Are you planning to start your career in cosmetology in the state of Massachusetts? Are you planning to take the Massachusetts State Cosmetology Exam and are confused about how to get a cosmetology license? Find out how to prepare for and pass your Massachusetts state cosmetology exam to get a license.
This article will help you learn more about the Massachusetts state cosmetology exam, and you will also find information on cosmetology license renewal in Massachusetts. You will receive a free practice test to help you prepare for your final exam!
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Steps Involved in the Massachusetts State Cosmetology Exam
STEP 1: VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY
The initial step in applying for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam is to first verify your eligibility with the criteria set by the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam.
- The candidate must be at least 17 years of age.
- The applicant must have at least a 10th-grade education.
The minimum practical working hours set by the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology are as follows:
- 1000 hours for a Cosmetologist license.
- 300 hours for an Esthetician License.
- 100 hours for a Nail Technician License.
- 650 hours for a Massage Therapist License.
- A Cosmetology License + 2 Years as Junior Instructor is required for a Cosmetology Instructor License.
- Contact the exam board for an Electrologist License.
- Contact the exam board for a Barber License.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATIONS
Once you have checked your eligibility for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is to apply for the cosmetology exam online on the PSI website. If you prefer to submit a paper application, you can contact the school you graduated from to provide you with a paper application. To apply online, visit the online application section on the official website.
APPLICATION BY EXAMINATION:
- Application form.
- Supporting Documents.
- Criminal screening questions.
- PSI testing.
- License and application fees.
STEP 3: PAY YOUR EXAM FEES
Once you have applied for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is to pay the exam fees. At the time of application, candidates are expected to pay the examination fees.
The fee details for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam are:
| COURSE NAME | EXAM FEE | LICENSE FEE |
| Cosmetologist Theory and Practical | $150 | $68 |
| Esthetician Theory and Practical | $150 | $68 |
| Manicurist Theory and Practical | $150 | $68 |
| Barber Theory and Practical | $145 | $20 |
| Electrology Theory and Practical | $150 | $97 |
Note: The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
STEP 4: SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM
After you have paid the required fees, the next step is to schedule the exam. You’ll find out via email within 48 hours of submitting the application form whether it was accepted or included any problems. You must access the online portal available on the official website of PSI to schedule the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam.
You will receive a second email with the PSI (Professional Service Industry) confirmation notification once your application has been accepted. The candidate must show up for the practical test upon receipt of the confirmation notice. You cannot take the written test before passing the practical test.
After passing your practical test, you have a year to schedule your written test. The portal should offer information about the tests that have been approved for you. The next step for candidates is to select a testing location that is both convenient and familiar to them.
To schedule an exam, contact 800-274-2021, and speak with Pearson Vue. You will pay the $120 exam cost when you call to make an appointment for your test.
STEP 5: ON THE EXAMINATION DAY
At least 30 minutes before your test, you must be at the testing location. Present the documents you took and report to the management or proctor. The manager will look through these documents and take a picture of you for your grade report. After that, you’ll be able to take the test.
Candidates must provide two forms of valid identification with a signature. Both the primary and secondary forms of identification must be issued by the government, have a photo and a signature, and be legitimate. English must be used for identification.
PRIMARY ID
- Government-issued Driver’s License.
- U.S. Dept. of State Driver’s License.
- Valid U.S Learner’s Permit (with photo and signature).
- National/State/Country ID card.
- Passport.
- Military ID.
- Alien Registration Card (Green Card, or Permanent Resident Visa).
SECONDARY ID
- U.S Social Security card.
- Debit (ATM) or Credit card.
- Signature-bearing Student ID.
Note: Student identification is not accepted as a Primary ID.
The form of identification from the Primary ID or Secondary ID list that has a visible signature must be presented if the ID presented has an embedded signature that is hidden or difficult to see. For instance, if the state grants a 30-day grace period for renewing an ID, and the candidate’s driver’s license expired yesterday, the ID is regarded as being expired.
STEP 6: TAKE THE EXAM
Once you have completed the verification process, the next step is to take the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam. The exam consists of 2 parts, namely:
- The practical exam.
- The written exam.
THE PRACTICAL EXAM
You will first take the practical exam. Candidates must complete all objectives in the practical exam before they will receive the appropriate grade. You’ll need to bring supplies, and an adult model to finish the practical exam.
