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Pennsylvania Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

apprentice permit

Permit required before registration or employment as an apprentice of cosmetology.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Registration before apprenticeship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fitness
Good moral character, tenth-grade education or equivalent or rehabilitation training, and freedom from contagious or infectious disease.
Permit
Apply and receive the apprentice permit before being employed or registered as an apprentice.
Training
Apprenticeship is a pathway toward later cosmetologist licensure; its later examination is not an examination required to issue the apprentice permit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Cosmetologist License

Individual cosmetologist license. Act 100 of 2024 removed licensing requirements for natural hair braiders, natural hair braider teachers and natural hair braiding salons, not cosmetology teachers generally.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Examination after registered apprenticeship
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Age
At least 16 years of age.
Application
Submit the licensing application, applicable license and examination fees, and required eligibility documentation.
Apprentice supervision
Training follows Cosmetology Law § 10, including a licensed teacher, at least two other licensed cosmetologists per apprentice, no more than two apprentices per salon, and quarterly hour reports.
Background
The August 2026 handbook requires criminal-history reports for jurisdictions of residence in the preceding five years, dated within 90 days of application; the Board cosmetologist guide instead states within 180 days and includes work and professional study. These implementing demands are recorded as applicant conditions.
Education
Tenth grade or equivalent, or vocational rehabilitation training; the statute waives this education requirement for a veteran or a person at least 35 years of age.
Examination authorization
The August 2026 handbook gives one year from application authorization to complete examination attempts; another application is required after expiration.
Good moral character
The controlling statute requires good moral character, subject to Title 63 provisions governing consideration of criminal convictions.
Health
Cosmetology Law § 3 and 49 Pa. Code § 7.32a require a physician certificate of freedom from communicable disease.
Training
Register as an apprentice and complete 2,000 hours in a licensed salon under the approved apprenticeship program; submit the Board-sealed completion letter.
Examination with registered barber educational credit
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Age
At least 16 years of age.
Application
Submit the licensing application, applicable license and examination fees, and required eligibility documentation.
Background
The August 2026 handbook requires criminal-history reports for jurisdictions of residence in the preceding five years, dated within 90 days of application; the Board cosmetologist guide instead states within 180 days and includes work and professional study. These implementing demands are recorded as applicant conditions.
Barber qualification
A current barber license or completion of the 1,250-hour barber training course gives 555 hours of credit; both theory and practical portions of the barber examination must have been passed. The barber examination is an applicant condition from another profession.
Education
Tenth grade or equivalent, or vocational rehabilitation training; the statute waives this education requirement for a veteran or a person at least 35 years of age.
Examination authorization
The August 2026 handbook gives one year from application authorization to complete examination attempts; another application is required after expiration.
Format
Section 9.1 retains older practical/theory wording; the current licensure examination is the single computer-based theory/procedural skills examination identified in the handbook.
Good moral character
The controlling statute requires good moral character, subject to Title 63 provisions governing consideration of criminal convictions.
Health
Cosmetology Law § 3 and 49 Pa. Code § 7.32a require a physician certificate of freedom from communicable disease.
Remaining training
Complete the remaining cosmetology education and meet licensure requirements.
Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Case review
When existing reciprocity or endorsement procedures do not provide a means of licensure, the Department states that Act 41 applicants receive case-by-case consideration.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods, including continuing education or experience during at least two of the preceding five years.
Current license
Hold a corresponding current license from another state, territory or country whose requirements the Board determines substantially equivalent to or greater than Pennsylvania requirements.
Fee
Pay the required fee.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or discipline unless the Board determines it is not an impediment; be in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination with active limited license educational credit
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Active license
Hold one or more active limited licenses obtained through a licensed cosmetology school.
Age
At least 16 years of age.
Application
Submit the licensing application, applicable license and examination fees, and required eligibility documentation.
Background
The August 2026 handbook requires criminal-history reports for jurisdictions of residence in the preceding five years, dated within 90 days of application; the Board cosmetologist guide instead states within 180 days and includes work and professional study. These implementing demands are recorded as applicant conditions.
Education
Tenth grade or equivalent, or vocational rehabilitation training; the statute waives this education requirement for a veteran or a person at least 35 years of age.
Examination authorization
The August 2026 handbook gives one year from application authorization to complete examination attempts; another application is required after expiration.
Good moral character
The controlling statute requires good moral character, subject to Title 63 provisions governing consideration of criminal convictions.
Health
Cosmetology Law § 3 and 49 Pa. Code § 7.32a require a physician certificate of freedom from communicable disease.
Training credit
