Trying to sort out the Tennessee cosmetology exam stuff?
Like what the exam requires, fees, registration steps, and practice test rules, this guide gives you the clear, plain-language answers.
Also, attend a free practice test.
So you can finally stop stressing and know exactly what Tennessee cosmetology candidates are expected to do.
Tennessee Cosmetology Board Exam FAQs
To take the Tennessee cosmetology exam, you must be at least 16 years old, have a 10th-grade education or equivalent, complete 1,500 hours of approved training, have your school submit your eligibility to PSI, and pass both the theory and practical exams.
To make these requirements even clearer, here’s a quick visual breakdown of the training hours for each license type.
After your school submits your eligibility, PSI sends an Authorization to Test. You can then create a PSI account, choose your exam type, select a test center or online option, and complete payment to schedule your exam.
The Tennessee cosmetology exam fees are typically $70 for the written exam and $70 for the practical exam, paid directly to PSI when scheduling. Fees are non-refundable.
The Tennessee cosmetology theory exam covers sanitation & safety, shampooing/conditioning, hair cutting & styling, braid/extension services, chemical texture services, hair coloring, skin care, and nail care. Plus state laws & licensing knowledge.
For the Tennessee practical exam, you need a mannequin head, all service-specific supplies, clean and labeled kits, disinfectants, towels, and sanitation materials approved.
All items must be clean, closed, and safely stored.
Yes. You must bring your own mannequin head for the Tennessee practical exam. PSI does not provide mannequins, stands, or replacement heads at the testing center.
You need a minimum score of 70 to pass the Tennessee cosmetology exam. This applies to both the theory and practical exams, and PSI provides your pass or fail result immediately after testing.
Here’s a quick visual reminder of the core study practices that help most students pass on their first try.
If you fail the Tennessee cosmetology exam, you only need to retake the part you failed. You must schedule a new exam date through PSI, pay the retake fee, and test again until you pass.
Yes. You can reschedule your Tennessee cosmetology exam through your PSI account. Just log in, choose a new date and time, and follow PSI’s reschedule rules and deadlines. A fee may apply depending on when you reschedule.
After you pass both the theory and practical exams, submit a license application on the state portal, pay the $60 initial license fee, and wait for your official cosmetologist license from the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Free Tennessee Cosmetology Practice Test
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Tips to Get Your Tennessee Cosmetology License
Before you apply for your Tennessee cosmetology license, these quick notes can help you understand the licensing process.
- How you get your license: Download it online through CORE or request a mailed copy.
- When you must apply: Apply within 6 months of passing both exams.
- License cost: The initial Tennessee cosmetology license costs $60.
- How long it takes: Most licenses are issued in 5–10 business days.
- Transferring licenses: You can transfer a license to Tennessee or transfer your TN license to another state, but each state has different rules.
- Starting work: You can only start working once your Tennessee cosmetology license is officially issued, not right after passing the exam.
- Renewal: Renew every 2 years through CORE; no CE hours are required.
One Last Step
With everything, from exam steps to licensing, broken down step by step, the whole process feels a little less intimidating.
At this point, it’s really about staying organized, practicing steadily for the exams, and taking things one step at a time.
With Cosmetologyguru, everything is lined up to help you move forward.
