Fall Semester 2026–2027 Florida Cosmetology Exam Updated 2026 |
190+ Questions and Answers | Florida State Board Cosmetology Licensing
Examination Study Guide, Practice Test, Comprehensive Review, Exam
Prep Test Bank, Haircutting, Hairstyling, Hair Coloring, Chemical Texture
Services, Skin Care, Nail Care, Infection Control, Safety and Sanitation,
Professional Practices, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision
Material
Question 1: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, what is the
minimum passing scaled score required for both the written theory and written
clinical portions of the Florida Cosmetology examination?
A. 70
B. 75
C. 80
D. 85
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 explicitly states that the
minimum passing score for both parts of the cosmetology examination is set at 75 on a
scale of 0 to 100. This is a critical piece of information for all candidates to know .
Question 2: Under Florida law, what is the minimum age requirement for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure as a cosmetologist by examination?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 16 years old
Rationale: According to both the DBPR application checklist and Florida Statute
477.019, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age or have received a high school
diploma to be eligible for licensure by examination .
Question 3: What is the minimum number of training hours generally required for
an applicant to be eligible for the Florida cosmetology licensure 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) mandates 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 4: Which of the following categories carries the highest weight on the
written theory portion of the Florida Cosmetology examination?
A. Client Services
B. Facial, 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 Rule 61G5-18.003, the subject category of General Safety and
Sanitation Procedures has the highest weight on the written theory examination at 34%,
followed by Client Services at 24%, Facial, Make-up, and Hair Removal at 16%,
Manicuring and Pedicuring at 16%, and Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
at 10% .
Question 5: On the written clinical portion of the Florida Cosmetology exam, which
category comprises the largest percentage of the test?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Styling
C. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
D. Hair Coloring and Lightening
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: The written clinical examination is weighted with Hair Coloring and
Lightening accounting for the largest portion at 39%, followed by 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: A student who has completed 1,000 hours of training and has been
certified as achieving minimum competency by their school director is allowed to
take the licensure examination. If this student passes the exam, what is the
outcome?
A. They must complete the remaining 200 hours before being licensed.
B. They have satisfied the training requirement for licensure.
C. They are granted a provisional license until the 1,200 hours are complete.
D. They must pass a practical exam as well to qualify.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They have satisfied the training requirement for licensure.
Rationale: Florida law and board rule allow an applicant who has completed a
minimum of 1,000 hours and has been certified by their school to take the examination.
If they pass, they have satisfied the full training requirement. However, if they fail, they
are not qualified to retake the exam until they have completed the full 1,200 hours .
,Question 7: An applicant who fails either portion of the Florida Cosmetology
examination on their first attempt must do what to schedule a retake?
A. Wait for a formal letter from the board.
B. Submit a reexamination application.
C. Complete 100 hours of remedial training.
D. Retake the entire 1,200-hour course.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Submit a reexamination application.
Rationale: The DBPR website states that if an applicant fails the examination, they are
required to submit a reexamination application before they can schedule another
examination with the test vendor, Pearson VUE. Additional signatures from the
cosmetology school are not required for this reapplication .
Question 8: In Florida, a cosmetologist who has passed all parts of the examination
may practice before receiving a physical copy of their license under what
condition?
A. They must practice in a separate room from other licensees.
B. They must practice under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed
salon.
C. They can only practice on family and friends.
D. They must wait for a temporary permit from the board.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They must practice under the supervision of a licensed
cosmetologist in a licensed salon.
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(4) states that an applicant who has passed all parts
of the examination may practice in the time between passing the examination and
receiving a physical copy of their license, provided they practice under the supervision
of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon .
Question 9: How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for a Florida
cosmetologist to renew their license each biennium?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 15 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Both Florida Statute 477.019(7)(a) and Rule 61G5-32.001 specify that the
board shall prescribe continuing education requirements not to exceed 10 hours
biennially as a condition for license renewal .