49 Pa. Code § 7.32d gives up to 160 hours for an active esthetician license or 100 hours for an active nail technician license; complete total credited and additional 1,250 hours within four years. The rule also describes 125 hours for a historical active natural hair braider license, although the Board no longer accepts applications, renewals or reactivations for that license.
Military applicant with educational deficiencies
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Active practice
At least two of the previous five years of active practice; relevant military service and official duties receive practice credit.
Education
The Board may issue licensure despite unmet educational requirements; substantially equivalent military education, training and experience receive credit under § 3304.
Military status
Document servicemember, veteran or military-spouse status under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3301.
Other requirements
Meet all other noneducational requirements, pass all examinations required for this license, and submit the application and prescribed fee; § 3306 exempts qualifying relocating military spouses from an initial licensure fee.
Renewal and reactivation following military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency extension
Continuing education or continued-competency requirements may be extended up to six months after deployment, while all other renewal requirements must be met.
Deployment
A servicemember may supply renewal requirements before deployment; a military spouse residing with the servicemember during deployment is also covered.
Reactivation
The Board may reactivate without penalty if renewal occurred during deployment outside Pennsylvania and reactivation is sought within one month after deployment ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination for a nonreciprocal license holder
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Authorization
Complete the currently offered examination within the authorized period.
Current license
Hold a corresponding license in a jurisdiction without an applicable reciprocity agreement; submit the examination application and required documentation.
Eligibility
The Board verifies training, education and applicant eligibility.
Reactivation or reinstatement before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply in writing and pay the renewal fee, unless escrow occurred within the biennial interval; an unregistered license cannot be used for practice.
Background
The August 2026 handbook requires criminal-history checks for reactivation.
Inactivity
License expired or escrowed for less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after revocation
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
New application
Meet the license-specific qualifications and examination requirements of a new application.
Revocation
Unless a court orders reinstatement, apply after five years under Cosmetology Law § 12 rather than reinstating a revoked license.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background
Submit the required current criminal-history checks.
Current license
Hold a current corresponding license in a reciprocal jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing standards.
Experience
At least two years of licensed practice or teaching, as applicable.
Health and fee
Submit physician affidavit and prescribed license fee.
Reciprocal privileges
Reciprocal privileges and all Board terms must be satisfied; agreements are subject to change and the Board verifies eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after at least five years
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Background
Provide the reactivation criminal-history checks and required reinstatement documentation and fees.
Examination
Pass the current examination appropriate to the license before renewal.
Inactivity
License has expired or been in escrow for at least five years.
Older practical wording
49 Pa. Code § 7.45 refers to the practical part; the current reinstatement form and handbook identify the theory/procedural examination rather than a current separate hands-on assessment.
Reissue after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Apply to the Board with satisfactory proof that the disqualification that caused suspension has ceased. Board orders govern any individual terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current license
The license is current and is not in a five-year expired/escrowed reexamination category.
Renewal
Submit the biennial renewal application and fee by the prescribed expiration date; no continuing education requirement is imposed by the cited renewal provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary license following a restricted term
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Other qualifications
The Board issues the ordinary license when all other Cosmetology Law qualifications are met, including the currently offered examination; an existing passing result is not a reason to omit that examination leaf.
Restricted term
Within 30 days after the restricted term ends, the supervisor supplies written notice concerning compliance with all imposed conditions.
Examination after cosmetology school
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Age
At least 16 years of age.
Application
Submit the licensing application, applicable license and examination fees, and required eligibility documentation.
Background
The August 2026 handbook requires criminal-history reports for jurisdictions of residence in the preceding five years, dated within 90 days of application; the Board cosmetologist guide instead states within 180 days and includes work and professional study. These implementing demands are recorded as applicant conditions.
Early testing
School applicants may test after 900 hours, but must complete 1,250 hours and submit school certification and final transcripts before licensure.
Education
Tenth grade or equivalent, or vocational rehabilitation training; the statute waives this education requirement for a veteran or a person at least 35 years of age.
Examination authorization
The August 2026 handbook gives one year from application authorization to complete examination attempts; another application is required after expiration.
Good moral character
The controlling statute requires good moral character, subject to Title 63 provisions governing consideration of criminal convictions.
Health
Cosmetology Law § 3 and 49 Pa. Code § 7.32a require a physician certificate of freedom from communicable disease.
Training
Complete 1,250 school hours within four consecutive years; day program at least eight months or night program at least fifteen months. Up to 50 percent of the curriculum may be distance education in theory-based subjects; practical demonstrations cannot be distance education.

