
• Voter’s card
• Medicare card
• Social Security Administration receipt of name change/replacement card
Examples of Items Accepted as Identification Copies of ID:
• Cosmetology license
• Credit cards
• Costco card
• Jury summons
• Gun permit
• Car insurance card
• Car registration
If you are unable to meet the identification requirements for the cosmetology state board exam, please contact National Testing Network (NTN) at 1-866-563-3882.
You are required to provide biometric authentication and your digital signature when you check in on exam day.
Acceptable Identification for the Cosmetology State Board Exam Day
On the day of your cosmetology state board exam, there are strict requirements regarding the identification you must present. Your primary ID must meet the following criteria:
- Be government-issued
- Include a photo that can be used to positively identify you
- Be pre-printed with your name and include your signature
- Be unexpired and not clipped, stamped “void,” or otherwise marked as an invalid ID
Your secondary ID must meet these criteria:
- Be current (if there is an expiration date, it must be unexpired)
- Include your pre-printed name and your signature
You are also required to provide biometric authentication and your digital signature when you check in on the exam day.
If you have any questions about the acceptable forms of ID or the name on your registration for the cosmetology state board exam, please contact FSBPT Exam Services well in advance of your scheduled test day.
Prohibited Items in the Test Room
You can bring the required practical cosmetology exam supplies, as listed on the official website. However, all personal belongings must be stored in the provided secure storage before entering the testing room. This includes:
- Dictionaries and calculators
- Electronic devices (phones, tablets, cameras, music players, smartwatches, etc.)
- Loose outerwear that could conceal notes/devices
- Non-religious hats/headgear
- Bags, purses, notebooks, reference materials
- Writing utensils, food, drinks (except water as noted)
The exam site is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen prohibited/personal items. Come prepared with only the essentials and required identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for my exam?
Dress professionally for the exam, as if you were working in a salon. However, do not wear any clothing or bring any kits that have your name, school name, or salon name printed on them. Avoid wearing ornate jewelry or accessories that could interfere with your practical exam. Your appearance should convey professionalism. Your appearance should be neat and appropriate without any identifying names displayed.
How should I prepare my model for the exam?
Your model must not be a licensed cosmetologist. Remove any makeup, deodorant, oils, perfumes/fragrances or products from your model’s hair before arriving. Their fingernails should be clean and short for safety reasons.
What if I’m late or need to reschedule on exam day?
You may not be allowed to test if you arrive late. Call your state board office as soon as possible if you anticipate lateness or an issue arises necessitating rescheduling. Many states charge fees for last-minute cancellations.
How long will the entire exam process take?
The full exam process can take between 2-6 hours, depending on your state. Practicals are generally 1.5-3 hours.
