Texas Esthetician Exam (2026 Guide + Practice Test)

Here’s a breakdown of the exam fees:

• Written Exam Fee: $50, charged by PSI upon scheduling.
  
• Practical Exam Fee: $72, also paid to PSI.
  
• Application (Licensing) Fee: $50, non‑refundable, payable to TDLR after passing both exams to receive the license.
  
• Refunds & Scheduling: All fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. You’ll forfeit your exam fee if you don’t test within one year of payment.
  
• Best Practice: Confirm current fees and scheduling rules on PSI and TDLR official sites, as rates may change.

Here’s what affects exam difficulty and how Texas compares to other states:

Same NIC Standard: Texas follows the National Interstate Council (NIC) exams, used in many states, so the difficulty level is consistent nationwide.

State-Specific Additions: Texas adds rules/regulations from TDLR, which means extra focus on state law and sanitation standards.

Pass Rates: National NIC pass rates average 50–55%. Texas doesn’t publish its own, but most students who practice with simulated exams pass.

Exam Day Factors: Time pressure, strict sanitation protocols, and nerves often matter more than content difficulty.

Preparation Tips:

• Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions.
  
• Master infection control procedures.
  
• Review Texas-specific laws in the TDLR Candidate Information Bulletin.

When you sit for the exam, here’s what to expect:

Written Exam (PSI):

• Scored Questions: 75 multiple-choice
  
• Pilot Questions: 10 (do not count toward score)
  
• Time Allowed: 90 minutes
  
• Passing Score: 70% minimum (53 correct out of 75)

Practical Exam (PSI):

• Not written, but hands-on tasks such as set-up, facial, hair removal, makeup, and infection control.
  
• Each task has a strict time limit with live scoring by examiners.
  
• Total Allowed: 2 hours and 44 minutes in length.
  
• Total number of points: 119.
  
• Passing Score: 70% minimum (84 points out of 119)

Here’s how retakes and scoring work in Texas:

• Passing Score: Both written and practical exams require at least 70% to pass.
  
• Failing the Written Exam: If you score below 70%, PSI will give you a diagnostic report showing weak areas.
  
• Retakes Allowed: Unlimited attempts within 1 year of TDLR application approval.
  
• Fees: $50 written / $72 practical each retake, non-refundable.
  
• Deadline: If you don’t pass within 1 year, your application expires, and you must reapply through TDLR.

Let’s break down the requirements clearly:

Training Hours:

• 750 classroom hours in a licensed esthetics program.
  
• No apprenticeship pathway in Texas; you must attend a school.

Other Requirements:

• Minimum age: 17
  
• Education: High school diploma or GED
  
• Submit fingerprints and a background check with the application

Apprenticeship Option?

• Texas law does not allow a full apprenticeship for esthetics. Only licensed schools can provide the 750 hours.

Here’s the step-by-step registration process:

1. Apply to TDLR: Complete the online esthetician license application in the TDLR application portal and pay the $50 non-refundable fee.
   
2. Eligibility Notification: TDLR reviews your documents and sends approval to PSI, confirming your eligibility for the exam.
   
3. Register Online: Use PSI’s portal to schedule the written ($50) and practical ($72) exams.
   
4. Schedule your exam: Select your desired examination date and location from the available options.

If you prefer not to apply online, you can instead schedule your exams:

• By phone: (833) 333-4741
• By faxing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to (702) 932-2666
• Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Here’s the subject breakdown from PSI’s Candidate Bulletin:

Advanced options you might consider:

• Texas Limitations: TDLR offers a standard esthetician license only (750 hours).
  
• National Options: Some states (e.g., Washington, Virginia) offer a “Master Esthetician” credential requiring 1,200+ hours.
  
• Private Certifications: CIDESCO and advanced skincare certifications are respected globally, though not state-issued.
  
• Career Growth: Texans often add nail, eyelash extension, or cosmetology licenses for expanded services.

Factors that influence tuition:

• School Type: Private beauty schools generally cost more than community colleges.
  
• Supplies: Kits, textbooks, and uniforms can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
  
• Program Length: Texas requires 750 hours, usually 6–8 months full-time.
  
• Financial Aid: FAFSA, Pell Grants, and scholarships (like Beauty Changes Lives) may reduce costs.

• Training Hours: The 750 required hours must be completed at a TDLR-approved physical school.
  
• Hybrid Programs: Some schools allow online theory hours, but hands-on skills like facials, makeup, and waxing must be taught in person.
  
• Exams: Both written and practical exams must be scheduled with PSI in test centers.

If you’re moving to Texas, here’s what the reciprocity process usually involves:

• Application: Submit through the TDLR portal with all required documents.
  
• Proof of License: Show your current, valid license and completed training hours.
  
• Fees: Pay the reciprocity application fee to TDLR.
  
• Extra Requirements: Some applicants may need to pass a Texas laws and rules exam before approval.
  
• Approval: Once accepted, TDLR will issue your Texas esthetician license, allowing you to practice without repeating the full 750-hour program.

Temporary License Details:

• How long is it valid? About 21 days from the date of issue.
  
• How much does it cost? $50, paid through TDLR’s online portal.
  
• Can you work with it? Yes, you may practice during this period, but it’s only a short-term option until your permanent license is approved.

To clarify: Most new graduates do not need a temporary license unless there is a processing delay or a reciprocity situation.