Provisional Endorsement License

Under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111(b), a licensing board or commission may issue a provisional license while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements it determines.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Cosmetologist License

A Board-discretionary restricted cosmetology license lasting one to two years, available as an alternative to adverse licensing action based on a criminal conviction and subject to Board-imposed conditions.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Restricted license in place of a criminal fitness denial
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Criminal fitness
Board discretion permits a restricted license instead of denial, suspension, revocation or limitation based on a criminal conviction; introduce applicable evidence of good behavior, completed rehabilitation and training, compliance with probation/parole and commitment to lawful conduct.
Ordinary qualifications
The criminal-fitness exception does not remove the ordinary cosmetologist training and examination requirements.
Practice conditions
Board conditions may limit scope or location, require supervision and written notice of a supervisor change, and impose other appropriate terms. New misdemeanor/felony conviction or noncompliance causes immediate revocation.
Term
One to two years as fixed by the Board.

Provisional Endorsement License

A licensing board may issue a provisional license while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements determined by the board.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Cosmetologist License

Nine-month temporary license permitting eligible cosmetologist examination applicants to practice pending a passing examination grade, under supervision of a licensed cosmetology teacher or cosmetologist.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Temporary practice after apprenticeship
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Apprenticeship
Complete the registered apprenticeship term and apply for temporary practice until the next regular examination.
Duration and supervision
Nine-month statutory temporary license with supervision.
Temporary practice after school graduation
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Duration and supervision
Nine-month statutory temporary license, supervised practice under § 12.1.
Graduation
Graduate from a licensed school and apply for temporary practice until the next regular examination.
Temporary license pending examination
PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills
Duration
Nine months.
Exam timing
The temporary license permits practice pending a passing examination score; passing and final education documentation are required for the ordinary license.
Examination eligibility
Be eligible for admission to the corresponding examination and pay prescribed examination and license fees.
Supervision
Practice under the supervision allowed by Cosmetology Law § 12.1 and 49 Pa. Code § 7.32g, including a licensed cosmetology teacher or cosmetologist or the corresponding limited-practice supervisor.

Cosmetology Salon License

Salon license issued after verification of the owner-applicant's sworn statements and inspection for compliance with facility requirements.

