TDLR Cosmetology Written State Board Exam
2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
150 Questions | Aligned with Texas TDLR and PSI Testing Standards
Section 1: TDLR Licensing, Laws, and Regulations
Licensing Requirements, TDLR Jurisdiction, Inspections, Renewals, Reporting, Scope of Practice, &
Salons (Q1-Q25)
Q1: Which Texas state agency regulates barbering and cosmetology, controlling eligibility, licensing, inspections, and
enforcement?
A. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
B. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
C. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) [CORRECT]
D. The Professional Testing Service (PSI)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDLR is the regulatory authority for barbering and cosmetology in Texas. PSI administers the licensing exams on behalf of
TDLR but does not hold regulatory authority. DSHS regulates health-related professions, and TWC handles workforce development.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 establishes TDLR as the primary regulatory body for cosmetology licensing, inspections, and
enforcement.
Q2: What is the role of PSI in Texas cosmetology licensing?
A. PSI sets the curriculum standards for TDLR-approved schools
B. PSI inspects salons and enforces TDLR regulations
C. PSI administers the written and practical licensing examinations on behalf of TDLR [CORRECT]
D. PSI issues and renews cosmetology licenses in Texas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: PSI (Professional Testing Service) administers the cosmetology licensing examinations for TDLR, but TDLR retains all
regulatory authority including curriculum oversight, salon inspections, and license issuance. Confusing PSI with TDLR is a common
exam error. PSI is a testing vendor, not a regulatory body under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603.
Q3: How many clock hours must a candidate complete at a TDLR-approved school for a Cosmetology Operator
license?
A. 750 clock hours
B. 1,000 clock hours [CORRECT]
C. 1,200 clock hours
D. 1,500 clock hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas requires 1,000 clock hours at a TDLR-approved school for a Cosmetology Operator license. The curriculum covers
700 hours of theory and related practice plus 300 hours of specialty practice. The other hour amounts represent requirements for
different license types or outdated standards under TDLR regulations.
Q4: What is the minimum age to obtain a Cosmetology Operator license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old [CORRECT]
C. 18 years old
, D. 21 years old
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The minimum age is 17 years old, which is distinct from the general age of majority (18). Option A is too young, and
options C and D overstate the requirement. Candidates who are 17 may begin training and take the written exam early at 900 hours
under TDLR rules.
Q5: A student has completed 900 of 1,000 required hours. What examination option is available?
A. The student may take both the written and practical exams
B. The student may take the written examination early [CORRECT]
C. The student must wait until all 1,000 hours are completed
D. The student may take a provisional exam that counts toward licensure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas allows students to take the written exam after completing 900 of 1,000 clock hours. The practical exam requires all
1,000 hours. This early-take option helps identify knowledge gaps before training completion. Options A and C incorrectly describe
timing restrictions, and D describes a non-existent provisional pathway.
Q6: What score is required to pass the TDLR Cosmetology written examination?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70% [CORRECT]
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A score of 70% is required to pass the written examination administered by PSI. This threshold is consistent with TDLR
program grading requirements for both written and practical examinations. Options A, B, and D state incorrect passing thresholds.
Q7: How often must a cosmetology license be renewed in Texas and what is the fee?
A. Every year for $30
B. Every 2 years for $53 [CORRECT]
C. Every 2 years for $75
D. Every 4 years for $100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas cosmetology licenses renew every 2 years at a cost of $53. The renewal requires 4 hours of continuing education
including mandatory human trafficking prevention and sanitation courses. Other options incorrectly state the renewal interval or fee
under TDLR fee schedules.
Q8: How many CE hours are required per renewal cycle and what courses are mandated?
A. 2 hours total including a sanitation course
B. 4 hours total including human trafficking prevention and sanitation/safety [CORRECT]
C. 6 hours total including human trafficking and infection control
D. 8 hours total including human trafficking, sanitation, and chemical safety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas requires 4 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle, including a human trafficking prevention awareness course and a
sanitation and safety course. The remaining hours may be elective. Failure to complete the human trafficking course results in a hard
lock on renewal under TDLR requirements.
Q9: How frequently are cosmetology salons inspected in Texas?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every year
C. Every 2 years [CORRECT]
D. Every 4 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Salons are inspected every 2 years by TDLR. Schools are inspected every 6 months, a much more frequent schedule
reflecting educational oversight. Options A and B confuse school inspection frequency with salon frequency. Inspections occur during
normal operating hours.
,Q10: How frequently are cosmetology schools inspected in Texas?
A. Every 3 months
B. Every 6 months [CORRECT]
C. Every year
D. Every 2 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cosmetology schools are inspected every 6 months, significantly more frequent than the 2-year salon cycle. This reflects
TDLR educational oversight responsibility. The distinction between school (6 months) and salon (2 years) inspection schedules is a
commonly tested concept on the TDLR examination.
