Florida Cosmetology Exam Updated 2026 | Comprehensive State Board
Licensing Study Guide, Practice Exam Questions and Answers, Exam Prep
Test Bank, Hair Skin and Nail Theory Review, Infection Control and
Sanitation Standards, Chemical Services and Hair Processing, Florida
Laws and Regulations, Client Consultation Techniques, and Detailed
Revision Material for Cosmetology Certification Success
Question 1: What is the minimum score required to pass the Florida Cosmetology
written theory examination?
A. 70 on a scale of 0 to 100
B. 75 on a scale of 0 to 100
C. 80 on a scale of 0 to 100
D. 85 on a scale of 0 to 100
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75 on a scale of 0 to 100
Rationale: According to the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 61G5-18.003,
candidates' scores are converted to a scale of 0 to 100, and the minimum passing score
determined by the Board is set at 75 .
Question 2: Under Florida law, how many hours of training are required for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure as a cosmetologist by examination?
A. 1,000 hours
B. 1,200 hours
C. 1,500 hours
D. 1,800 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1,200 hours
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(2)(c) states that an applicant must have received a
minimum of 1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include the
equivalent of completion of services directly related to the practice of cosmetology .
Question 3: Which of the following subjects carries the highest weight on the
Florida Cosmetology written theory examination?
A. Facial, Make-up, and Hair Removal
B. Manicuring and Pedicuring
C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
D. Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
CORRECT ANSWER: C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(2)(a) specifies that General Safety and Sanitation
Procedures carry a weight of 34% on the written theory examination, which is the
highest percentage among all categories .
Question 4: According to the Florida Cosmetology Act, which entity is responsible
for regulating the practice of cosmetology in the interest of public health?
,A. The U.S. Department of Health
B. The Florida Board of Cosmetology
C. The Florida Department of Education
D. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Florida Board of Cosmetology
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.012 states that the Legislature deems it necessary to
regulate the practice of cosmetology in the state, and the Board of Cosmetology is the
regulatory body established for this purpose .
Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement for an applicant seeking
licensure as a cosmetologist in Florida?
A. 16 years of age
B. 18 years of age
C. 21 years of age
D. 25 years of age
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 16 years of age
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(2)(a) specifies that an applicant is eligible for
licensure if they are at least 16 years of age or have received a high school diploma .
Question 6: Which category has the highest weight on the Florida Cosmetology
written clinical examination?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Styling
C. Hair Coloring and Lightening
D. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(3)(a) indicates that Hair Coloring and Lightening carries a
weight of 39% on the clinical examination, making it the category with the highest
percentage .
Question 7: According to Florida law, a person whose practice is confined solely to
which activity is NOT required to hold a cosmetology license?
A. Hair coloring
B. Permanent waving
C. Shampooing
D. Chemical relaxing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Shampooing
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0135(2) provides an exemption from licensure for any
person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to shampooing .
,Question 8: How many hours of continuing education must a licensed
cosmetologist complete prior to each biennial license renewal?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 15 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1) requires all licensed cosmetologists and registered
specialists to complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education as a
condition for renewal of their license .
Question 9: A cosmetology license applicant who fails either portion of the
examination on the first attempt may submit a reexamination application. What is
the timeframe to complete both portions of the examination?
A. Within 1 year from the first attempt
B. Within 18 months from the first attempt
C. Within 2 years from the first attempt
D. Within 3 years from the first attempt
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Within 2 years from the first attempt
Rationale: According to the DBPR guidelines, applicants must complete both portions
of the examination within a two-year period from the date of the first attempt of either
portion. If both portions are not passed within this period, the applicant must retake
both .
Question 10: Which of the following definitions is correct according to the Florida
Cosmetology Act?
A. "Cosmetology" includes the practice of medicine on the head and face
B. "Cosmetology" means the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and
scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes
C. "Cosmetology" excludes hair coloring and permanent waving
D. "Cosmetology" can only be performed by medical professionals
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Cosmetology" means the mechanical or chemical
treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.013(4) defines cosmetology as the mechanical or
chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical
purposes, including services such as hair cutting, coloring, permanent waving, and
relaxing .
Question 11: What is the minimum number of HIV/AIDS continuing education hours
required for biennial cosmetology license renewal?
, A. 0.5 hours
B. 1 hour
C. 2 hours
D. 3 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 hour
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1)(a) mandates a minimum of one (1) hour of instruction
regarding HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases as part of the continuing
education requirement .
Question 12: Under Florida law, which of the following individuals is exempt from
cosmetology licensing requirements?
A. A person providing makeup services to the general public for compensation
B. A person whose practice is confined solely to hair braiding
C. A person performing permanent waving services
D. A person providing nail extension services
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A person whose practice is confined solely to hair braiding
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0135(7) provides that a license or registration is not
required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair braiding as
defined in s. 477.013(9) .
Question 13: According to Rule 61G5-18.003, what is the weight of
Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules on the written theory examination?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10%
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(2)(a) lists Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
with a weight of 10% on the written theory examination .
Question 14: Which of the following is NOT considered a "specialty" under the
Florida Cosmetology Act?
A. Manicuring
B. Pedicuring
C. Hair coloring
D. Facials
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hair coloring
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.013(6) defines specialties as manicuring, pedicuring,
and facials. Hair coloring is part of general cosmetology practice, not a separate
specialty registration .
