Fall Semester 2026–2027 Florida Cosmetology Exam
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Florida
Cosmetology Licensing Exam Study Guide, Practice
Exam, Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank,
Hair Cutting, Hair Coloring, Chemical Texture
Services, Skin Care, Nail Care, Infection Control,
Sanitation and Safety, Florida Laws and Rules,
Professional Ethics, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to the Florida Administrative Code, what is the
minimum passing score on the cosmetology written theory and written clinical
examinations?
A. 70
B. 75
C. 80
D. 85
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75
Rationale: Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, candidates' scores are
converted to a scale of 0 to 100, and the minimum passing score as determined by the
Board is set at 75 on that scale for both parts of the examination .
Question 2: Which subject category comprises the largest percentage weight
on the written theory examination for Florida cosmetology licensure?
A. Client Services
B. Facials, Make-up, and Hair Removal
C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
D. Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
CORRECT ANSWER: C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
Rationale: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, the written
theory examination is weighted with "General Safety and Sanitation Procedures" at 34%,
which is the largest category. Client Services is 24%, Facials/Makeup/Hair Removal is
16%, and Professional/Legal/Ethical Laws is 10% .
Question 3: What is the minimum number of training hours required for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure by examination as a cosmetologist in
Florida?
A. 900 hours
B. 1,000 hours
C. 1,200 hours
D. 1,500 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1,200 hours
,Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 requires applicants to have received a minimum of
1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include completion of
services directly related to the practice of cosmetology at a licensed school or program .
Question 4: A cosmetology applicant in Florida who fails any part of the
examination may:
A. Continue to practice under supervision
B. Immediately apply for reexamination
C. Must wait six months before reapplying
D. Must complete an additional 500 hours of training
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immediately apply for reexamination
Rationale: Under Florida Statute 477.019, an applicant who fails any part of the
examination may not practice as a cosmetologist but may immediately apply for
reexamination. Only those who pass all parts may practice under supervision while
awaiting physical license .
Question 5: On the written clinical examination for Florida cosmetology, which
subject carries the highest percentage weight?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Coloring and Lightening
C. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
D. Hair Styling
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 specifies the written clinical
examination weights: Hair Coloring and Lightening at 39%, Permanent Waving and
Chemical Relaxing at 34%, Hair Styling at 12%, Hair Cutting/Shaping at 10%, and Scalp
and Hair Care at 5% .
Question 6: How long must examination records and papers be filed with the
Secretary of the Department for reference and inspection?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 requires that an accurate
record of each examination be made and filed with the Secretary of the Department,
and kept for reference and inspection for a period of not less than two years
immediately following the examination .
Question 7: What is the minimum age requirement for a person to be eligible
for cosmetology licensure by examination in Florida?
,A. 15 years old
B. 16 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 16 years old
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 requires that an applicant be at least 16 years of age
or have received a high school diploma to be eligible for licensure by examination to
practice cosmetology .
Question 8: What is the maximum number of continuing education hours the
Florida Board of Cosmetology may prescribe biennially for license renewal?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 12 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 authorizes the board to prescribe continuing
education requirements not to exceed 10 hours biennially as a condition for renewal of a
license or registration as a specialist .
Question 9: Which of the following is NOT one of the subjects that must be
included in continuing education courses for Florida cosmetologists?
A. HIV/AIDS and OSHA regulations
B. Chemical makeup as it pertains to hair, skin, and nails
C. Advanced business management and marketing strategies
D. State and federal laws and rules as they pertain to cosmetologists
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Advanced business management and marketing
strategies
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 mandates that continuing education courses include
HIV/AIDS, OSHA regulations, workers' compensation, state and federal laws, chemical
makeup, and environmental issues. Advanced business management and marketing is
not listed as a required subject .
Question 10: If a Florida cosmetology applicant passes both parts of the
examination, what must they pay to receive their license?
A. The examination fee only
B. The application fee only
C. The initial licensing fee
D. No additional fees are required
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The initial licensing fee
, Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 states that upon an applicant receiving a passing
grade on the examination and paying the initial licensing fee, the department shall issue
a license to practice cosmetology .
Question 11: What is the purpose of the Florida Cosmetology Act according to
the Florida Statutes?
A. To promote the cosmetology industry and increase salon profits
B. To regulate the practice of cosmetology in the interest of public health
C. To establish uniform pricing standards for cosmetology services
D. To create job opportunities in the beauty industry
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To regulate the practice of cosmetology in the interest
of public health
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.012 states the Legislature deems it necessary in the
interest of public health to regulate the practice of cosmetology in this state. Restrictions
are imposed only to the extent necessary to protect the public from significant and
discernible danger to health .
Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a prohibited act under the Florida
Cosmetology Act?
A. Practicing cosmetology without an active license
B. Using a cosmetic product containing methyl methacrylate (MMA)
C. Permitting an unlicensed person to perform cosmetology services in a salon
D. Using a translation dictionary during the licensure examination
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Using a translation dictionary during the licensure
examination
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0265 lists prohibited acts including practicing without a
license, using MMA, and permitting unlicensed persons to perform services. However,
Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 specifically permits applicants to use a
strict translation dictionary during the examination .
Question 13: What is the weight of the "Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws
and Rules" category on the Florida cosmetology written theory examination?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10%
Rationale: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, the
"Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules" category is weighted at approximately
10% of the written theory examination .