Q11: A cosmetologist changes her home address. Within how many days must she notify TDLR?
A. 10 days
B. 15 days
C. 30 days [CORRECT]
D. 60 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: License holders must notify TDLR of any changes including address changes within 30 days. Address changes must be
submitted in writing and/or online. Options A and B underestimate the window, and D overstates it. The 30-day rule applies to all
reportable changes under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603.
Q12: A cosmetologist takes a break from practicing. What license status option is available?
A. The license automatically expires after 6 months of non-practice
B. The license may be placed in inactive status upon payment of a fee [CORRECT]
C. The license remains active as long as renewal fees are paid
D. The license must be surrendered and a new application filed upon return
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas allows licensees to place their license in inactive status if not actively practicing, though a fee is required. This
preserves the license without complete reapplication. Option A describes an automatic expiration that does not exist, and D describes an
unnecessarily burdensome process.
Q13: What postings are required in a Texas cosmetology salon?
A. Only the salon license and business hours
B. TDLR rules require specific postings including licensing information and consumer rights [CORRECT]
C. Only the salon license and emergency contact information
D. Postings are optional if the salon license is visible
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR rules require specific postings including licensing information and consumer rights, conspicuously displayed and
checked during inspections. Options A and C understate requirements, and D incorrectly suggests postings are optional. Failure to
maintain required postings results in inspection deficiencies.
Q14: Which services are covered under a Texas Cosmetology Operator license?
A. Hair services only; separate licenses required for skin and nails
B. Hair and nail services; separate license for skin care
C. Hair, skin, and nail services [CORRECT]
D. Hair, skin, nail, and barbering services
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A Cosmetology Operator license covers hair, skin, and nail services. A separate license is required for teaching (Instructor)
or barbering. Option D is incorrect because barbering requires its own license. The Operator license is the broadest single license for
personal care services under TDLR.
Q15: Can a licensed cosmetologist teach in a Texas cosmetology school with only an Operator license?
A. Yes, because the Operator license covers all cosmetology activities
B. No, a separate Cosmetology Instructor license is required [CORRECT]
, C. Yes, but only for practical skills; theory requires the Instructor license
D. Yes, but only after 3 years of professional experience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Teaching requires a separate Cosmetology Instructor license. The Operator license alone does not authorize teaching at any
level or for any subject. This scope-of-practice boundary is frequently tested. The dual licensing requirement ensures educators meet
additional qualification standards.
Q16: What is required to legally operate a cosmetology salon in Texas?
A. A valid business license from the county clerk
B. A salon license issued by TDLR [CORRECT]
C. Approval from the local health department only
D. A certificate of occupancy from the city building department
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A TDLR-issued salon license is required to legally operate a cosmetology salon. While other permits may also be needed, the
TDLR salon license is the specific regulatory requirement under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 for offering cosmetology
services.
Q17: What is required for a mobile salon license in Texas?
A. The mobile salon must operate from a fixed location 5 days per week
B. The mobile salon must have a permanent address, sufficient water supply, and GPS tracking [CORRECT]
C. Mobile salons are exempt from TDLR salon licensing
D. The mobile salon must be affiliated with a brick-and-mortar salon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mobile salons must have a permanent address, sufficient water supply, and a GPS tracking system. These ensure TDLR can
verify sanitation standards and locate the salon for inspections. The GPS requirement is specific to mobile salons and not applicable to
fixed locations.
Q18: During what hours may TDLR inspectors conduct salon inspections?
A. Only 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
B. During normal operating hours of the salon [CORRECT]
C. At any time with 24 hours notice
D. Only by appointment with 48 hours advance notice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR inspections occur during normal operating hours, allowing inspectors to observe actual practice conditions. Inspectors
do not need appointments and can arrive unannounced during business hours. Options A, C, and D incorrectly describe restrictions that
do not apply to TDLR inspection authority.
Q19: A student has completed 850 hours and wants to take the written exam. What should they be told?
A. The student is eligible and should schedule immediately
B. The student must complete 900 hours before taking the written exam [CORRECT]
C. The student is eligible because only 750 hours are needed
D. The student may take a practice exam that counts if passed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Students may take the written exam after completing 900 hours. At 850 hours the student is not yet eligible. The 900-hour
threshold is specific to the written examination early-take provision. The student needs 50 more hours before becoming eligible.
Q20: A salon owner asks to reschedule a TDLR inspection. Can the inspection be deferred?