Licensing authority: State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Salon initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Owner submits a sworn application, layout sketch, designated person-in-charge name and license number, and fee.
Inspection
The Bureau verifies sworn statements and inspects for compliance with the applicable facility requirements; the inspection is a facility check, not a professional applicant examination.
Licensed practice
Individual practitioners must hold their corresponding practice licenses; holding those licenses is a condition for operation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Location
License is valid only at the stated location. Apply for a change of location with the § 7.51 information and fee, processed and inspected as a salon application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ownership
Notify the Board immediately when controlling ownership changes; adding or deleting a partner or co-owner requires a change-of-license application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license reissue after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Apply with satisfactory proof that the disqualification has ceased, subject to the Board order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the biennial license renewal application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon reapplication after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Facility requirements
A new salon application is determined by its verified statements and inspection requirements, not an individual practitioner examination.
Revocation
Unless ordered otherwise by a court, apply again after five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School of Cosmetology License

License for a school of cosmetology, requiring an application, qualified supervisor, inspection and compliance with school operating requirements.

Licensing authority: State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

School license change of fictitious name
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
Meet the corresponding application, fee, notification and inspection requirements in 49 Pa. Code § 7.113b. A supervisor change is approval of an existing qualified teacher, not a separate new professional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide layout, school-supervisor identity and qualifications, authorized business contact, fictitious-name registration if any, applicable labor requirements, accreditation evidence and fees.
Inspection
License issuance follows verification of sworn statements and a Bureau inspection; the Board may request an appearance to answer application questions, without identifying a separate professional examination.
Operating requirements
Meet Cosmetology Law § 6 curriculum, staffing, attendance, reports and student qualifications.
Supervisor
The current law says the school supervisor needs no special supervisor license; the implementing rule requires an existing cosmetology teacher license and specified teaching experience. These are conditions, not examinations of the school applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School license change of location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
Meet the corresponding application, fee, notification and inspection requirements in 49 Pa. Code § 7.113b. A supervisor change is approval of an existing qualified teacher, not a separate new professional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School license change of ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Change
Meet the corresponding application, fee, notification and inspection requirements in 49 Pa. Code § 7.113b. A supervisor change is approval of an existing qualified teacher, not a separate new professional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School reapplication after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet school application and inspection requirements; employee and supervisor credentials are applicant conditions.
Revocation
Unless a court orders otherwise, apply again after five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School reissue after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Apply with satisfactory proof that the disqualification has ceased.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

School biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit renewal application, fee and the owner affidavit that the school complies with the statute and regulations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Endorsement License

Provisional licensure under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111(b) while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements determined by the licensing board or commission.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Esthetician Salon License

Salon facility license issued after verification of the owner-applicant's sworn statements and inspection for compliance with facility requirements.

Licensing authority: State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Salon initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Owner submits a sworn application, layout sketch, designated person-in-charge name and license number, and fee.
Inspection
The Bureau verifies sworn statements and inspects for compliance with the applicable facility requirements; the inspection is a facility check, not a professional applicant examination.
Licensed practice
Individual practitioners must hold their corresponding practice licenses; holding those licenses is a condition for operation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Location
License is valid only at the stated location. Apply for a change of location with the § 7.51 information and fee, processed and inspected as a salon application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ownership
Notify the Board immediately when controlling ownership changes; adding or deleting a partner or co-owner requires a change-of-license application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license reissue after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Apply with satisfactory proof that the disqualification has ceased, subject to the Board order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the biennial license renewal application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon reapplication after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Facility requirements
A new salon application is determined by its verified statements and inspection requirements, not an individual practitioner examination.
Revocation
Unless ordered otherwise by a court, apply again after five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Endorsement License

A board may issue a provisional license while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements determined by the board.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Endorsement License

Discretionary provisional licensure for an endorsement applicant satisfying remaining requirements determined by the licensing board or commission.

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nail Technology Salon License

Licensure for a nail technology salon, requiring an owner application and a facility inspection.

