top of page

How is the Cosmetology exam scored?

The Cosmetology exam is scored on a 0 to 100% scale. 

 

This score is directly correlated to the number of questions you answered correctly. This means that if your exam is comprised of 100 questions, 65 correct answers would give you a score of 65%. 

What score do I need to get to pass the Cosmetology exam?

The score you need to pass the Cosmetology exam depends on your state. 

 

On average, you will need to score at least 70% on each section, meaning written and practical.

How do I pass the Cosmetology exam?

The best way to pass the Cosmetology exam is to prepare enough beforehand. 

 

Make sure you take enough time to study and develop your skills. As long as you feel confident in your knowledge and skills, you should have no issue passing the exam on your first try. 

When will I receive my Cosmetology exam scores?

The time frame for receiving your scores depends on your state. 

 

Usually, the range is 2 to 10 business days. Same-day results are also available in some states. 

 

Check your state's cosmetology/licensing board website to learn their policies. 

Where can I find my Cosmetology exam scores?

How your scores will be available to you depends on your state. 

If your state offers the exam through PSI, you can see them in your PSI account. 

 

In some states, your results will be sent directly to your email. Make sure you provide a valid email address when registering.  Your results might also be forwarded directly to your school's cosmetology department. In this case, your department will handle the process of sending them to you. 

 

To learn how your state handles scoring, check their cosmetology/licensing board website. 

What is a good score on the Cosmetology exam?

A good score on the cosmetology exam falls between 75 to 80%. 

These scores exceed the minimum requirements of most states. 

What is the average score on the Cosmetology exam?

The average score differs from state to state. Some states will make their average scores public, while others choose not to. 

 

From the states that do make their reports public, the average score is around 76%. 

How many questions do I need to get right on the Cosmetology exam to pass?

The number of questions you need to get right to achieve your desired score depends on your state. 

 

On average, the exam is composed of 100 questions. If this is the case for your state, you would need to get between 70 and 75 questions right to achieve the average minimum requirement. 

How do I know if I passed the Cosmetology exam?

The only way to pass the Cosmetology exam is to achieve at least the minimum score required by your state.

 

As this differs between states, check your state's cosmetology/licensing board website. 

What happens if I fail the Cosmetology exam?

If you fail the Cosmetology exam, your licensing process will most likely be delayed. 

 

You can retake the exam, but some states require you to complete additional training hours before your reexamination.

Do wrong answers count against you on the Cosmetology exam?

Wrong answers do not count against you on the Cosmetology exam. 

 

If you are unsure of an answer, it is better to make an informed guess instead of leaving the question blank. 

What is the Cosmetology exam score range?

The Cosmetology score range is from 0 to 100%. 

Can I see which Cosmetology exam questions I missed?

You are not able to see which questions you missed. 

This applies strictly to the NIC cosmetology exam. All states that offer the NIC exam will have this policy in place.

 

If your state is not NIC, you need to check their particular policies.

Can I review my Cosmetology exam scores?

Whether or not you can review your scores depends on the state. 

 

Usually, if your state is NIC, your score report does not include a detailed review of your performance in each section of the exam. 

Is there a Cosmetology exam score report?

There is an official Cosmetology exam score report. However, the way the report is structured will depend on the state. 

 

Usually, if you achieve at least the minimum score required by the state to pass, your report will include the next steps toward licensing. 

 

If you fail, you can expect to find a section highlighting the areas you need to improve. 

What is the passing score for the Cosmetology written exam?

For most states, the minimum score required is 70%. 

 

To see the score your state requires, check their cosmetology/licensing board website. 

Can I transfer my Cosmetology exam scores?

You may be able to transfer your Cosmetology exam scores. This depends on the state you will be relocating to. If you took a NIC Cosmetology exam, you can get a license in a new state, as long as that state is also NIC.

 

If either state is not NIC, you will most likely be asked to retake the Cosmetology exam. 

Remember that, regardless of the version of the exam, all states follow NIC guidelines. If you managed to pass the exam the first time, you should need minimal additional preparation. 

Frame for ATI TEAS Exam Prep

Ace the Cosmetology test
in
3 easy steps

Use Practice Tests

Full-lenght practice tests

Practice by Topics

Focus on your weak areas

Try the Exam Simulator

Simulate the real exam

freestyle dotted arrow
freestyle dotted arrow
bottom of page