A. TDLR will accommodate rescheduling with 48 hours notice
B. TDLR inspections during normal operating hours cannot be deferred [CORRECT]
C. The inspection can be rescheduled with a written request within 24 hours
D. TDLR must obtain owner consent before inspecting
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
150 Questions | Aligned with Texas TDLR and PSI Testing Standards
Section 1: TDLR Licensing, Laws, and Regulations
Licensing Requirements, TDLR Jurisdiction, Inspections, Renewals, Reporting, Scope of Practice, &
Salons (Q1-Q25)
Q1: Which Texas state agency regulates barbering and cosmetology, controlling eligibility, licensing, inspections, and
enforcement?
A. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
B. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
C. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) [CORRECT]
D. The Professional Testing Service (PSI)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TDLR is the regulatory authority for barbering and cosmetology in Texas. PSI administers the licensing exams on behalf of
TDLR but does not hold regulatory authority. DSHS regulates health-related professions, and TWC handles workforce development.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 establishes TDLR as the primary regulatory body for cosmetology licensing, inspections, and
enforcement.
Q2: What is the role of PSI in Texas cosmetology licensing?
A. PSI sets the curriculum standards for TDLR-approved schools
B. PSI inspects salons and enforces TDLR regulations
C. PSI administers the written and practical licensing examinations on behalf of TDLR [CORRECT]
D. PSI issues and renews cosmetology licenses in Texas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: PSI (Professional Testing Service) administers the cosmetology licensing examinations for TDLR, but TDLR retains all
regulatory authority including curriculum oversight, salon inspections, and license issuance. Confusing PSI with TDLR is a common
exam error. PSI is a testing vendor, not a regulatory body under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603.
Q3: How many clock hours must a candidate complete at a TDLR-approved school for a Cosmetology Operator
license?
A. 750 clock hours
B. 1,000 clock hours [CORRECT]
C. 1,200 clock hours
D. 1,500 clock hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas requires 1,000 clock hours at a TDLR-approved school for a Cosmetology Operator license. The curriculum covers
700 hours of theory and related practice plus 300 hours of specialty practice. The other hour amounts represent requirements for
different license types or outdated standards under TDLR regulations.
Q4: What is the minimum age to obtain a Cosmetology Operator license in Texas?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old [CORRECT]
C. 18 years old
, D. 21 years old
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The minimum age is 17 years old, which is distinct from the general age of majority (18). Option A is too young, and
options C and D overstate the requirement. Candidates who are 17 may begin training and take the written exam early at 900 hours
under TDLR rules.
Q5: A student has completed 900 of 1,000 required hours. What examination option is available?
A. The student may take both the written and practical exams
B. The student may take the written examination early [CORRECT]
C. The student must wait until all 1,000 hours are completed
D. The student may take a provisional exam that counts toward licensure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas allows students to take the written exam after completing 900 of 1,000 clock hours. The practical exam requires all
1,000 hours. This early-take option helps identify knowledge gaps before training completion. Options A and C incorrectly describe
timing restrictions, and D describes a non-existent provisional pathway.
Q6: What score is required to pass the TDLR Cosmetology written examination?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70% [CORRECT]
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A score of 70% is required to pass the written examination administered by PSI. This threshold is consistent with TDLR
program grading requirements for both written and practical examinations. Options A, B, and D state incorrect passing thresholds.
Q7: How often must a cosmetology license be renewed in Texas and what is the fee?
A. Every year for $30
B. Every 2 years for $53 [CORRECT]
C. Every 2 years for $75
D. Every 4 years for $100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas cosmetology licenses renew every 2 years at a cost of $53. The renewal requires 4 hours of continuing education
including mandatory human trafficking prevention and sanitation courses. Other options incorrectly state the renewal interval or fee
under TDLR fee schedules.
Q8: How many CE hours are required per renewal cycle and what courses are mandated?
A. 2 hours total including a sanitation course
B. 4 hours total including human trafficking prevention and sanitation/safety [CORRECT]
C. 6 hours total including human trafficking and infection control
D. 8 hours total including human trafficking, sanitation, and chemical safety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas requires 4 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle, including a human trafficking prevention awareness course and a
sanitation and safety course. The remaining hours may be elective. Failure to complete the human trafficking course results in a hard
lock on renewal under TDLR requirements.
Q9: How frequently are cosmetology salons inspected in Texas?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every year
C. Every 2 years [CORRECT]
D. Every 4 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Salons are inspected every 2 years by TDLR. Schools are inspected every 6 months, a much more frequent schedule
reflecting educational oversight. Options A and B confuse school inspection frequency with salon frequency. Inspections occur during
normal operating hours.
,Q10: How frequently are cosmetology schools inspected in Texas?
A. Every 3 months
B. Every 6 months [CORRECT]
C. Every year
D. Every 2 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cosmetology schools are inspected every 6 months, significantly more frequent than the 2-year salon cycle. This reflects
TDLR educational oversight responsibility. The distinction between school (6 months) and salon (2 years) inspection schedules is a
commonly tested concept on the TDLR examination.
