Texas Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees cosmetology licensing in Texas. To obtain a cosmetology operator license in Texas, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school, pass both the written and practical portions of the Texas cosmetology exam, and submit a license application with the required fees.
Texas also offers a cosmetology esthetician license (750 hours) and a cosmetology manicurist license (600 hours) for students who want to specialize rather than obtain the full operator license.
Texas State Board Exam Format
The Texas cosmetology written exam is administered by PSI Services. The operator exam contains 100 questions with a 90-minute time limit. The passing score is 70% (70 correct answers out of 100).
The practical exam is administered at PSI testing centers throughout Texas and evaluates your ability to perform specific cosmetology services safely and correctly. You must pass both portions within one year of each other.
Key Topics on the Texas Cosmetology Exam
Trichology — hair structure, growth cycles, and disorders — is one of the most heavily tested areas on the Texas exam. Know the three layers of the hair shaft, the three phases of the hair growth cycle, and the major hair and scalp disorders.
Chemical services — permanent waves, relaxers, and hair color — require a thorough understanding of the chemistry involved. Texas exams frequently test the pH of various chemical services and the proper safety procedures for each.
Sanitation and safety — Texas has specific sanitation requirements governed by TDLR rules. Know the difference between sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization, and know which procedures are required for different types of implements and surfaces.
Texas state laws — TDLR rules and the Texas Occupations Code govern cosmetology licensing in Texas. Know the license renewal requirements (every two years), the continuing education requirements (4 hours per renewal period), and the rules for operating a cosmetology establishment.
Texas-Specific Regulations to Know
Texas requires cosmetology operators to renew their license every two years and complete 4 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. At least 1 hour of the continuing education must cover laws and rules.
Texas also has specific rules about the use of certain chemicals in cosmetology services. For example, the use of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in nail services is prohibited in Texas. This type of state-specific regulation appears on the Texas exam.
Preparing for the Texas Exam
The Texas cosmetology exam is known for its emphasis on state laws and regulations. Students who fail the Texas exam often do so because they underestimated the number of law-related questions. Spend at least one full week studying TDLR rules and the Texas Occupations Code before your exam date.
For the practical exam, download the Texas practical exam criteria from the TDLR website and practice each skill to the exact standard described. Texas practical exams are strictly scored — missing a step, even a minor one, results in point deductions.