Licensing authority: State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Salon initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Owner submits a sworn application, layout sketch, designated person-in-charge name and license number, and fee.
Inspection
The Bureau verifies sworn statements and inspects for compliance with the applicable facility requirements; the inspection is a facility check, not a professional applicant examination.
Licensed practice
Individual practitioners must hold their corresponding practice licenses; holding those licenses is a condition for operation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Location
License is valid only at the stated location. Apply for a change of location with the § 7.51 information and fee, processed and inspected as a salon application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license change of ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ownership
Notify the Board immediately when controlling ownership changes; adding or deleting a partner or co-owner requires a change-of-license application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon license reissue after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Suspension
Apply with satisfactory proof that the disqualification has ceased, subject to the Board order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the biennial license renewal application and fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Salon reapplication after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Facility requirements
A new salon application is determined by its verified statements and inspection requirements, not an individual practitioner examination.
Revocation
Unless ordered otherwise by a court, apply again after five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Endorsement License

Provisional endorsement form authorized by 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111(b).

Licensing authority: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology · Application information

Provisional endorsement pending remaining requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may issue provisional licensure while an endorsement applicant satisfies remaining requirements as determined by the Board.
Outstanding requirements
Any individual remaining education, competency or other requirements are conditions set by the Board; § 3111(b) does not name an examination.
Termination
Practice ends upon denial, expiration established by Board regulation, or failure to comply with provisional terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