Q11: A cosmetologist changes her home address. Within how many days must she notify TDLR?
A. 10 days
B. 15 days
C. 30 days [CORRECT]
D. 60 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: License holders must notify TDLR of any changes including address changes within 30 days. Address changes must be
submitted in writing and/or online. Options A and B underestimate the window, and D overstates it. The 30-day rule applies to all
reportable changes under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603.
Q12: A cosmetologist takes a break from practicing. What license status option is available?
A. The license automatically expires after 6 months of non-practice
B. The license may be placed in inactive status upon payment of a fee [CORRECT]
C. The license remains active as long as renewal fees are paid
D. The license must be surrendered and a new application filed upon return
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Texas allows licensees to place their license in inactive status if not actively practicing, though a fee is required. This
preserves the license without complete reapplication. Option A describes an automatic expiration that does not exist, and D describes an
unnecessarily burdensome process.
Q13: What postings are required in a Texas cosmetology salon?
A. Only the salon license and business hours
B. TDLR rules require specific postings including licensing information and consumer rights [CORRECT]
C. Only the salon license and emergency contact information
D. Postings are optional if the salon license is visible
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR rules require specific postings including licensing information and consumer rights, conspicuously displayed and
checked during inspections. Options A and C understate requirements, and D incorrectly suggests postings are optional. Failure to
maintain required postings results in inspection deficiencies.
Q14: Which services are covered under a Texas Cosmetology Operator license?
A. Hair services only; separate licenses required for skin and nails
B. Hair and nail services; separate license for skin care
C. Hair, skin, and nail services [CORRECT]
D. Hair, skin, nail, and barbering services
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A Cosmetology Operator license covers hair, skin, and nail services. A separate license is required for teaching (Instructor)
or barbering. Option D is incorrect because barbering requires its own license. The Operator license is the broadest single license for
personal care services under TDLR.
Q15: Can a licensed cosmetologist teach in a Texas cosmetology school with only an Operator license?
A. Yes, because the Operator license covers all cosmetology activities
B. No, a separate Cosmetology Instructor license is required [CORRECT]
, C. Yes, but only for practical skills; theory requires the Instructor license
D. Yes, but only after 3 years of professional experience
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Teaching requires a separate Cosmetology Instructor license. The Operator license alone does not authorize teaching at any
level or for any subject. This scope-of-practice boundary is frequently tested. The dual licensing requirement ensures educators meet
additional qualification standards.
Q16: What is required to legally operate a cosmetology salon in Texas?
A. A valid business license from the county clerk
B. A salon license issued by TDLR [CORRECT]
C. Approval from the local health department only
D. A certificate of occupancy from the city building department
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A TDLR-issued salon license is required to legally operate a cosmetology salon. While other permits may also be needed, the
TDLR salon license is the specific regulatory requirement under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 for offering cosmetology
services.
Q17: What is required for a mobile salon license in Texas?
A. The mobile salon must operate from a fixed location 5 days per week
B. The mobile salon must have a permanent address, sufficient water supply, and GPS tracking [CORRECT]
C. Mobile salons are exempt from TDLR salon licensing
D. The mobile salon must be affiliated with a brick-and-mortar salon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mobile salons must have a permanent address, sufficient water supply, and a GPS tracking system. These ensure TDLR can
verify sanitation standards and locate the salon for inspections. The GPS requirement is specific to mobile salons and not applicable to
fixed locations.
Q18: During what hours may TDLR inspectors conduct salon inspections?
A. Only 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
B. During normal operating hours of the salon [CORRECT]
C. At any time with 24 hours notice
D. Only by appointment with 48 hours advance notice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TDLR inspections occur during normal operating hours, allowing inspectors to observe actual practice conditions. Inspectors
do not need appointments and can arrive unannounced during business hours. Options A, C, and D incorrectly describe restrictions that
do not apply to TDLR inspection authority.
Q19: A student has completed 850 hours and wants to take the written exam. What should they be told?
A. The student is eligible and should schedule immediately
B. The student must complete 900 hours before taking the written exam [CORRECT]
C. The student is eligible because only 750 hours are needed
D. The student may take a practice exam that counts if passed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Students may take the written exam after completing 900 hours. At 850 hours the student is not yet eligible. The 900-hour
threshold is specific to the written examination early-take provision. The student needs 50 more hours before becoming eligible.
Q20: A salon owner asks to reschedule a TDLR inspection. Can the inspection be deferred?
A. TDLR will accommodate rescheduling with 48 hours notice
B. TDLR inspections during normal operating hours cannot be deferred [CORRECT]
C. The inspection can be rescheduled with a written request within 24 hours
D. TDLR must obtain owner consent before inspecting
Correct Answer: B
