Cosmetology practice testPass your cosmetology state board.

1. 1Chemistry you can see3

   Scientific Concepts

   1. The pH scale
   2. Ingredients and what they do
   3. When chemicals react badly

   2Infection control first5

   Scientific Concepts

   1. How infections spread
   2. Clean, disinfect, sterilize
   3. Single-use or multi-use?
   4. Blood exposure: the steps
   5. What OSHA and EPA require

   3Hair, skin and nails4

   Scientific Concepts

   1. Hair and scalp structure
   2. Skin and nail structure
   3. Disorders you can’t service
   4. Muscles, nerves and circulation
   35%
2. 4The hair consultation4

   Hair Care and Services

   1. Reading the hair and scalp
   2. Patch and strand tests
   3. Draping, shampoo and scalp massage
   4. Tools, ergonomics and safety

   5Cutting and styling5

   Hair Care and Services

   1. Haircutting: elevation and guides
   2. Wet and thermal styling
   3. Braiding and natural hair
   4. Wigs and hair extensions
   5. Face shapes and balance

   6Color and chemical services5

   Hair Care and Services

   1. Hair color: levels and formulas
   2. Lightening, foils and balayage
   3. Color correction, step by step
   4. Relaxers: hydroxide, thio, keratin
   5. Perms and texturizers
   45%
3. 7Skin care services3

   Skin Care and Services

   1. The basic facial
   2. Waxing and tweezing
   3. Makeup basics
   10%
4. 8Nail care services4

   Nail Care and Services

   1. Basic manicure and pedicure
   2. Nail enhancements: apply and remove
   3. From school to state license
   4. Test day
   10%

Built on NIC National Cosmetology Theory Examination content outline · Effective July 2022, revised January 2026