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Florida
Cosmetology Licensing Exam Study Guide, Practice
Exam, Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank,
Hair Cutting, Hair Coloring, Chemical Texture
Services, Skin Care, Nail Care, Infection Control,
Sanitation and Safety, Florida Laws and Rules,
Professional Ethics, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to the Florida Administrative Code, what is the
minimum passing score on the cosmetology written theory and written clinical
examinations?
A. 70
B. 75
C. 80
D. 85
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75
Rationale: Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, candidates' scores are
converted to a scale of 0 to 100, and the minimum passing score as determined by the
Board is set at 75 on that scale for both parts of the examination .
Question 2: Which subject category comprises the largest percentage weight
on the written theory examination for Florida cosmetology licensure?
A. Client Services
B. Facials, Make-up, and Hair Removal
C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
D. Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
CORRECT ANSWER: C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
Rationale: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, the written
theory examination is weighted with "General Safety and Sanitation Procedures" at 34%,
which is the largest category. Client Services is 24%, Facials/Makeup/Hair Removal is
16%, and Professional/Legal/Ethical Laws is 10% .
Question 3: What is the minimum number of training hours required for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure by examination as a cosmetologist in
Florida?
A. 900 hours
B. 1,000 hours
C. 1,200 hours
D. 1,500 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1,200 hours
,Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 requires applicants to have received a minimum of
1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include completion of
services directly related to the practice of cosmetology at a licensed school or program .
Question 4: A cosmetology applicant in Florida who fails any part of the
examination may:
A. Continue to practice under supervision
B. Immediately apply for reexamination
C. Must wait six months before reapplying
D. Must complete an additional 500 hours of training
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Immediately apply for reexamination
Rationale: Under Florida Statute 477.019, an applicant who fails any part of the
examination may not practice as a cosmetologist but may immediately apply for
reexamination. Only those who pass all parts may practice under supervision while
awaiting physical license .
Question 5: On the written clinical examination for Florida cosmetology, which
subject carries the highest percentage weight?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Coloring and Lightening
C. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
D. Hair Styling
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 specifies the written clinical
examination weights: Hair Coloring and Lightening at 39%, Permanent Waving and
Chemical Relaxing at 34%, Hair Styling at 12%, Hair Cutting/Shaping at 10%, and Scalp
and Hair Care at 5% .
Question 6: How long must examination records and papers be filed with the
Secretary of the Department for reference and inspection?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2 years
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 requires that an accurate
record of each examination be made and filed with the Secretary of the Department,
and kept for reference and inspection for a period of not less than two years
immediately following the examination .
Question 7: What is the minimum age requirement for a person to be eligible
for cosmetology licensure by examination in Florida?
,A. 15 years old
B. 16 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 16 years old
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 requires that an applicant be at least 16 years of age
or have received a high school diploma to be eligible for licensure by examination to
practice cosmetology .
Question 8: What is the maximum number of continuing education hours the
Florida Board of Cosmetology may prescribe biennially for license renewal?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 12 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 authorizes the board to prescribe continuing
education requirements not to exceed 10 hours biennially as a condition for renewal of a
license or registration as a specialist .
Question 9: Which of the following is NOT one of the subjects that must be
included in continuing education courses for Florida cosmetologists?
A. HIV/AIDS and OSHA regulations
B. Chemical makeup as it pertains to hair, skin, and nails
C. Advanced business management and marketing strategies
D. State and federal laws and rules as they pertain to cosmetologists
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Advanced business management and marketing
strategies
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 mandates that continuing education courses include
HIV/AIDS, OSHA regulations, workers' compensation, state and federal laws, chemical
makeup, and environmental issues. Advanced business management and marketing is
not listed as a required subject .
Question 10: If a Florida cosmetology applicant passes both parts of the
examination, what must they pay to receive their license?
A. The examination fee only
B. The application fee only
C. The initial licensing fee
D. No additional fees are required
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The initial licensing fee
, Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019 states that upon an applicant receiving a passing
grade on the examination and paying the initial licensing fee, the department shall issue
a license to practice cosmetology .
Question 11: What is the purpose of the Florida Cosmetology Act according to
the Florida Statutes?
A. To promote the cosmetology industry and increase salon profits
B. To regulate the practice of cosmetology in the interest of public health
C. To establish uniform pricing standards for cosmetology services
D. To create job opportunities in the beauty industry
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To regulate the practice of cosmetology in the interest
of public health
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.012 states the Legislature deems it necessary in the
interest of public health to regulate the practice of cosmetology in this state. Restrictions
are imposed only to the extent necessary to protect the public from significant and
discernible danger to health .
Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a prohibited act under the Florida
Cosmetology Act?
A. Practicing cosmetology without an active license
B. Using a cosmetic product containing methyl methacrylate (MMA)
C. Permitting an unlicensed person to perform cosmetology services in a salon
D. Using a translation dictionary during the licensure examination
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Using a translation dictionary during the licensure
examination
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0265 lists prohibited acts including practicing without a
license, using MMA, and permitting unlicensed persons to perform services. However,
Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 specifically permits applicants to use a
strict translation dictionary during the examination .
Question 13: What is the weight of the "Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws
and Rules" category on the Florida cosmetology written theory examination?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10%
Rationale: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, the
"Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules" category is weighted at approximately
10% of the written theory examination .