PA Cosmetologist Theory and Procedural Skills

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice theory/procedural skills
Exam questions
135 total; 110 scored and 25 pretest
Time limit
2 hours 15 minutes
Passing score
75 scaled score
Examination outline
  • I. Rules, Regulations, and Safety (27% to 32%)
    • A. Safety
    • A. Safety / 1. Draping
    • A. Safety / 1. Draping / a. Sanitation
    • A. Safety / 1. Draping / b. Procedures
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents / a. Maintaining safe working conditions
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents / b. Labeling
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents / c. Storing chemical products
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents / d. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/ Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • A. Safety / 2. Prevention of salon accidents / e. Implements/tools
    • A. Safety / 3. First aid/OSHA
    • A. Safety / 3. First aid/OSHA / a. Handling blood-contaminated tools
    • A. Safety / 3. First aid/OSHA / b. Disposing of blood-contaminated objects
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 1. Personal hygiene
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 2. Implements and tools
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 3. Single-use items
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 4. Dispensing products
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 5. Identifying infectious disease/referral
    • B. Sanitation and disinfection / 6. Work surfaces
    • C. Client contact & communication
    • C. Client contact & communication / 1. Ethics
    • C. Client contact & communication / 2. Consultation
    • C. Client contact & communication / 3. Record keeping
  • II. Trichology (5% to 8%)
    • A. Structure of hair
    • B. Hair type
    • B. Hair type / 1. Pigment
    • B. Hair type / 2. Wave pattern/follicle formation
    • B. Hair type / 3. Texture
    • B. Hair type / 4. Density
    • B. Hair type / 5. Porosity
    • B. Hair type / 6. Elasticity
    • C. Hair growth phases
  • III. Shampoo / Scalp Analysis (4% to 6%)
    • A. Purpose and chemistry of shampoos and conditioners
    • B. Scalp conditioning services
    • C. Procedures
    • D. Scalp massage
    • E. Scalp analysis/Disorders and diseases of scalp
    • F. Procedures for clients with special needs
  • IV. Styling (5% to 8%)
    • A. Determination of appropriate hair style
    • A. Determination of appropriate hair style / 1. Hair texture and types/Hair analysis
    • A. Determination of appropriate hair style / 2. Hair length
    • A. Determination of appropriate hair style / 3. Face shape
    • B. Hair design techniques
    • B. Hair design techniques / 1. Wet styling
    • B. Hair design techniques / 2. Comb out
    • B. Hair design techniques / 3. Blow-dry styling
    • C. Thermal styling
    • C. Thermal styling / 1. Special considerations
    • C. Thermal styling / 2. Tools
    • C. Thermal styling / 3. Procedures
    • D. Artificial hair
    • E. Products and styling aids
  • V. Haircutting (9% to 11%)
    • A. Shaping and cutting principles
    • B. Determination of appropriate haircut
    • B. Determination of appropriate haircut / 1. Length, structure, and conditions
    • B. Determination of appropriate haircut / 2. Establishing guideline
    • C. Blunt/one-length, graduated, and layered haircuts
    • C. Blunt/one-length, graduated, and layered haircuts / 1. Elevation
    • C. Blunt/one-length, graduated, and layered haircuts / 2. Sectioning/parting
    • D. Thinning/texturizing
    • E. Using a razor
    • F. Using clippers/trimmers
    • G. Using scissors/shears
  • VI. Haircolor & Lightening (13% to 15%)
    • A. Scalp and hair conditions that preclude haircoloring or lightening services
    • B. Effects of hair structure and natural hair color on tone and intensity of outcome
    • C. Preparing hair to receive haircoloring or lightening services
    • C. Preparing hair to receive haircoloring or lightening services / 1. Patch test
    • C. Preparing hair to receive haircoloring or lightening services / 2. Strand test
    • D. Determining color level and tone/color theory
    • E. Products
    • F. Tools, implements, and materials
    • G. Formulation
    • H. Application, processing, and removal
    • I. Highlighting techniques
    • J. Corrective color
    • K. Special considerations
    • K. Special considerations / 1. Overprocessed or damaged hair
    • K. Special considerations / 2. Hair with metallic-based, compound-based, or mineral-based color
  • VII. Permanent Waving (12% to 14%)
    • A. Scalp and hair conditions that preclude permanent waving services
    • B. Effects of hair structure and condition on desired outcome
    • C. Preparation
    • D. Products
    • E. Tools, implements, and materials
    • F. Applying, processing, and removing products
    • G. Techniques of wrapping hair with rods and other tools
    • H. Special considerations
    • H. Special considerations / 1. Over processed or damaged hair
    • H. Special considerations / 2. Hair with metallic-based, compound-based, or mineral-based color
    • H. Special considerations / 3. Test curl
  • VIII. Chemical Straightening and Relaxing (12% to 14%)
    • A. Scalp and hair conditions that preclude chemical straightening and relaxing services
    • B. Effects of hair structure on desired outcome
    • C. Preparation
    • D. Products
    • E. Tools, implements, and procedures
    • F. Applying, processing, and removing products for chemical straightening and relaxing
    • G. Curl reformation/soft curl perm
    • H. Keratin-based smoothing treatments
    • I. Special considerations
    • I. Special considerations / 1. Overprocessed or damaged hair
    • I. Special considerations / 2. Hair with metallic-based, compound-based, or mineral-based color
    • I. Special considerations / 3. Strand test
  • IX. Esthetics (5% to 7%)
    • A. Skin conditions that preclude esthetic services
    • B. Skin conditions that benefit from esthetic services
    • C. Skin diseases and disorders
    • D. Special procedures for skin services on sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin
    • E. Preparation
    • F. Tools, implements, and materials
    • G. Facial services
    • G. Facial services / 1. Purpose and procedures
    • G. Facial services / 2. Types of products
    • G. Facial services / 3. Applying and removing products
    • G. Facial services / 4. Using electric skin devices and equipment
    • G. Facial services / 5. Extractions
    • H. Massage manipulations
    • I. Makeup application
    • I. Makeup application / 1. Procedures
    • I. Makeup application / 2. Products
    • I. Makeup application / 3. Removal
    • I. Makeup application / 4. Corrective makeup
    • I. Makeup application / 5. Color theory
    • J. Hair removal
    • J. Hair removal / 1. Waxing and other depilatory techniques
    • J. Hair removal / 2. Eyebrow shaping with tweezers
  • X. Nails (5% to 7%)
    • A. Nail structure
    • B. Recognizing nail disorders and diseases
    • C. Clients’ health conditions that preclude service
    • D. Massage
    • E. Manicure/Pedicure
    • E. Manicure/Pedicure / 1. Products
    • E. Manicure/Pedicure / 2. Procedures
    • E. Manicure/Pedicure / 3. Tools, implements, and materials
    • F. Applying, maintaining, and removing nail enhancements/artificial nails
Examination sources