Question 10: Of the 10 hours of required continuing education, how many hours
must be specifically dedicated to sanitation and sterilization?
, A. 1 hour
B. 2 hours
C. 3 hours
D. 4 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 3 hours
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1)(b) mandates that the continuing education must
include a minimum of three (3) hours of instruction regarding sanitation and
sterilization. This covers standard precautions, distinguishing between disinfectants
and antiseptics, sanitizing hands and tools, and controlling bloodborne pathogens and
parasites .
Question 11: The primary function of the Florida Board of Cosmetology is best
described as which of the following?
A. To operate cosmetology schools in the state.
B. To provide low-cost insurance to salon owners.
C. To carry out the provisions of the Florida Cosmetology Act.
D. To set the prices for cosmetology services.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To carry out the provisions of the Florida Cosmetology Act.
Rationale: The primary function of the board is to implement and enforce the Florida
Cosmetology Act, which includes establishing rules for licensure, practice standards,
and discipline to protect the public. They do not operate schools or set prices for
services .
Question 12: If a cosmetology salon owner wishes to employ an applicant who has
passed the examination but has not yet received their physical license, what must
the salon owner obtain from the applicant before allowing them to work?
A. A signed contract agreeing to a lower wage.
B. Proof that they have passed all parts of the examination.
C. A recommendation letter from their school.
D. A notarized affidavit of good moral character.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proof that they have passed all parts of the examination.
Rationale: Rule 61G5-20.008 requires that before a salon permits an applicant for
licensure to perform cosmetology services in their salon, they must obtain proof from
the applicant that they have passed all parts of the examination for licensure within the
preceding two years .
Question 13: A salon owner must display a copy of the applicant's passing
examination certificate in a conspicuous place in the salon if that applicant is
working while waiting for their license. Where is this requirement found?
A. Florida Statute 477.019
B. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-20.008
190+ Questions and Answers | Florida State Board Cosmetology Licensing
Examination Study Guide, Practice Test, Comprehensive Review, Exam
Prep Test Bank, Haircutting, Hairstyling, Hair Coloring, Chemical Texture
Services, Skin Care, Nail Care, Infection Control, Safety and Sanitation,
Professional Practices, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision
Material
Question 1: According to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003, what is the
minimum passing scaled score required for both the written theory and written
clinical portions of the Florida Cosmetology examination?
A. 70
B. 75
C. 80
D. 85
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-18.003 explicitly states that the
minimum passing score for both parts of the cosmetology examination is set at 75 on a
scale of 0 to 100. This is a critical piece of information for all candidates to know .
Question 2: Under Florida law, what is the minimum age requirement for an
applicant to be eligible for licensure as a cosmetologist by examination?
A. 16 years old
B. 17 years old
C. 18 years old
D. 21 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 16 years old
Rationale: According to both the DBPR application checklist and Florida Statute
477.019, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age or have received a high school
diploma to be eligible for licensure by examination .
Question 3: What is the minimum number of training hours generally required for
an applicant to be eligible for the Florida cosmetology licensure 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) mandates 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 4: Which of the following categories carries the highest weight on the
written theory portion of the Florida Cosmetology examination?
A. Client Services
B. Facial, 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 Rule 61G5-18.003, the subject category of General Safety and
Sanitation Procedures has the highest weight on the written theory examination at 34%,
followed by Client Services at 24%, Facial, Make-up, and Hair Removal at 16%,
Manicuring and Pedicuring at 16%, and Professional/Legal and Ethical Laws and Rules
at 10% .
Question 5: On the written clinical portion of the Florida Cosmetology exam, which
category comprises the largest percentage of the test?
A. Hair Cutting/Shaping
B. Hair Styling
C. Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing
D. Hair Coloring and Lightening
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hair Coloring and Lightening
Rationale: The written clinical examination is weighted with Hair Coloring and
Lightening accounting for the largest portion at 39%, followed by 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: A student who has completed 1,000 hours of training and has been
certified as achieving minimum competency by their school director is allowed to
take the licensure examination. If this student passes the exam, what is the
outcome?
