Planning to become a licensed cosmetologist in Texas? Before TDLR can issue your Cosmetology Operator license, you must complete the required school hours, pass the PSI written exam, pass the practical exam, and submit your license application.
This 2026 Texas cosmetology exam guide explains the current TDLR requirements, written exam topics, practical exam expectations, fees, passing scores, retake rules, pass rates, renewal requirements, and study tips.
Texas Cosmetology Exam: Quick Facts
Requirement
Details
License type
Cosmetology Operator License
Licensing agency
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Required school hours
1,000 hours
Written exam eligibility
After 900 completed hours
Practical exam eligibility
After completing all hours and passing the written exam
120 minutes plus 10 extra minutes for unscored questions
Passing score
70%
Written exam fee
$55
Practical exam fee
$76
License application fee
$50
License validity
2 years
Want to test yourself first? Jump to the free Texas cosmetology practice test.
Who Administers the Texas Cosmetology Exam?
The Texas cosmetology licensing exams are administered by PSI after TDLR confirms your eligibility. Your school reports your completed hours to TDLR, and PSI sends scheduling instructions once you are eligible.
To get a Texas Cosmetology Operator license, you must complete a 1,000-hour cosmetology program at a licensed school, pass the written exam, pass the practical exam, and submit your license application to TDLR.
Step-by-step process
Enroll in a TDLR-approved cosmetology school.
Complete 900 of the required 1,000 hours.
Take the PSI written exam after TDLR confirms your eligibility.
Complete all 1,000 school hours.
Pass the practical exam.
Apply for your Cosmetology Operator license through TDLR.
Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
What TDLR checks
Your completed school hours.
Your eligibility for the written and practical exam.
Yes, but only part of the program can be completed online. Texas allows distance education for theory-based instruction, but practical training must be completed in person at a licensed school.
Yes, but only part of the program can be completed online. Texas allows distance education for theory-based instruction, but practical training must be completed in person at a licensed school.
What can be completed online?
Online instruction may cover theoretical subjects such as:
Sanitation
Anatomy
Texas laws and rules
Infection control
Basic science and safety concepts
What must be completed in person?
Hands-on services must be completed in person because cosmetology requires supervised practice. This includes:
Haircutting
Hair coloring
Chemical services
Styling
Nail services
Skin care services
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3. What topics are covered on the Texas cosmetology exam?
Texas Cosmetology Written Exam Breakdown The Texas cosmetology written exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam administered by PSI. It tests licensing rules, infection control, hair and scalp care, nail care, and skin care.
Written exam topic
Percent of exam
Approx. scored questions
What to study
Licensing & Regulation
20%
20
Texas laws, professional responsibilities, and health and safety rules
Haircutting, styling, coloring, chemical texture services, scalp care
Nail Care
6%
6
Manicuring, pedicuring, nail structure, product safety
Skin Care
6%
6
Facials, skin analysis, hair removal, and client preparation
What to study first
Hair & Scalp Care and Infection Control make up 68% of the scored written exam. Start with these two sections before moving to Licensing & Regulation, Nail Care, and Skin Care.
Texas Cosmetology Practical Exam Breakdown
The Texas cosmetology practical exam tests whether you can safely perform required cosmetology services while following sanitation, client protection, and procedure standards.
Practical exam skills may include
Client protection and draping
Haircutting
Thermal styling
Chemical waving
Hair coloring or chemical service setup
Nail care procedures
Skin care procedures
Sanitation before, during, and after each task
Practical exam tips
Practice the procedures in the exact order required.
Keep sanitation visible throughout the exam.
Do not wait until the end to clean or disinfect.
Make sure all required supplies are packed before exam day.
Use only permitted products and tools.
Follow PSI’s instructions exactly during each timed section.
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4. How many questions are on the Texas cosmetology exam?
The Texas cosmetology written exam has 100 scored multiple-choice questions, plus 10 unscored pilot questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes for the scored exam plus 10 additional minutes for the unscored questions.
Exam breakdown
Total questions: 100 (all scored)
Time limit: 120 minutes
Format: Computer-based multiple-choice
Passing score: 70% or higher
Topic distribution
Hair & Scalp Care → the largest portion of the test
Infection Control → sanitation and safety
Licensing & Regulation → state laws and rules
Nail Care → manicures, pedicures, product safety
Skin Care → facials, hair removal, skin analysis
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5. What is the passing score for the cosmetology exam in Texas?
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass both parts of the Texas cosmetology exam.
Written exam
The written exam has 100 scored questions, so you should aim for at least 70 correct answers.