The cosmetology practical exam has 16 tasks, and each task is timed. The candidate has approximately 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the exam. You won’t receive your practical examination scores until after you complete your written test.
THE WRITTEN EXAM
After taking the practical exam, you will take the written exam. Each question is a multiple-choice question (MCQ). Exam scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. The duration of the written exam is about 2 hours with 100 questions.
STEP 7: RESULTS ANALYSIS
Once you have completed the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam, the next step is the result analysis. The passing score for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam is 75% for the written exam and 80% for the practical exam.
Both exams must be passed within 24 months of passing the first part. If you are not passing both parts within 24 months you must retake both parts of the exam.
STEP 8: RECEIVE YOUR MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSE
Once you have passed both the written and practical exams in the state of Massachusetts, the final step is to apply for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology License.
The candidate will receive an email from Pearson VUE with instructions for logging in to the Pearson Credential Manager licensing system (PCM). The candidate must log into the PCM, and pay the state license fee of $68 via credit or debit card.
You will then have the option to print a certificate that contains your license number and issued date. The license is mailed to you within 2-3 business days. To renew the license you need the information found on the license renewal form \mailed to your address on record.
If you do not have a license renewal form, you can contact the board at 617-727-9940, or email at cosmetologyandbarberingboard@state.ma.us to obtain your authorization code.
Wrapping Up
Are you passionate about the fashion industry, and interested in becoming a cosmetologist? The important part of establishing your career as a cosmetologist is to equip yourself with the right guidance. The above data is essential to know before starting the Massachusetts State Cosmetology Exam.
If you are passionate about this industry, take our free practice test and prepare to get a cosmetology license in the state of Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENSES AVAILABLE IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS?
Some of the different types of licenses available in the state of Massachusetts are as follows:
- Cosmetologist license.
- Esthetician license.
- Manicurist license.
- Cosmetology Instructor license.
- Esthetician Instructor license.
- Manicuring Instructor license.
- Barber license.
- Lapsed Barber license.
- Barber Instructor license.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY FOR LICENSURE?
You can contact the Massachusetts state board of cosmetology for licensure by visiting the official website of the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. You can learn more about license renewal, license lookup, and license transfer on their official website.
HOW DO I VERIFY MY MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSE?
You can verify your Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology License by performing a license search. To perform a license lookup in the state of Massachusetts, visit the official website and go to the license lookup page.
HOW LONG IS COSMETOLOGY LICENSURE VALID IN THE MASSACHUSETTS?
In the state of Massachusetts, a cosmetology license is valid for about 2 years. After the test, you must renew the license after one year by the issue date. After that, the cosmetology license in Massachusetts must be renewed every two years by the issue date.
HOW DO I TRANSFER MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO MASSACHUSETTS?
To transfer your cosmetology license to Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Cosmetology Board does not accept reciprocity from other states. You must take the state written and practical board exam. The cost is $135 for the transfer application, for the test $120, and for the license $68. The total cost to transfer is $323.
HOW DO I RENEW MY COSMETOLOGY LICENSE IN MASSACHUSETTS?
To renew your license online, you will need your Record ID and Authorization codes, which are mailed on your renewal form. You should pay $68 for license renewal.
HOW LONG IS THE COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATION?
In the state of Massachusetts, the cosmetology exam consists of 2 parts. The practical exam is around 3 hours and the written exam is around 2 hours.
CAN I RENEW MY LICENSE FOR A SHORTENED PERIOD IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS IF I DO NOT NEED THE LICENSE FOR THE FULL LICENSE CYCLE?
No. The Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology only lets you renew your license for a period of 2 years.
HOW CAN I CONTACT PSI TO GET MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXAM?
In the state of Massachusetts, PSI administers the cosmetology exam. To contact PSI, you can visit their official page.
CAN I TAKE A PRACTICE TEST EXAM?
Yes, you can make use of the practice test on our official website. Make sure to try out our free practice test to help you efficiently prepare for your cosmetology exam.
WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAM?
The passing score is 75% for the written exam, and 80% for the practical exam for the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY EXAMINATIONS IF I FAIL?
If you fail, you can retake the Massachusetts State Board of Cosmetology Exam on an unlimited basis. A separate fee is required for each examination attempt.
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