A. They must complete the remaining 200 hours before being licensed.
B. They have satisfied the training requirement for licensure.
C. They are granted a provisional license until the 1,200 hours are complete.
D. They must pass a practical exam as well to qualify.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They have satisfied the training requirement for licensure.
Rationale: Florida law and board rule allow an applicant who has completed a
minimum of 1,000 hours and has been certified by their school to take the examination.
If they pass, they have satisfied the full training requirement. However, if they fail, they
are not qualified to retake the exam until they have completed the full 1,200 hours .
,Question 7: An applicant who fails either portion of the Florida Cosmetology
examination on their first attempt must do what to schedule a retake?
A. Wait for a formal letter from the board.
B. Submit a reexamination application.
C. Complete 100 hours of remedial training.
D. Retake the entire 1,200-hour course.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Submit a reexamination application.
Rationale: The DBPR website states that if an applicant fails the examination, they are
required to submit a reexamination application before they can schedule another
examination with the test vendor, Pearson VUE. Additional signatures from the
cosmetology school are not required for this reapplication .
Question 8: In Florida, a cosmetologist who has passed all parts of the examination
may practice before receiving a physical copy of their license under what
condition?
A. They must practice in a separate room from other licensees.
B. They must practice under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed
salon.
C. They can only practice on family and friends.
D. They must wait for a temporary permit from the board.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They must practice under the supervision of a licensed
cosmetologist in a licensed salon.
Rationale: Florida Statute 477.019(4) states that an applicant who has passed all parts
of the examination may practice in the time between passing the examination and
receiving a physical copy of their license, provided they practice under the supervision
of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon .
Question 9: How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for a Florida
cosmetologist to renew their license each biennium?
A. 5 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 10 hours
D. 15 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10 hours
Rationale: Both Florida Statute 477.019(7)(a) and Rule 61G5-32.001 specify that the
board shall prescribe continuing education requirements not to exceed 10 hours
biennially as a condition for license renewal .
Question 10: Of the 10 hours of required continuing education, how many hours
must be specifically dedicated to sanitation and sterilization?
, A. 1 hour
B. 2 hours
C. 3 hours
D. 4 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 3 hours
Rationale: Rule 61G5-32.001(1)(b) mandates that the continuing education must
include a minimum of three (3) hours of instruction regarding sanitation and
sterilization. This covers standard precautions, distinguishing between disinfectants
and antiseptics, sanitizing hands and tools, and controlling bloodborne pathogens and
parasites .
Question 11: The primary function of the Florida Board of Cosmetology is best
described as which of the following?
A. To operate cosmetology schools in the state.
B. To provide low-cost insurance to salon owners.
C. To carry out the provisions of the Florida Cosmetology Act.
D. To set the prices for cosmetology services.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To carry out the provisions of the Florida Cosmetology Act.
Rationale: The primary function of the board is to implement and enforce the Florida
Cosmetology Act, which includes establishing rules for licensure, practice standards,
and discipline to protect the public. They do not operate schools or set prices for
services .
Question 12: If a cosmetology salon owner wishes to employ an applicant who has
passed the examination but has not yet received their physical license, what must
the salon owner obtain from the applicant before allowing them to work?
A. A signed contract agreeing to a lower wage.
B. Proof that they have passed all parts of the examination.
C. A recommendation letter from their school.
D. A notarized affidavit of good moral character.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proof that they have passed all parts of the examination.
Rationale: Rule 61G5-20.008 requires that before a salon permits an applicant for
licensure to perform cosmetology services in their salon, they must obtain proof from
the applicant that they have passed all parts of the examination for licensure within the
preceding two years .
Question 13: A salon owner must display a copy of the applicant's passing
examination certificate in a conspicuous place in the salon if that applicant is
working while waiting for their license. Where is this requirement found?
A. Florida Statute 477.019
B. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-20.008