Practical exam
The practical exam is scored by points. You must earn at least 70% of the required points to pass.
How to improve your score
Start with the highest-weight written exam areas:
Hair & Scalp Care: 40%
Infection Control: 28%
Licensing & Regulation: 20%
Together, these sections make up most of the written exam.
Bring the same required identification and supplies.
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7. How hard is the Texas cosmetology exam?
The Texas cosmetology exam is manageable with preparation, but the written exam is where many candidates struggle most.
According to FY2025 TDLR exam statistics, the Operator Written exam had a 49.05% pass rate, while the Operator Practical exam had an 89.10% pass rate. This means students should spend extra time preparing for the written exam, especially Hair & Scalp Care, Infection Control, and Licensing & Regulation.
Exam type
FY2025 pass rate
What it means
Operator Written
49.05%
The written exam is the bigger challenge
Operator Practical
89.10%
Most candidates pass the hands-on exam
Overall, license exams
66.48%
Preparation still matters
How to make the exam easier
Study directly from the PSI exam outline.
Prioritize high-weight written exam areas.
Take practice tests by topic.
Review every missed question.
Practice sanitation steps until they become automatic.
Rehearse practical procedures in the required order.
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8. What items are needed to take the cosmetology exam in Texas?
What you need depends on whether you are taking the written exam or the practical exam.
Written exam
Bring:
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Your PSI scheduling confirmation.
Any required admission notice or confirmation details.
Plan to arrive early for check-in. Personal items such as phones, bags, notes, and study materials are not allowed in the testing area.
Practical exam
For the practical exam, bring your complete practical kit based on the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Your kit may include:
Mannequin head and required mannequin supplies.
Combs, clips, brushes, shears, and styling tools.
Towels, drapes, gloves, and sanitation supplies.
Nail and skin care supplies.
Properly labeled products were required.
Important reminder
Always check the latest PSI bulletin before packing your kit. Missing supplies, improper labels, or prohibited products can cost points on the practical exam.
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9. What is the cost of the cosmetology exam in Texas?
The written cosmetology exam costs $55, and the practical exam costs $76 in Texas, paid separately. These fees are non-refundable and apply every time you take or retake either exam. What to know about exam fees – Fees are paid when scheduling through PSI. – Each attempt is charged separately; you only repay the part you retake. – Missed or late exams mean losing your fee. – Budget also for the $50 license fee and your practical kit.
Fee
Amount
Written exam
$55
Practical exam
$76
License application fee
$50
License renewal fee
$53
The written and practical exam fees are paid separately through PSI. Each retake requires a new exam fee. Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What else should you budget for?
In addition to exam and license fees, students should budget for:
Practical exam kit supplies.
Mannequin supplies.
School tuition and materials.
Transportation to the test center.
Continuing education for renewal.
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10. How long is a Texas cosmetology license good for?
A Texas cosmetology license is valid for two years. To keep your license active, you must renew it through TDLR, pay the renewal fee, and complete the required continuing education.
Current continuing education requirements
Starting September 1, 2025, Texas barbering and cosmetology licensees who have been licensed for fewer than 15 years must complete 4 hours of continuing education when they renew.
The 4 hours include:
1 hour of sanitation.
1 hour of human trafficking prevention.
2 hours of barbering or cosmetology-related education.
Licensees who have been licensed for 15 years or more need 2 hours of continuing education.
Read More +
Texas Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Test
Want to quiz yourself before test day? Try our TDLR cosmetology practice test-style questions to spot weak areas fast.
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License Laws & Reciprocity You Should Know
Is Texas getting rid of the cosmetology license?
No. Texas still requires cosmetology licensing. However, barbering and cosmetology are now regulated together under TDLR’s Barbering and Cosmetology program.
Does Texas have cosmetology reciprocity?
Texas does not use automatic reciprocity in the simple sense. Instead, out-of-state license holders may apply through license equivalence. TDLR reviews the applicant’s current license, training, exams, license status, and other details to determine eligibility.
Can a Texas cosmetologist work in another state?
Not automatically. Each state has its own rules. If you plan to move, check the licensing board in the state where you want to work.
What about the Cosmetology Compact?
Add a short note, but do not overstate it.
Say: The Cosmetology Compact may eventually make it easier for eligible cosmetologists to work across participating states, but availability depends on state adoption and implementation. Always check the current status before relying on compact privileges.
The Texas cosmetology exam is easier to manage when you know what to expect. Start with the written exam outline, focus on high-weight areas like Hair & Scalp Care and Infection Control, and use practice questions to find your weak spots before test day.
