psi cosmetology exam
PSI Cosmetology Exam in Texas: Written, Practical, Fees, and Prep
The PSI cosmetology exam is the final step before your Texas TDLR license. Two exams required — written and practical — each with separate fees, eligibility rules, and passing scores.
Why PSI Administers the Texas Cosmetology Exam
TDLR runs cosmetology licensing in Texas. PSI is the company TDLR uses to give the actual exams.
You do not test at your school. You sign up through PSI and take the exam at a PSI test center.
There are two exams. You must pass both to get your TDLR license:
- Written exam (theory) — taken first
- Practical exam (hands-on) — taken second
PSI scores each exam and sends the result to TDLR. Pass both and TDLR issues your license.
For official requirements, see the TDLR cosmetology licensing page.
Do not wait until you hit 1,000 hours to schedule your written exam. You become eligible at 900 hours. Schedule early to avoid wait times at PSI testing centers.
The PSI Written Cosmetology Exam
You can take the PSI cosmetology written exam once you reach 900 of your 1,000 required school hours.
Exam Fee and Format
The written exam costs approximately $55. It is a computer-based test at a PSI testing center. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
What the Written Exam Covers
The written exam tests your knowledge across several topic areas:
- Hair and scalp science: approximately 40% of the exam
- Infection control and sanitation: approximately 28%
- Texas law and TDLR rules
- Skin care theory
- Nail care theory
If You Do Not Pass
You can retake the written exam. You will need to pay the fee again and reschedule through PSI. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt costs the full fee.
The PSI Practical Cosmetology Exam
The practical exam is a hands-on skills test. You perform real cosmetology tasks in front of a PSI examiner.
When You Can Take It
You must complete all 1,000 school hours and pass the written exam before you can sit for the practical. The practical is always the second exam.
Practical Exam Fee
The PSI cosmetology exam practical costs $76.
What Is Evaluated
Sanitation steps carry the most weight on the practical exam. Start every skill with proper sanitation. Miss that step and the score drops fast.
Other evaluated areas include hair, skin, and nail techniques depending on your license type. Your school will prepare you for the specific tasks included.
After You Pass
Pass the practical and PSI issues your cosmetology temporary license on the spot — if you already have your TDLR application on file. The temp license is valid for 21 days while your permanent license arrives by mail.
Sanitation steps are the most heavily scored part of the PSI practical exam. Skipping or rushing them is the top reason students fail.
What to Do Before Your PSI Exam Day
A few things before your exam day make a big difference.
Submit your TDLR application early. You need your application and $50 fee on file with TDLR before your practical exam date. This is what qualifies you for the temp license when you pass.
Review Texas law topics. The written exam covers TDLR rules and the Texas Occupations Code. These topics trip up many students who focus only on technical skills.
Practice sanitation steps out loud. On the practical, walk through each step verbally as you do it. Examiners track every step.
For the full school hours and application checklist, see Complete Guide to Required Cosmetologist Hours in Texas.
- TDLR application submitted and $50 fee paid before practical exam
- Written exam passed at 70% or higher
- All 1,000 school hours completed and on record
- Sanitation steps memorized and practiced
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Texas cosmetology exam?
PSI administers both Texas cosmetology licensing exams — the written theory exam and the practical hands-on exam. TDLR oversees the licensing process but uses PSI as its third-party testing provider.
What is the passing score for the PSI cosmetology written exam?
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the PSI cosmetology written exam. If you score below 70%, you must pay the exam fee again (~$55) and retake it.
When can I take the PSI cosmetology written exam?
You become eligible for the written exam after completing 900 of your required 1,000 school hours. You do not need to finish all 1,000 hours first — schedule it early to avoid delays.
What is the PSI practical exam fee in Texas?
The PSI cosmetology exam practical costs $76. The written exam costs approximately $55. Combined with the $50 TDLR application fee, total state fees are approximately $181.
What is most important on the PSI cosmetology practical exam?
Sanitation steps are the most heavily weighted part of the practical exam. Always begin each skill with full sanitation steps. Missing or rushing sanitation is the top reason students fail the practical.