So you’re planning your cosmetology career here in Texas.
Before the state can grant you a license, you’ll need to pass both a written and a practical exam.
As you prep and even before you enroll, questions pile up:
How do I qualify?
What’s on the test?
How much does it cost?
…and more.
This guide breaks down the cosmetology state board Texas requirements, what to expect on the Texas cosmetology written exam, and how to prepare for the skills portion of the Texas state board cosmetology practical exam. Plus a free practice test to help you see where you stand.
To get your cosmetology license in Texas, you have to complete 1,000 school hours, pass both the written and practical cosmetology exam in Texas, then apply to the TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) and pay the $50 license fee.
Steps in the process
Enroll in a Texas-approved cosmetology program.
After 900 hours, you may schedule the written exam through PSI.
Complete all 1,000 hours and pass the practical exam.
Apply for your license with documents and a $50 fee.
After 900 hours, you may schedule the written exam through PSI for the cosmetology state board in Texas requirements.
Yes, but only partially. Texas allows up to 250 of the required 1,000 hours to be completed online for theory subjects, while the remaining hours must be done in person at a licensed and TDLR-approved cosmetology school.
Why can’t you do it fully online?
Hands-on experience is mandatory because cosmetology involves real-world skills like hair cutting, coloring, and chemical services.
These practical skills can’t be learned virtually – Texas law requires them to be done in person under licensed supervision.
How online hours work
Online hours usually cover theory-based subjects such as anatomy, sanitation, and Texas state laws.
These courses are only valid if they are offered by a TDLR-approved cosmetology school for distance learning.
What must be done at school?
Hands-on subjects such as hair, nails, and skin services must be completed in person.
These require supervised practice on mannequins or real clients, which can only happen at an approved school.
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3. What topics are covered on the Texas cosmetology exam?
The cosmetology exam in Texas has two parts: the Texas cosmetology written exam (laws, safety, and theory on hair, skin, and nails) and the Texas state board cosmetology practical exam, which measures your hands-on skills in sanitation, haircutting, styling, chemical services, and basic nail and skin care.
Written Exam Breakdown
Topic Area
% of Exam
What to Expect
Licensing & Regulation
20%
Texas laws, professional conduct, and client consultation
Infection Control
28%
Safety, sanitation, and blood exposure procedures
Hair & Scalp Care
40%
Hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical services
Nail Care
6%
Manicure basics, nail structure, product safety
Skin Care
6%
Facials, skin analysis, waxing, client prep
Practical Exam Focus
Client protection and draping
Haircutting and thermal styling
Chemical waving and coloring
Nail and skin services
Sanitation before, during, and after each task
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4. How many questions are on the Texas cosmetology exam?
The cosmetology written exam includes 100 scored multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, plus 10 unscored (pilot) questions with an additional 10 minutes, for a total of 110 questions in 130 minutes. The practical exam doesn’t use written questions; instead, you’re scored on specific performance tasks. (Ref page 10)
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 must score 70% or higher on both the written and practical sections of the Texas cosmetology exam to pass and qualify for your license.
How scoring works
Written exam: 100 multiple-choice questions → at least 70 correct.
Practical exam: Points awarded for each service step → you must complete 70% or more of the required actions.
How to aim higher than 70%
Focus first on hair and scalp (40%) and infection control (28%); together, they make up almost 70% of the written test.
Use the PSI Candidate Bulletin as your main study guide since the exam is based directly on it.
6. How many times can you take the cosmetology exam in Texas?
In Texas, you can retake the cosmetology written and practical exams as many times as needed within five years of becoming eligible, but you must pay the exam fee for each attempt.
Steps to retake the exam
Log in to PSI → Use the same account you created for your first exam.
Pay the exam fee again → $55 for written, $76 for practical.
Schedule a new date → Choose a test center and time that works for you.
Bring the required documents → Same ID and supplies (for practical) as before.
Prepare smarter → Focus your study on the sections flagged in your score report.
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7. How hard is the Texas cosmetology exam?
The Texas cosmetology exam isn’t easy, but it’s manageable with preparation. With solid preparation, especially by using practice tests and the PSI guide, most students find it manageable and walk in knowing exactly what to expect.
Pass Rates
However, the 2025 TDLR exam statistics show a slight dip in written performance compared to FY 2024, while practical scores remain high.
Exam Type
Pass Rate
Written (Operator)
49.05% (about half struggle here)
Practical (Operator)
89.10% (higher success since it’s hands-on)
Overall (All Licenses)
66.48%
How to make it manageable
Follow PSI’s outline → It’s the official blueprint, and the exam is built directly from it.
Prioritize high-weight areas → Hair & scalp (40%) and infection control (28%) make up nearly 70% of the written test.
Review the rest → State laws, skin, and nails are smaller portions, but still add easy points.
For the practical → Rehearse each service in the required sequence and focus on sanitation; missing a safety step can cost you more than a styling mistake
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8. What items are needed to take the cosmetology exam in Texas?
For any cosmetology exam Texas candidates take, you must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your TDLR records, your exam admission notice from PSI, and, for the Texas state board cosmetology practical exam, a complete kit of tools and supplies as listed in the PSI guide.
What you need for the written exam
A valid, unexpired government photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
Your PSI admission email or scheduling confirmation.
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; no personal items (phones, bags) are allowed inside.
What you need for the practical exam
A labeled, sanitized kit with:
Combs, brushes, cutting shears, and clips.
Mannequin head (with full hair) and mannequin hand (with nails).
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.
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10. How long is a Texas cosmetology license good for?
A Texas cosmetology license is valid for two years from the date it’s issued. To keep it active, you must renew it every two years by completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal fee.
Renewal basics
Renewal cycle: every 2 years.
Fee: $53 (as set by TDLR).
Education: complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education.
Renewal is done online through the TDLR portal.
4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education includes:
1 hour in Sanitation (required for all licensees)
1 hour in Human Trafficking Prevention
2 hours of elective courses (cosmetology-related, TDLR-approved)
Exception: Licensees who have held a Texas cosmetology license for 15 years or more only need 2 total CE hours
CE courses must be TDLR-approved and completed before renewal
This addition removes ambiguity, prevents renewal mistakes, and answers one of the most common post-exam questions readers have.
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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
After passing the exam, you’ll get your Texas cosmetology license. To keep it active, you must renew every two years, complete 4 hours of continuing education, and pay the renewal fee.
At this stage, many people also ask:
Is Texas getting rid of the cosmetology license?
No, Texas isn’t ending cosmetology licensing. In 2021 (HB 1560), Texas merged Barbering and Cosmetology under TDLR (BAC). Cosmetologists can earn a Class A Barber license (and vice versa) via a 300-hour crossover and exams.
Does Texas have reciprocity for cosmetology?
No, Texas doesn’t allow automatic reciprocity. You can apply by license equivalence if your out-of-state license is active, your training and exams match Texas standards, and you provide proof like transcripts or a letter of good standing.
So that’s the legal side of keeping your license safe.
That’s the Texas cosmetology exam in a nutshell. It might look like a lot right now, but trust me, once you break it down step by step, it’s completely doable.
And when you think about the career waiting on the other side, it makes sense to start preparing the smart way now.
That’s exactly why we built our prep course: to give you the same kind of practice you’ll see on test day.
