State board exam guide · Checked November 1, 2026

Arizona cosmetology & esthetics state board exam

Arizona uses NIC's exams through PCS (Virtual Inc.), and both are taken on a computer: the theory exam and NIC's written practical. Here are the hours, fees and test format, checked against the board's and PCS's own pages.

The exams at a glance

Cosmetology

License
Cosmetologist
School hours
1,500 hours
Written exam
110 questions, 90 minutes
Written pass mark
75%
Written exam fee
$100
Practical exam
NIC written practical, on a computer (PCS)
Practical exam fee
$77

Esthetics

License
Aesthetician
School hours
600 hours
Written exam
110 questions, 90 minutes
Written pass mark
75%
Written exam fee
$100
Practical exam
NIC written practical, on a computer (PCS)
Practical exam fee
$77

Board: Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. Exams: PCS. Fees are as of November 1, 2026; confirm them before you book.

What's on the written exam

Arizona's written exams follow NIC's national outlines. Each section's share of the questions:

Cosmetology

  • Scientific Concepts35%
  • Hair Care and Services45%
  • Skin Care and Services10%
  • Nail Care and Services10%

Esthetics

  • Scientific Concepts55%
  • Skin Care and Services45%

New esthetics outline? See what's on NIC's 2025 esthetics exam and what changed.

Good to know in Arizona

  • There's no hands-on exam: the practical is NIC's written practical, taken on a computer like the theory exam. The two cost $177 together.
  • The cosmetology and aesthetics practicals are offered in English or Spanish.
  • Arizona spells the license aesthetician, and the board calls the course aesthetics.
  • You apply to the board for your license after you pass both exams.

Practice for the Arizona written exam

Slay the Board's questions follow NIC's national outlines, the ones Arizona's written exams are built on. Start with a free practice test, or study 690 questions and timed exams weighted like the real one.

Free cosmetology practice test Free esthetics practice test

Or study questions by topic, or race the clock in today's free daily challenge: cosmetology or esthetics.

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Questions about the Arizona exam

Does Arizona use the NIC exam?

Arizona uses NIC's exams through PCS (Virtual Inc.), and both are taken on a computer: the theory exam and NIC's written practical.

How many questions are on the Arizona cosmetology and esthetics written exams?

110 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, for both licenses.

What score do you need to pass the Arizona written exam?

75%, for both cosmetology and esthetics.

How much does the Arizona state board exam cost?

PCS charges $100 for the written exam and $77 for the practical, for cosmetology and esthetics alike. Fees as of November 1, 2026.

How many school hours do you need in Arizona?

1,500 hours for cosmetology and 600 hours for esthetics.

Sources

Checked on November 1, 2026. Fees and rules change, so check with the board or PCS before you book. Slay the Board isn't affiliated with NIC, PCS or any state board.

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