Licensing Study Guide, Practice Exam Questions and Answers, Exam Prep
Test Bank, Hair Skin and Nail Theory Review, Infection Control and
Sanitation Standards, Chemical Services and Hair Processing, Florida
Laws and Regulations, Client Consultation Techniques, and Detailed
Revision Material for Cosmetology Certification Success
Question 1: What is the minimum score required to pass the Florida Cosmetology
written theory examination?
A. 70 on a scale of 0 to 100
B. 75 on a scale of 0 to 100
C. 80 on a scale of 0 to 100
D. 85 on a scale of 0 to 100
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75 on a scale of 0 to 100
Rationale: According to the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 61G5-18.003,
candidates' scores are converted to a scale of 0 to 100, and the minimum passing score
determined by the Board is set at 75 .
Question 2: Under Florida law, how many hours of training are required for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure as a cosmetologist by examination?
A. 1,000 hours
B. 1,200 hours
C. 1,500 hours
D. 1,800 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1,200 hours
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(2)(c) states that an applicant must have received a
minimum of 1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include the
equivalent of completion of services directly related to the practice of cosmetology .
Question 3: Which of the following subjects carries the highest weight on the
Florida Cosmetology written theory examination?
A. Facial, Make-up, and Hair Removal
B. Manicuring and Pedicuring
C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
D. Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
CORRECT ANSWER: C. General Safety and Sanitation Procedures
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(2)(a) specifies that General Safety and Sanitation
Procedures carry a weight of 34% on the written theory examination, which is the
highest percentage among all categories .
Question 4: According to the Florida Cosmetology Act, which entity is responsible
for regulating the practice of cosmetology in the interest of public health?
,A. The U.S. Department of Health
B. The Florida Board of Cosmetology
C. The Florida Department of Education
D. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Florida Board of Cosmetology
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.012 states that the Legislature deems it necessary to
regulate the practice of cosmetology in the state, and the Board of Cosmetology is the
regulatory body established for this purpose .
Question 5: What is the minimum age requirement for an applicant seeking
licensure as a cosmetologist in Florida?
A. 16 years of age
B. 18 years of age
C. 21 years of age
D. 25 years of age
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 16 years of age
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(2)(a) specifies that an applicant is eligible for
licensure if they are at least 16 years of age or have received a high school diploma .
Question 6: Which category has the highest weight on the Florida Cosmetology
written clinical examination?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Styling
C. Hair Coloring and Lightening
D. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(3)(a) indicates that Hair Coloring and Lightening carries a
weight of 39% on the clinical examination, making it the category with the highest
percentage .
Question 7: According to Florida law, a person whose practice is confined solely to
which activity is NOT required to hold a cosmetology license?
A. Hair coloring
B. Permanent waving
C. Shampooing
D. Chemical relaxing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Shampooing
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0135(2) provides an exemption from licensure for any
person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to shampooing .
,Question 8: How many hours of continuing education must a licensed
cosmetologist complete prior to each biennial license renewal?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 15 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1) requires all licensed cosmetologists and registered
specialists to complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education as a
condition for renewal of their license .
Question 9: A cosmetology license applicant who fails either portion of the
examination on the first attempt may submit a reexamination application. What is
the timeframe to complete both portions of the examination?
A. Within 1 year from the first attempt
B. Within 18 months from the first attempt
C. Within 2 years from the first attempt
D. Within 3 years from the first attempt
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Within 2 years from the first attempt
Rationale: According to the DBPR guidelines, applicants must complete both portions
of the examination within a two-year period from the date of the first attempt of either
portion. If both portions are not passed within this period, the applicant must retake
both .
Question 10: Which of the following definitions is correct according to the Florida
Cosmetology Act?
A. "Cosmetology" includes the practice of medicine on the head and face
B. "Cosmetology" means the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and
scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes
C. "Cosmetology" excludes hair coloring and permanent waving
D. "Cosmetology" can only be performed by medical professionals
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Cosmetology" means the mechanical or chemical
treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.013(4) defines cosmetology as the mechanical or
chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical
purposes, including services such as hair cutting, coloring, permanent waving, and
relaxing .
Question 11: What is the minimum number of HIV/AIDS continuing education hours
required for biennial cosmetology license renewal?
, A. 0.5 hours
B. 1 hour
C. 2 hours
D. 3 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 1 hour
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1)(a) mandates a minimum of one (1) hour of instruction
regarding HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases as part of the continuing
education requirement .
Question 12: Under Florida law, which of the following individuals is exempt from
cosmetology licensing requirements?
A. A person providing makeup services to the general public for compensation
B. A person whose practice is confined solely to hair braiding
C. A person performing permanent waving services
D. A person providing nail extension services
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A person whose practice is confined solely to hair braiding
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.0135(7) provides that a license or registration is not
required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair braiding as
defined in s. 477.013(9) .
Question 13: According to Rule 61G5-18.003, what is the weight of
Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules on the written theory examination?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10%
Rationale: Rule 61G5-18.003(2)(a) lists Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
with a weight of 10% on the written theory examination .
Question 14: Which of the following is NOT considered a "specialty" under the
Florida Cosmetology Act?
A. Manicuring
B. Pedicuring
C. Hair coloring
D. Facials
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hair coloring
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.013(6) defines specialties as manicuring, pedicuring,
and facials. Hair coloring is part of general cosmetology practice, not a separate
specialty registration .
