Free practice test · NIC theory exam
Cosmetology state board practice test
63 free questions on NIC's 2022 cosmetology outline, mixed across scientific concepts, hair care, skin care and nail care. Pick an answer to see whether you're right, why, and where the fact comes from. No sign-up.
Hair Services · 1 of 63
0 correct
The angle at which hair is held away from the head during a haircut is called:
The real exam, by the numbers
- 110
- questions
- 90 min
- time limit
- 75%
- to pass in most states
- 4
- content sections
Questions per section, out of 110
- IScientific Conceptsabout 38 · 35%
- IIHair Care and Servicesabout 50 · 45%
- IIISkin Care and Servicesabout 11 · 10%
- IVNail Care and Servicesabout 11 · 10%
Based on NIC's 2022 cosmetology theory outline.
Common questions
- Are these real state board questions?
- No. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions. These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA and the FDA, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam.
- What's on the cosmetology theory exam?
- NIC's 2022 cosmetology outline has 4 sections: scientific concepts (35%), hair care and services (45%), skin care and services (10%), and nail care and services (10%).
- Does my state use the NIC exam?
- Many states use NIC's national theory exam, but not all: California, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas don't. Check with your state board before you book.
- How long is the exam, and what score do I need?
- 110 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Most states require 75% to pass.
- Where can I practice with more questions?
- Slay the Board for iPhone has all 610 cosmetology questions, unlimited timed 110-question practice exams weighted like the real test, and drills built from your mistakes.
Coming soon to the App Store