Cosmetology Exam

The cosmetology exam is offered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) at various locations around the state. The written portion of the exam can be taken in Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco. The practical portion of the exam can be taken in Amarillo, Austin, the DFW Metroplex, El Paso, the Greater Houston area, McAllen, Midland, and San Antonio.

The written portion of the cosmetology exam is comprised of 100 questions, and the time allowed is two hours. The exam covers the following topics:

  • Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety (20 questions)
  • Shampooing and Conditioning Hair (3 questions)
  • Haircutting and Hair Styling (15 questions)
  • Braids and Braid Extensions (5 questions)
  • Chemical Texture Services (17 questions)
  • Haircoloring (17 questions)
  • Skin Care (7 questions)
  • Nail Care (8 questions)
  • Licensing and Regulation (8 questions)

To pass the written portion of the cosmetology exam, a candidate must score 70 points out of 100.

The practical portion of the exam lasts three hours and 25 minutes. The candidate must bring his or her own model for the facial and manicure services. Mannequins must be used for all the other services. During this portion of the cosmetology exam, the candidate must perform the following services:

  • Manicure Service on Five Fingers (on Model-25 minutes)
  • Facial Service (on Model-20 minutes)
  • Chemical Application Preparation ONLY for Virgin Tint, Virgin Relaxer, and Bleach Retouch (on Mannequin-10 minutes)
  • Virgin Tint to Darker on Right Rear Quadrant (on Mannequin-10 minutes)
  • No-Base Virgin Relaxer on Left Rear Quadrant (on Mannequin-10 minutes)
  • Bleach Retouch on Left Front Quadrant (on Mannequin-10 minutes)
  • Clean-Up and Shampoo (on Mannequin-10 minutes)
  • Hair Shaping Service (on Mannequin-40 minutes)
  • Permanent Waving Service (on Mannequin-25 minutes)
  • Curl Demonstration and Roller Placement (on Mannequin-15 minutes)
  • Blow Drying and Thermal Curling Service (on Mannequin-20 minutes)
  • General Safety, Sanitation, and Infection Control (10 minutes)

To pass the practical portion of the cosmetology exam, a candidate must score at least 70 points out of 118.

Commercial Resources for Cosmetology Exam Test Preparation (provided for information only, no endorsement implied)

Cosmetology Exam Test Study Guide from Mometrix Media

Cosmetology Exam Test Flashcards from Mometrix Media

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